Peyton Wins Third MVP Award

Brett Favre wins in Vikings debut, but passes for only 110 yards

(NEWSER) - The Giants' $85 million upgrade on defense paid off today, as New York held the Washington Redskins to one touchdown in a 23-17 win, the New York Daily News reports. In other NFL action:

• Brett Favre won in his Vikings debut, but threw for only 110 yards as Minnesota beat the Cleveland Browns 34-20, ESPN reports.

Denver will try to trade Tim Tebow

(NEWSER) - Is Tebow-mania on its knees in Denver? Peyton Manning has told his agent to begin negotiations with the Broncos, sources tell Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen of ESPN . In a TV appearance, Schefter said Manning "fully intends" to play in Denver, and has already discussed the parameters of a 5-year, $95 million contract with GM John Elway. If the deal goes through, Denver will try to trade Tim Tebow. More»

Indianapolis will retire quarterback's No. 18

(NEWSER) - The "sources" were right: Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts announced today that he won't be playing for the team next season after 14 years, reports the Indianapolis Star . "It's weighed heavy on my heart," said an emotional Manning. "But I am at peace with it." Colts owner Jim Irsay said the circumstances of the QB's hefty contract were "too difficult to overcome," adding that the team would retire Manning's No. 18. So where to next? Bleacher Report has five teams here that should be on the top of the list. More»

Big announcement planned for tomorrow: ESPN

(NEWSER) - Big, long-expected news out of Indianapolis: ESPN reports that Peyton Manning and the Colts will announce at a news conference tomorrow that the football star and team are parting ways after 14 years. Manning is owed a $28 million roster bonus on Thursday; but the Colts hold the top draft pick, and, as AP notes, they apparently concluded it was too risky and pricey to pick up the four years left on his contract. That means Manning will become a free agent, and sources say he plans to keep playing. More»

But he may practice in December

(NEWSER) - Peyton Manning may recover from surgery quickly enough to practice with the Colts by December, but the team doesn’t expect him to actually take the field until next season, owner Jim Irsay told a breakfast for Super Bowl donors this morning, according to the Indy Star . But the AP reports that he seemingly backtracked moments later—perhaps in the interest of keeping fans' attention this season—tweeting: "I didn't say Peyton out 4season FOR SURE,keeping him on ActiveRoster n taking it month by month/Outside chance of return n December possible." More»