For the last month, every NFL insider, reporter and Woody Paige has been trying to get the scoop: When will Peyton Manning retire?
Like the carrot in front of the horse, the truth has been just out of reach.
Paige reported that Manning would be announcing his retirement last week. Jason Cole reported that not only was Manning interested in returning, but that he would even be interested in returning as Brock Osweiler‘s backup. And every other Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport of the world would make sure to throw their two-cents into the ring too, quoting sources who questioned whether the scrambled eggs Manning had for breakfast were a sign that he was going to play for the Los Angeles Rams or Houston Texans.
All of it, ill-informed.
But through everything, there was one “insider” who remained quiet. When all was said and done, though, it was him, Chris Mortensen (A.K.A. @mortreport), who got the big catch.
Filed to ESPN: Five-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning will announce his retirement Monday in Denver per source familiar with the QB's decision
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 6, 2016
Mortensen, who has been one of the leaders in breaking-news reporting for the last two decades, has been away from his seat at ESPN next to Schefter since mid-January, when he was diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer.
Since then, he’s remained away from the public eye; his normally vibrant Twitter account empty.
It is no accident that Mortensen ended up with football’s biggest story. Manning made sure of that.
A salute to Peyton Manning for giving his retirement story to @mortreport. One is retiring. The other is on the comeback to health.
— Jason Cole (@JasonCole62) March 6, 2016
Very cool to wake up this morning to see @mortreport breaking big NFL news on my timeline.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) March 6, 2016
Also, kudos to @mortreport for the scoop on a huge story many were chasing.
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) March 6, 2016
Happy for Peyton Manning riding off on his own terms… happier that @mortreport kicked my ass on this story!
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 6, 2016
Really nice, Jay. I'm sure this makes for an early-morning smile from @mortreport https://t.co/QZXc30QcZo
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) March 6, 2016
I guess @mortreport is feeling well enough to break the big story https://t.co/oGy6qyM6Eo
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) March 6, 2016
Best part of the Peyton Manning retirement story: @mortreport on it!
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) March 6, 2016
Delighted to see @mortreport breaking stories again. The best in the business.
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) March 6, 2016
He keeps fighting and keeps working. Love ya, @mortreport. Your resolve is unmatched. Can't wait to see you soon.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 6, 2016
So happy to see @mortreport with Manning retirement story.
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) March 6, 2016
Love that @mortreport had the Peyton story.
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) March 6, 2016
Have stronger emotion about @mortreport being the one to the break the Manning news than the fact that Manning is retiring.
— Melissa Jacobs 💙 (@thefootballgirl) March 6, 2016
For a Hall of Fame quarterback who’s accomplished everything the game would allow, Manning was gifted the opportunity to ride off into the sunset, Lombardi Trophy in hand. No one should be surprised, though, that he took his time, planned it correctly, and left the league as classy as he came in.
Thank you Peyton Manning and congrats to Chris Mortensen!