ENGLEWOOD, Colorado — What's whispered into Bill Belichick's ear stays in Bill Belichick's ear.
Peyton Manning may have told him, "This might be my last rodeo," but he's not telling anyone else anything about his thoughts on retirement.
NFL Network cameras caught an intriguing exchange between Denver's quarterback and New England's coach after Denver's 20-18 win over the Patriots in the AFC championship game on Sunday.
Manning didn't want to talk about the eavesdropped exchange.
He joked, "I don't know if it's been confirmed or not, you know? What happened to private conversations on the 50-yard line? I guess they just don't exist anymore. So, no confirmation on that whatsoever. ... We're on to Carolina."
The Broncos (14-4) face the Panthers (17-1) in Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7.
What Manning said to Belichick is apparently more than he's told his own coach regarding his thoughts on retirement as this 18th and very trying season comes to a conclusion.
"He hasn't said anything to me," Gary Kubiak said. "I know he's enjoying the playoffs and enjoying this opportunity with this football team. I can't speak for him. He'll have to answer those questions. But I know it's special to have him back in the huddle leading the way and I'm just very proud of his work getting back to be in this position."
Manning's favorite target, receiver Demaryius Thomas, said Manning hasn't said anything to his teammates, either.
"Not at all. We're assuming," Thomas said. "You never know with him. He hasn't said anything, so I really don't know what he's going to do."