Peyton Manning wishes Chiefs would leave AFC West
Pro Football Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning is getting a taste of his own medicine in retirement.
When Manning landed in the AFC West with the Denver Broncos in 2012, he made things much more difficult for the Kansas City Chiefs. Manning was a thorn in Kansas City’s side when he was in Denver, leading their organization to four consecutive division wins. He managed to cause the Chiefs grief all the way through the 2015 NFL season.
Speaking to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith during an alternate broadcast of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Manning was asked about the Broncos heading into 2023. While he seems excited about the newest chapter in Denver, he knows that the Chiefs are still the team to beat in the AFC West.
“Just saw Russell Wilson down there. Sean Payton is sitting next to me. I like my Broncos,” Manning told Smith. “Sean has brought some new juice here. He’s going to get the best out of Russell. Russell feels rejuvenated as well. I wish the Chiefs would get out of the division, Stephen A. Unfortunately, they’re not going anywhere. So, we’ve still got some work to do.”
The tables have indeed turned in the AFC West since Manning’s time on the field. The Chiefs will be vying for their eighth consecutive division win in 2023, while the Broncos are seeking their first win over Kansas City since Manning was the quarterback of the team.
