John Elway has been tight-lipped when it comes to discussing Peyton Manning’s future. Manning himself has also been mostly vague and noncommittal when asked about his future, but he did offer a clue to Bill Belichick following the AFC Championship victory over the Patriots.

“This might be my last rodeo, so it sure has been a pleasure,” Manning said.

Sports Guy Mike, of Mile High Sports Radio 1340, was joined by Associated Press writer Arnie Stapleton to discuss the Denver Broncos’ prospects heading into Super Bowl 50, and the future of Peyton Manning.

“After the game the other night, he and his family walked out onto the field in the darkness and just took in the sights and the sounds.”

Those are not the actions of a man that is confident in his destiny, but of a man that senses a chapter of his life coming to a close.

“These are things that the manically prepared Peyton would never have even thought of were he not hedging his bet — in case this is it — and he wants those memories with his kid,” Stapleton said.

John Elway has said that the result of Super Bowl 50 will have no bearing on whether Manning stays or goes. Stapleton is quick to point out that though no one within the Denver Broncos organization has given a definitive answer to whether Manning will stay or go next season, the feeling is that he will not return.

“I think that to a man, every guy in that locker room knows what’s going on and that it would be the dream scenario for Manning to go out on top,” Stapleton said.

Though the 2015-2016 season has been the most tumultuous of Manning’s career, he’s risen to the challenge, and there’s still a chance for a Cinderella ending.

Listen to the full discussion in the podcast below…

https://soundcloud.com/milehighsports/1-27-16-sgm-welcomes-ap-writer-arnie-stapleton-who-says-broncos-are-better-off-with-the-1-defense

Catch Sports Guy Mike every weekday from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Mile High Sports AM 1340 or stream live any time for the best coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.