Social Media Sports Pulse: March 2012

Peyton Manning looks at Colts owner Jim Irsay during today's press conference. AP Photo/Michael Conroy

A joint press conference was held today between Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay and long-time Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, where both announced they were parting ways.

An emotionally choked up Irsay, had a difficult time getting the words out of his mouth when discussing the departure of his once franchise quarterback. "We both wanted to be together,” Irsay said. “It's tearing at our hearts to find the best solution."

To the chagrin of many Colts fans, that “solution” was for their team to release the four-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl winning quarterback.

"In life and in sports we all know nothing lasts forever,” Manning said. "This town and this team mean so much to me. It has truly been an honor to play in Indianapolis."

Manning went on to say "I leave the Colts with nothing but good thoughts and gratitude. I will always be a Colt. That will never change."

Cover of the New York Daily News

Like Irsay, Manning choked up while he was speaking. It was difficult for him to list all the people in the organization that had a positive impact on him. At one point he had to pause while speaking to how much to Colts equipment and training staff meant to him thoughout his career.

This decision appeared to be emotionally charged for both men. Together they helped form a winning tradition of football in the city of Indianapolis leading to a championship in 2006 and a new stadium being built in 2008.

Tony Dungy was in the Colts organization for seven years as thier head coach. He was asked in an interview with the NFL network what his thoughts were on the situation. “Well it’s tough even though I’m not there. It’s a very, very difficult day. I went through it with a lot of players over the seven years I was there … this one you just don’t think it's going to happen.”

Dungy added, “You can’t over estimate the impact that he’s (Manning) had on the city and the football landscape there and it’s just one of those things where an era has come to an end.”

Manning now becomes a free agent, able to sign with any team who shows mutual interest.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen was asked about the future of Manning on Colin Cowherds radio show, "The Herd." “I got a lot of calls from people around the league” Mortensen replied. “Some of them are very happy with Irsay’s decision because they want to get in line to get this quarterback.”

Twitter was buzzing with pontifications of those potential landing spots for no. 18. Adam Schefter of ESPN tweeted this picture, showing Manning photoshopped in a Dolphins, Redskins, Jets and Cardinals uniform respectively.