Eric Prisbell

USA TODAY Sports

Four years after parting ways with Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay announced that the Colts will build a statue outside Lucas Oil Stadium that will feature the newly retired quarterback. Irsay also said that the Colts will retire Manning’s No. 18 jersey.

"It will be a destination," Irsay said. ""Just like Jim Morrison's grave."

He then turned to Manning on the stage, and said with a chuckle, "this isn't a grave Peyton."

Irsay also announced the team will retire Manning's No. 18.

“I can’t tell you how honored and humbled I am by that …,” Manning said. “It was my honor and privilege to play for this organization for 14 years.”

During Friday’s news conference, Manning recounted poignant memories, comical anecdotes, signature victories and painful losses with the Colts, with his voice occasionally cracking with emotion.

We had such a special group …,” Manning said. “And the most important thing about it, everyone knew how special it was. What a unique group we had. It really was special.”

"That was a tough, emotional day four years ago," Manning said. "But I'm glad to be back. I'm glad to be back. I really enjoyed driving over here ... I haven't been back here to the facility in four years ... It was fun to come back here on a joyous occasion. It certainly felt comfortable coming here. It felt right."

As for his future, Manning said he hasn't decided on anything.

"I haven't made anymore decisions, or had any conversations about what's next," Manning said. "I think I'll be able to keep a fairly normal and busy offseason, kind of normal commitments that I do anyway ... The biggest mistake would be to rush into something and go, 'Wow, what am I doing? I'm not ready for this?' I haven't had a fall off in about 25 years and so something about that has some appeal to it."

Brennan: Peyton Manning's farewell incomplete

Friday’s scene -- with Irsay and Manning smiling together --- was difficult to imagine after the quarterback’s unceremonious departure in March 2012, when the Colts cut Manning after 14 seasons.

“It seems like a short four years ago we were up here on a difficult day …,” Irsay said. “As we temporarily went different directions, we both enjoyed a lot of success on the field. It was always strange watching 18 out there without the horseshoe on his helmet. Not always easy …. We kind of feel like he is ours.”

The Colts, of course, drafted Andrew Luck with the top pick in the 2012 draft, and Manning signed with the Denver Broncos that year. Manning helped lead the Broncos to two Super Bowl appearances in four seasons, punctuating his illustrious career with a victory in Super Bowl 50.

After Manning left the Colts, there were clear signs of acrimony between Manning and Irsay.

Irsay had told USA TODAY Sports in October 2013 that he was disappointed that the Colts won only one Super Bowl, which came after the 2006 season, during the Manning era. When asked if Manning harbored any resentment toward the Colts, the quarterback that week told The Indianapolis Star, “To answer a question like that doesn’t serve me well.”

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