WASHINGTON >> When just-retired Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning called out “Omaha,” receivers sprang into action and linemen took their positions. When President Barack Obama made the same call in the Rose Garden, the assembled Denver Broncos laughed genially at him.

Obama reminded the audience in the Rose Garden that he’s a huge Chicago Bears fan. He felt obliged to mention that franchise’s defense from the 1985 Super Bowl champions.

“Elway remembers,” he said, referring to the former quarterback and current general manager of the Broncos, John Elway. “But I’ve got to admit this one was pretty good, too,” Obama said.

Obama singled out Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware for particular praise.

The Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers by a score of 24-10. Obama said the victories over the course of the season weren’t always pretty. The Broncos, he noted, won a record 11 games by a touchdown or less.

“You don’t do that without one of the greatest defenses of all time,” Obama said.

Manning, who decided to retire after an incredible 18-year career, stood directly behind Obama during the ceremony. Obama mentioned several stars of the offensive unit before jokingly stating, “And we can’t forget to mention the heart and soul of this team’s offensive firepower — kicker Brandon McManus.”

Everyone laughed at the omission of Manning from the list of stars, including Manning. But Obama quickly made up for it. He said anybody who has been a football fan during Manning’s tenure has watched one of the greatest Hall of Fame careers ever.

“We were all obviously a little bit disappointed to see him hang it up this spring, but as somebody who is just a little bit older than he is, I was sympathetic to the idea that running around with these guys, you know, it takes its toll,” Obama said. “But it is great to see somebody with a career like that, who always conducted himself on the field and off the field.”

Obama joked about Manning’s proclivity for appearing in any and every television commercial.

“Then there’s this guy from the commercials,” Obama said as he recited the team members and their accomplishments. “It doesn’t matter whether you need insurance, a pizza, a Buick. You basically can stock your whole household with stuff this guy is selling.”

The Broncos stormed social media today as they headed to the White House as last season’s National Football League champions. They tossed footballs around and talked with injured service members on the White House lawn before the ceremony and toured the White House, the first time for most of the team members.

“Can’t wait to meet the President. I know he is a Denver fan. With a name like Bronc Obama, he has to be!” Wade Phillips, Broncos defensive coordinator, tweeted before the event.

Team members appearing with Obama included wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, whose mother Katrina Smith was released from prison in November after Obama commuted her sentence for a non-violent drug crime. Thomas told reporters after the ceremony that he gave Obama a letter thanking him and had a brief conversation with the president when he shook hands with players in the Rose Garden.

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The Associated Press and Bloomberg News contributed to this story.