NFL: Warren Sapp believes it’s time for Peyton Manning to retire

NFL Hall of Famer Warren Sapp thinks it’s time for Peyton Manning to retire his Broncos jersey.

Sapp believes we have seen the best of five-time MVP and that it is time for the 39-year-old to retire.

Sapp was speaking on NFL Total Access following Manning’s below-par performance in Denver Broncos’ 24-13 defeat to the Indianapolis Colts in the pla-yoffs on Sunday.

Manning never found his best game during the match, continually overthrowing his receivers and ending the game 26 of 46 for 111 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

The quarterback has now gone one-and-done in the play-offs a record nine times in an otherwise fruitful career.

“Nine one and dones – six of them at home, five of them as the number one or two seed, which means he had two weeks to prepare… it’s over,”  said Sapp.

Former Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson, who joined Sapp and Brian Billick in the studio, was far more understanding in assessing Manning’s situation.

“Peyton is very cerebral in the decisions that he makes,” said Burleson.

“We know he’s going to take his time to figure out exactly what’s going on. Because he’s set such a high standard, we’ve not given him the benefit of the doubt when it comes to him not playing well.”

More light was shed after the game on perhaps why Manning recorded his fourth-lowest career yardage total in a post-season game as it was revealed the quarterback had played with a torn quadricep muscle.

Manning initially injured his thigh in December against the San Diego Chargers and has been listed on each of Denver’s injury reports since that victory.

Burleson admitted the injury could have restricted Manning’s performance and it would be wrong to completely write him off.

“In layman’s terms, when doctors tell us players it’s a strain, it’s really a tear,” said Burleson.

“So that means there was something torn in his quad. There could have been something wrong with his mechanics. He went missing on some of the plays he usually makes. The injury would explain why there wasn’t velocity and accuracy in his game.”

When asked if Manning’s career was over, Burleson added: “I can’t make that call. Until you can tell me the injury was making him play like he was, but if it wasn’t, and it was just Peyton Manning declining, then you have to move on.”