According to Around the NFL, Peyton Manning has told close friends that he plans to retire after the Super Bowl. The news is not a surprise as Manning had a difficult season, missing six games due to a foot injury. He will turn 40 years old in a few weeks.

Manning has already hinted at his impending retirement. After the AFC Championship game, he met New England Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick at mid-field. Manning told Belichick “This might be my last rodeo.”

Credit: Isaiah J. Downing, USA TODAY Sports

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport confirmed the story during an appearance on NFL Network’s Super Bowl Live on Monday. “The reality is he let the cat out of the bag a little bit,” Rapoport said. “I also know he has told close friends that he expects this to be his last game as well.”

It is unlikely that Manning will make an announcement at Super Bowl week’s kick off event “Super Bowl Opening Night” at SAP Center in San Jose, California. The event starts at 6:15 PM on Monday, February 1.