Broncos' Elway Won't Rush Manning into Decision about Future

Denver general manager and former All-Star John Elway realizes as well as anyone just how difficult a decision it is for an elite quarterback to retire, and he has no plans of putting pressure on Peyton Manning to make up his mind.

Heading into this weekend's Super Bowl, the Broncos are still not sure if this will be the last game for 39-year-old Manning.

"It's always a hard decision," Elway said. "We'll give him plenty of time. ... Bottom line is Peyton's going to make the best decision for him."

The Broncos are determined to hang onto backup Brock Osweiler and not lose him in free agency.

Osweiler started seven games this season for the AFC champions as Manning struggled with a foot injury, and he performed creditably, passing for 1,967 yards and 10 touchdowns with an 86.4 quarterback rating.

"We're hoping to get something done with Brock this offseason," Elway said. "We needed both quarterbacks. We wouldn't be here without both of them."

Manning didn't offer any hints Monday.

"I haven't made my mind up and I don't see myself knowing that until after the season's over," the five-time MVP said.

Even Elway struggled to make the final call to walk away for good — yet he won't begin to compare the circumstances of his own farewell to Manning's situation at this stage.

Elway went out a Super Bowl winner and Super Bowl MVP after the 1998 season with a win against Atlanta, but still ran his retirement thoughts by his father as a sounding board. Elway said "it was very nice to have" the positive memories of going out on top.

"I was 95 percent there, but then it still took me a long time to get that last 5 percent, because it's a big decision and something that you've done your whole life and now you're not going to be able to do it anymore," Elway said.