While Peyton Manning contemplates whether or not he will retire, one thing is for sure, he had one of the best sports comebacks ever.

At the age of 36, after major neck surgery, he joined the Broncos and had several historic seasons, culminating with the Super Bowl 50 win. Without a doubt if he calls it day, his fairy-tale ending in Denver will rank up there with former Avalanche defenseman Ray Bourque’s.

But for every amazing ending, there are not-so-memorable farewell runs, like Steve Finley or Dale Murphy.

Here’s a list of stars who came to Denver in the twilight of their careers and then retired:

The Awesome

Ray Bourque, Colorado Avalanche defenseman

Now this is how you close out a Hall of Fame career. After 21 years as a stalwart in Boston, Bourque was traded to Colorado in 2000 for an opportunity to chase the Stanley Cup. The Avs came up short that season but powered through the competition in 2001, a season in which Bourque tallied 59 points — more than in each of his previous four seasons. And for the cherry on top, as soon as captain Joe Sakic was given the trophy, he immediately handed it to Bourque.

Brian Dawkins, Denver Broncos safety

One of the top safeties in his generation, Dawkins joined the Broncos in 2009 at the age of 36. In three seasons, he was twice named to the Pro Bowl team and was the leader of the Denver defense.

The Meh

Tony Dorsett, Denver Broncos running back

After 11 years in the Cowboys’ backfield, the Pro Football Hall of Famer was traded to Broncos. He had a respectible 1988 season, rushing for 703 yards and five touchdowns while splitting carries with full back Sammy Winder. Denver finished 8-8.

Walter Davis, Denver Nuggets guard

Davis was a six-time all-star with the Phoenix Suns before coming to Denver in 1988.

Jari Kurri, Colorado Avalanche forward

A goal-scoring monster during his stints with Edmonton and Los Angeles, by 1997, he signed with the Avs for one more run. In 70 games, he tallied just five goals and 17 assists — and was an all-star. He finish his career where he started as Colorado lost in Edmonton in the playoffs.

Jamie Moyer, Colorado Rockies pitcher

In his 25th season in the majors, Moyer signed with the Rockies in 2012 and earned a spot in the rotation. On April 17, he became the oldest pitcher in MLB history to earn a win, pitching seven innings and allowing two unearned runs to beat the Padres. He finished with a 2-5 record and a 5.70 ERA in 10 starts before being released by the Rockies.

Keith Brooking, Denver Broncos linebacker

A force with the Falcons where he was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro, Brooking came to Denver in 2012. He started 14 games and had 33 tackles in Manning’s first season with the team.

Jean-Sebastian Giguere, Colorado Avalanche goaltender

The 2003 Conn Smythe winner closed out his career as the backup for Semyon Varlamov from 2011-14. Solid and reliable, he finished with a 31-21-8 record in three seasons.

Pierre Turgeon, Colorado Avalanche forward

A four-time all-star, Turgeon joined the Avs in his 18th season in the NHL. His first season was solid, tallying 16 goals and 30 assists in 62 games. But he played just 17 games in an injury-riddled 2006-07 season.

The Forgettable

Dale Murphy, Colorado Rockies outfielder

The two-time National League MVP signed with the Rockies in their inaugural season in 1993. Two home runs away from 400 in his career, Murphy struggled from the plate. He hit just .143 in 42 at-bats with zero homers in 26 games before retiring.

Jerry Rice, Denver Broncos wide receiver

Remember the greatest wide receiver in NFL history wearing the orange and blue? It was a brief run. In 2005, at the age of 42, Rice tried latching on to the Broncos as the team’s No. 3 receiver. Unfortunately he was beat out by Charlie Adams during camp, quietly closing out his stellar career. “I came here to fight for that third position, and it didn’t happen,” he told The Post.

Roy Oswalt, Colorado Rockies pitcher

A three-time all-star with Houston, Oswalt signed with Colorado in 2013. However, he struggled with the Rockies, owning a miserable 0-6 record with a 8.63 ERA in nine games. He was slightly better on the road with a 7.06 ERA.

Steve Finley, Colorado Rockies outfielder

Finley saw plenty of Coors Field during his runs with San Diego and Arizona. In 2007, the five-time Gold Glover joined the Rockies in his 19th season. He played in 43 games, but batted just .181 with one home run and two RBIs.

Greg Vaughn, Colorado Rockies outfielder

A four time all-star, Vaughn joined Colorado in 2003. He hit just .163 with three home runs in 37 at-bats.

Ty Law, Denver Broncos cornerback

A two-time first-team All-Pro selection while with the Patriots, Law came to Denver in 2009. In seven games, he had one interception and just nine tackles.

Sam Adams, Denver Broncos defensive tackle

Big Sam Adams, a three-time Pro Bowler, started 11 games for the Broncos in 2007. He recorded five tackles and zero sacks.

Garrison Hearst, Denver Broncos running back

Twice the NFL comeback player of the year, luck didn’t hit for a third time as Hearst ran for just 81 yards in 2004, his only season in Denver.

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Joe Nguyen: jnguyen@denverpost.com or @joenguyen