Let the games begin. The Indianapolis Colts have officially announced the release of quarterback Peyton Manning, rather than pay him the $28 million bonus due on March 8. Manning's release means that any team can sign the 4-time league MVP immediately.

Manning has played his entire career with the Colts, but missed last season following multiple surgeries over the past 18-months. Various reports have stated that Manning had three or four procedures to fix his ailing neck, culminating in a fusion of the vertebra. His neck is, reportedly, healed, but there is still questions about nerve regeneration and tricep strength.

Manning is the league's only player to win the MVP 4-times, and has been named to 11 Pro Bowls. He has 54,828 career passing yards, with 399 touchdowns and 198 interceptions. His career passer rating is 94.9. He was named Super Bowl MVP in the Colts' Super Bowl XLI victory over the Chicago Bears.

Along with the Miami Dolphins, the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Washington Redskins are all thought to be pursuing Manning.