The American Football Conference (AFC) Championship Game last Sunday might be the final time Denver Broncos franchise quarterback Peyton Manning faced New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
Manning helped the Broncos dethrone the Patriots, who entered the game as the defending AFC and Super Bowl champions.
After the game, Manning approached Belichick and said, "Hey, listen, this might be my last rodeo. So, it sure has been a pleasure."
According to ESPN, the moment was captured by the cameras of National Football League (NFL) Films, unfortunately Belichick's response was not recorded.
The report added that last Monday, Belichick declined to share what he said to Manning in the exchange following the game.
"Don't have anything to share. I shared it with Peyton," the Patriots coach told reporters.
ESPN also reported that this season's AFC Championship Game was the 20th time Manning faced Belichick and the Patriots, with the win only his eighth against the coach and his team.
In the conference championship game, Manning completed 17-of-32 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns, throwing zero interception but was sacked three times.
But it was not just Manning who gave Belichick a hard time last Sunday, as Denver's defense also worked splendidly and limited New England's franchise quarterback Tom Brady.
Brady was hit 23 times and was sacked four times, completing 27-of-56 passes for 310 yards but only one touchdown.
The elimination of the Patriots means there will be new champions in the NFL this season, as the team failed to repeat a feat they accomplished when they won back-to-back championships in Super Bowl XXXVIII and XXXIX.
Manning and the Broncos, on the other hand, will have the chance to take home the ultimate prize when they play on Feb. 7 against the Carolina Panthers at Super Bowl 50, which will be held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
