Peyton Manning knows a thing or two about precision. If not the guy who holds the record for throwing the most INTs (28) in his rookie season (and still becomes the legend that he is today), then who else? He came through the trenches. Troubled defenses for 18 years and then hung his cleats. “I fought a good fight, I’ve finished my football race, and after 18 years it’s time.” On March 6, 2016, the footballing world witnessed Peyton’s Last Dance.

But at that time, while we could have predicted him taking the role of an analyst in a booth, none of us could have predicted him holding the putters, the woods, the wedges, and swinging one on the green.

Fast forward to the present and that’s what we are all here for. The Colts legend is taking that same sharp eye to a new playing field: golf. From the pads and cleats to woods on the green. However, he’s not just picking up a set of clubs for fun. Let’s just say: he’s putting his money where his putter is, backing a $45 million project that’s shaking up the sport.

Manning’s Omaha Productions has joined forces with Creator Sports Capital, Manhattan West Private Equity, and Sunflower Bank to invest in Good Good Golf, YT channel a media and lifestyle brand that’s making waves in the golf world. With over 50 investors tied to the sport, this isn’t just a casual retirement hobby. This is a calculated move, the kind of decision you’d expect from a guy who studied game film like it was a holy text.

But Manning isn’t the first NFL great to make the jump. Tony Romo has been grinding away in pro golf tournaments. Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers have battled it out in “The Match” series. Then, there are the likes of the active stars… I mean, by now most of us have seen Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Josh Allen swinging on the green.

So, one must think that there has to be something because the football and the golf links are too frequent to be termed as just a luxury time pass.

Why golf, you ask? Retirement from the NFL can be brutal. One day, you’re a franchise quarterback. The next? Just another guy wondering what’s next. Former Bills center Eric Wood summed it up best: “When that’s suddenly stripped from you, there’s ultimately going to be some type of identity crisis.” Golf offers ex-athletes a way to stay competitive, scratch that itch, and maybe even reinvent themselves.

So, the crossover between football and golf isn’t new, but Manning’s involvement adds a new wrinkle—big-time investment and content expansion. And let’s be real—Manning never actually did retire now… Did he? From “Peyton’s Places” to becoming a staple on ESPN’s ManningCast. Now, he’s setting up shop in the golf world, and if history tells us anything, he’s not just here to spectate.

So what’s next? Good Good Golf is set to expand its content, retail presence, and live experiences. Peyton Manning’s involvement means we could see more crossover between football and golf—maybe even a Manning-led event? Yeah, that’s entertainment every other day of the week.

But looking back, the Denver goodbye was the final nail in the coffin of his playing career. What came after that was just him trying to stay connected to the gridiron. As they say: ‘You can take a man out of his gridiron element, but you can’t take the love for the gridiron out of him.’

It was 13 years ago when Peyton Manning edged closer to retirement

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos were never a Run it Back story. Manning wasn’t looking to stick around and fade into the background. He wanted one last ride, and Denver gave him the perfect stage. On March 20, 2012—13 years ago today—the Broncos made the biggest free-agent signing in franchise history. John Elway, fresh off watching Tim Tebow barely crack 2,000 passing yards, knew one thing: if Denver wanted to win big, they needed a quarterback who could actually throw the football. Enter: The Sheriff.

Manning wasn’t exactly a sure thing. The Colts had cut him loose after two neck surgeries left his future uncertain. At one point, he could barely grip a football, let alone fire lasers downfield. Elway didn’t care. He handed Manning a five-year, $96 million contract, betting that a four-time MVP and Super Bowl champ still had something left in the tank. Turns out, he had plenty.

Manning put up historic numbers, throwing for over 4,600 yards in each of his first three seasons in Denver. His 2013 campaign? Straight out of a video game—5,400 yards, 55 touchdowns, and a fifth MVP. But it wasn’t just about stats. Manning delivered what Elway was chasing: a championship. In 2015, even as Father Time started playing defense, he returned from injury just in time to lead the Broncos through the playoffs.

His football IQ was still elite, and with Denver’s defense doing the heavy lifting, Manning walked away with a second Super Bowl ring. It was the perfect ending—he rode off into the sunset, leaving the Broncos with a Lombardi Trophy and a whole lot of questions about life after No. 18.

Since retiring, Manning has been everywhere—Monday Night Football, Omaha Productions, selling everything from sportsbooks to baked beans. And let’s not forget, the dude is officially one of the most relatable celebrities in America. According to the 2025 Celebrity Influence Index, if Americans could grab a beer with any athlete, they’d pick Peyton.

He ranked behind only Zendaya, Dolly Parton, and Snoop Dogg. That’s right, Snoop Dogg. Manning’s charm isn’t just about his football resume—it’s his humor, his everyman appeal, and the fact that he’s just as comfortable analyzing defenses as he is roasting Eli on national TV.

Now, the Broncos are finally hoping they’ve found their next guy. After years of quarterback purgatory, Denver has hitched its wagon to Bo Nix. The front office is making moves, plugging holes, and doing everything they can to get back to what Manning built. The 2025 season will tell us a better picture of that. But it’s safe to say that it’s looking good!