Peyton Manning visited New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter -- who will retire at the end of the 2014 MLB season -- Sunday during batting practice.
"I came to see Derek play," Manning said, per ESPN.com. "Derek and I have been friends -- he's a couple years older than me, but we've been pretty much professionals at the same time. So I wanted to pay my respects and see him play for the last time."
Manning, 21 months younger than Jeter, understands he's also on the back nine of his career, but the quarterback said missing the 2011 season rejuvenated his love of football.
"I feel a lot better than I thought I would coming off that surgery a couple years ago," Manning said. "When you miss a year for an injury, when you get back out there, boy you really feel rejuvenated and really just feel glad to be back out there. So I've really enjoyed the past two years, and I'm excited about this season.
"As long as I'm still enjoying the preparation part of it," he continued, "as long as I can still produce and help a team -- I don't want to just be out there hanging on -- then I'm gonna keep doing it."
Manning said this week was the only opportunity he'd have to visit Jeter as the Hall of Fame shortstop makes his farewell tour. The Denver Broncos quarterback is also in New York to appear on the "Late Show with Dave Letterman."
"I'm doing (the David) Letterman (show) tomorrow night, so I'm paying my respects to him, who's also retiring," Manning said, chuckling. "I'm sad to see some of these guys retiring. I'm not far behind."
John Elway hopes not too closely behind.
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