Falcons Release White, Manning Still Quiet On Retirement

The Atlanta Falcons have released Roddy White, the franchise's all-time leading receiver, with two years remaining on his contract.

White, who is out of the country, declined to discuss the details of his release. He did relay this message to Falcons fans: "I love them. I enjoyed. And it was fun.''

In a text to ESPN's Josina Anderson, White said he wants to play in the NFL "another year or 2."

White, 34, was due to make $4.25 million in 2016 with a high salary-cap figure of $6,137,500. He previously said he had no desire to take a pay cut.

His release provides a cap savings of just $2,362,500 in 2016.

Falcons coach Dan Quinn said the team did not approach White about restructuring his contract to remain with the team.

Quinn said he did not speak with White over the phone about the decision to release him. Instead, they communicated via text message.

"We communicated by text but I'm looking forward to talking to him in person," Quinn said. "He's somebody I have a good relationship with, although our professional one is not continuing. Based on where he was, we could not communicate (via phone) today.''

When pressed on why he couldn't wait until White returned to Atlanta to break the news about the release, Quinn said he wanted to give White the full opportunity to find another team before the start of free agency. Quinn said he intends to meet with White personally upon his return.

"Roddy is one of the greatest players to ever put on a Falcons uniform, and even more importantly, he is a man of tremendous character that I and my entire family have profound personal affection and respect for," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement Wednesday.

Manning Still Quiet On Retirement

Peyton Manning knew the question about his future was hanging out there, so he figured he'd address it before he began his speech on leadership at the Florida Forum on Wednesday night.

As soon as the applause died down from his introduction, Manning somberly looked out at the audience and drew a deep breath.

"Many of you have probably heard that I have a significant announcement to make, so I thought I'd go ahead and make it with all of you here tonight," Manning said. "Papa John's is offering 50 percent off tonight through Friday.

"I'm sure that was the response you were looking for."

That was the only time on Wednesday night that Manning even hinted at whether he's going to retire after an 18-year career, a decision he must make by 4 p.m. ET Tuesday because his $19 million base salary for 2016 would be guaranteed the following day.

Manning, who won his second Super Bowl title last season, touched on a variety of other topics during his 33-minute speech at The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, including how he dealt with a foot injury in 2015, the Nationwide insurance jingle, and how he's revered in Omaha, Nebraska.

Manning missed seven starts in 2015 because of a tear in the plantar fascia near his left heel. The NFL's all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns, he finished with nine touchdown passes and 17 interceptions last season, the first time he has had more interceptions than touchdown passes in a season since his rookie year in 1998.