Denver Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway has admitted that it will be a tough transition for his side when quarterback Peyton Manning retires from the game.

Reports before the Super Bowl suggested that the 37-year-old was ready to end his career if the Broncos were victorious in the NFL title game.

However, their defeat to the Seattle Seahawks may spur him on to play for one more year at least.

"Well, we're going to keep building like Peyton's going to be here, and when Peyton decides to hang 'em up, we have expectations hopefully to make that transition," Elway told reporters.

"It's going to be tough, but we're going to hopefully be ready for that transition, too."

Manning broke the single-season passing touchdown record in the 2013 campaign, along with throwing for the most yards in a single year.