Peyton Manning's future prospects, health status and relationship with Colts owner @JimIrsay have been hot discussion topics on Twitter going back at least as far as the moment that Rob Lowe tweeted, incorrectly it turns out, about Manning's impending retirement back in January.
Even before Lowe tried his hand at NFL reporting, the negotiations between Manning and Irsay about his future had gone public. And the public, as it usually does, had plenty to add to the debate as well. Not surprisingly, Twitter erupted with comments, remembrances and witticisms after ESPN reported on Tuesday night that Manning would shortly be released by team that drafted him with the No. 1 overall selection in the 1998 NFL Draft.
Here are some of the top tweets about the Colts' decision to part ways with Manning, the quarterback's options as well as the emotional press conference on Wednesday.
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford tweeted: What a great qb, leader, and face of the franchise Peyton has been. We are all truly lucky to have watched him. Great things to come for him
Apparently, Honey Badger do care, as Heisman Trophy finalist Tyrann Mathieu tweeted: #most hated team in America is the Colts for releasing Peyton manning !!
Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason tweeted: Wow!!! Peyton Manning no longer a colt. In my opinion he's the best to ever play the position! #he'snotdone!
Sports Illustrated columnist Steve Rushin tweeted: Mayflower moving van will spirit Peyton Manning out of Indianapolis at midnight.
Cleveland Browns punter Reggie Hodges tweeted: Poor Andrew Luck... Always easy to follow a player like Peyton.
Retired NFL quarterback Rich Gannon tweeted: Peyton to AZ makes sense.QB friendly offense,dome stadium, Larry Fitzgerald, possibly Reggie Wayne...think about it!
Sports business reporter Darren Rovell tweeted: Since signing with the Colts in July 1998, Jim Irsay has paid Peyton Manning 40 cents every second.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz tweeted: Very impressed that Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay will conduct joint news conference. Too many of these "divorces" are ugly in public.