Peyton Manning hinted to Bill Belichick that he might be retiring

Peyton Manning has been very careful to not say anything definitive about his retirement plans, this year or any other year really. But he gave a pretty clear hint to New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick after the AFC championship game.

When the two met on the field, NFL Films cameras were close enough to catch Manning seemingly tell Belichick he was retiring when the season was done.

“Hey, listen, this might be my last rodeo, so it sure has been a pleasure,” Manning seems to say.

Belichick responded by telling Manning he’s a great competitor.

As an aside, that’s a pretty cool moment between two all-time greats.

In his postgame news conference, Belichick was asked what was said between him and Manning after the game, and Belichick said he’d keep that private.

Just because Manning said it “might” be his last rodeo doesn’t mean he won’t play next season, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he retires. He’s 39, is coming off his worst season that was also plagued with injuries, and he’ll finish this season at Super Bowl 50. His parents Archie and Olivia told Yahoo’s Dan Wetzel they prepared themselves in the event Sunday’s AFC championship game was Peyton’s last NFL game.

Manning has kept his plans quiet, choosing to not go the route of Ray Lewis, who told his team before the 2012 playoffs he was retiring. The Baltimore Ravens used that as motivation and won the Super Bowl that year. However, Manning did seem to indicate retirement is on his mind on Jan. 7, when asked if it felt like a “last rodeo” for him.

“I’d be lying to say I’ve never thought—I know people say I’m not thinking about that, I’ve never thought about that,” Manning said, according to the Broncos’ transcripts. “That’s probably not the case, but I am excited to be thinking about who we’re going to play this weekend and to have the opportunity to help, to contribute in some way.”

In any case, it’s probably wise to assume Super Bowl 50 will be Manning’s final NFL game. That would be a pretty good way to end a legendary career.

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab