Peyton Manning has conceded that he is nearing the end of his career in the NFL as he prepares for the playoffs.

The Denver Broncos quarterback was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1998 and will play in his 21st post-season game when the Broncos host the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.

The 37-year-old told reporters: "It's going to be a great atmosphere on Sunday, playing a good football team, and there is nothing else I would rather be doing than be in that opportunity.

"And so that is certainly my goal to enjoy the preparation, not just the game, to actually enjoy the preparation part of it, enjoy being around the guys, because certainly, the light is at the end of the tunnel for me, no question.

"I think you enjoy these things maybe even more than maybe you have in the past. This is why you have the off-season work, this is why you meet as often as you do in April, May and June, it's for opportunities like this."

Manning has three years remaining on his contract with the Broncos.