Peyton Manning
The Sheriff who rode to two Super Bowl victories with different franchises.
via Wikipedia: Peyton Manning · see source
Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former professional football player. He was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with the Denver Broncos. Manning is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the second son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, older brother of former NFL quarterback Eli Manning, and uncle of Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers, winning the Maxwell, Davey O'Brien, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards in 1997 en route to victory in the 1997 SEC Championship Game.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Quarterback
- Born
- 24 March 1976
- Birthplace
- New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
- High school
- Isidore Newman (New Orleans)
- College
- Tennessee (1994–1997)
- Draft year
- 1998
- Draft round
- 1
- Former teams
- Indianapolis Colts (1998, 2011); Denver Broncos (2012, 2015)
Lore & Background
Manning was selected first overall in the 1998 NFL draft by the Colts and served as their starting quarterback from 1998 to 2010. He helped transform the struggling Colts franchise into consistent playoff contenders, leading them to 11 playoff appearances, eight division titles, three AFC Championship Games, two Super Bowl appearances, and one championship title in Super Bowl XLI, the franchise's first in over three decades and first since relocating to Indianapolis. Manning was also named Super Bowl MVP in the victory. After undergoing neck surgery that sidelined him for the 2011 season, Manning was released by the Colts and signed with the Broncos. Serving as the Broncos' starting quarterback from 2012 to 2015, he helped them clinch their division each season and reach two Super Bowls. Manning's career ended with a victory in Super Bowl 50, making him the first starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl for more than one franchise. Manning holds many NFL records, including most MVP awards, quarterback first-team All-Pro selections, 4,000-yard passing seasons, single-season passing yards, and single-season passing touchdowns. He is also third in career passing yards and career passing touchdowns. Helping lead both the Colts and Broncos to two Super Bowl appearances each, Manning is the only quarterback with multiple Super Bowl starts for different franchises. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
Reader's Guide
Manning went to Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he led the Greenies football team to a 34–5 record during his three seasons as the starter. He passed for 7,207 yards and 92 touchdowns and rushed for 13 touchdowns while leading the Greenies to the postseason all three years. He was named Gatorade Circle of Champions National Player-of-the-Year and Columbus (Ohio) Touchdown Club National Offensive Player-of-the-Year in 1993. While at Newman, he began wearing the #18 jersey in honor of his older brother Cooper, who had to give up football due to spinal stenosis. Younger brother Eli also wore the number when he became starting quarterback. Newman has since retired the #18 jersey and it can be seen hanging in the school gym. Manning was among the most sought-after high school players in the country and was recruited by about 60 colleges, including Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and his father's alma mater Ole Miss. While in high school, Manning played basketball and baseball in addition to football. Eight days before signing day, Manning chose to play college football for the University of Tennessee Volunteers under head coach Phillip Fulmer. Many fans were surprised that he did not pick the Ole Miss Rebels, for whom his father Archie played and older brother Cooper committed to, with his parents receiving many angry phone calls and letters. He became Tennessee's all-time leading passer with 11,201 yards and 89 touchdowns and won 39 of 45 games as a starter, breaking the Southeastern Conference (SEC) record for career wins. As a freshman, Manning began the season as the third-string quarterback. In the season opener against UCLA, he was one of three quarterbacks to come off the bench after starter Jerry Colquitt suffered a season-ending injury on the seventh play of the game. However, he was not able to generate any offense, only handing the ball off three times, and was pulled from the game. Two weeks later, in a 31–0 loss to the #1 Florida Gators, Manning completed his first collegiate pass. During the season's fourth game, against Mississippi State, starter Todd Helton got injured and he took over. The Vols lost 24–21, but Manning threw his first two collegiate touchdowns in the game. He was named the team's starter and remained so for the rest of his college career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Peyton Manning?
Peyton Manning was an elite National Football League quarterback who starred for the Indianapolis Colts and later the Denver Broncos. Widely recognized as a legend, he transformed how the position is played through his deep strategic knowledge and meticulous game planning.
What was Peyton Manning's role on the field?
As a quarterback, Manning acted as an extension of the coaching staff by directing offensive plays from the huddle. His intellectual command earned him the nickname 'The Sheriff' during his time with the Broncos, where he effectively managed the game's tempo.
How does Peyton Manning's career conclude?
After leading the Broncos to a championship in 2015, Manning announced his retirement from professional football. His career concluded with a record five MVP awards and two Super Bowl victories across two different franchises.
Why is Peyton Manning considered one of the greatest?
Manning holds the NFL record for Most Valuable Player awards, highlighting his consistent dominance over nearly two decades. His unparalleled preparation and ability to diagnose defenses revolutionized quarterback play in the modern era.
Which franchises did Peyton Manning represent?
He spent the majority of his career with the Indianapolis Colts before joining the Denver Broncos for his final four seasons. This move allowed him to secure a second Super Bowl title and cement his status as an all-time great.
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