Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning is a name synonymous with greatness when it comes to football. The Pro-Football Hall of Famer is one of the best quarterbacks to have ever played the game. Former American football quarterback Peyton Manning spent 18 seasons playing for the National Football League (NFL). He spent four seasons with the Denver Broncos and 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Due to his propensity to call out before the snap, he is popularly nicknamed and referred to as "The Sheriff." Manning has contributed to the Indianapolis Colts winning eight division titles, two AFC championships, and one Super Bowl championship in Super Bowl XLI, the team's first in more than three decades. He also holds other NFL records, including five AP MVP titles, fourteen Pro Bowl selections, fourteen seasons over 4,000 passing yards, the most passing yards in a single season, and the most throwing touchdowns in a single season.

Manning demonstrated outstanding leadership, knowledge, and skill on the field throughout his remarkable career, leaving a lasting impression on the sport. Let us take a closer look at his fascinating life, starting with his early years and moving on to his college years and NFL career.

Peyton Manning’ Early Life and Background

Peyton Manning comes from footballing royalty as he is the son of famous NFL quarterback Archie Manning. Peyton Manning grew up in a football-centric family and his younger brother, Eli Manning, would also go on to have a successful NFL career. From an early age, Peyton displayed a passion for football and a remarkable work ethic.

Peyton Manning was born on March 24, 1976 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. In his three seasons as the starter for the football team at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Louisiana, Manning helped the Greenies to a 34-5 record. In 1993, he received awards for National Player of the Year from Gatorade Circle of Champions and National Offensive Player of the Year from Columbus (Ohio) Touchdown Club. He started wearing the #18 jersey while he was a student at Newman to remember his older brother Cooper, who had to quit football due to spinal stenosis. The #18 jersey has subsequently been retired by Newman in memory of Peyton and his brother Eli. Approximately 60 colleges pursued Manning, one of the most sought-after high school athletes in the nation, including Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss, the alma mater of his father.

Peyton Manning chose to attend the University of Tennessee. He established himself as a record-breaking player at the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With 11,201 yards and 89 touchdowns, he became Tennessee's all-time leading passer, and he started and won 39 of 45 games. As a freshman, Manning exhibited poise beyond his years, starting in his very first game. He displayed remarkable accuracy, a strong arm, and an uncanny ability to read defenses. He finished his first collegiate season 89 of 144 for 1,141 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions. By his sophomore year, Peyton Manning was already one of the best football players in the collegiate level. Peyton Manning's senior season in 1997 was nothing short of extraordinary. During his senior year, Manning shattered numerous school and Southeastern Conference (SEC) records. His remarkable passing ability allowed him to accumulate a staggering 3,819 yards, setting a new school record for passing yards in a single season. Manning's proficiency in the pocket was matched by his touchdown prowess, as he threw for 36 touchdowns, also a school record at the time. He finished his senior year at college with a Maxwell Award (1997), a Davey O'Brien Award (1997) and being named as the Consensus All-American (1997).

Peyton Manning NFL Draft

Peyton Manning declared for the 1998 NFL Draft. He was already one of the best college prospects in the country when he entered the draft. The Indianapolis Colts picked Manning as the overall pick number 1 of the Draft and he became a first round first pick in the 1998 NFL Draft.

Peyton Manning’ NFL Journey

From the start, Manning's potential shone through like a radiant sunbeam. In his rookie season, he showcased his prodigious talent, throwing for 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns, capturing the league's attention. As the seasons unfolded, Manning's star continued to rise, elevating the Colts into perennial playoff contenders.Manning set five different NFL rookie records during his rookie year, including the most touchdown passes in a season and the most interceptions in a rookie campaign. He was also nominated to the NFL All-Rookie First Team. Manning passed for 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns while playing for head coach Jim Mora. Manning completed 21 of his first 37 passes for 302 passing yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions in his NFL debut.

Yet, it was the following campaigns that truly set him apart.

Looking back to the 2003 season, Manning had put in outstanding performances and orchestrated a symphony of success. Leading the Colts to a 12-4 record, he commanded the field with precision, amassing an impressive 4,267 passing yards and a league-leading 29 touchdowns. Manning's mesmerizing performances earned him the NFL Co-MVP title, sharing the honor with the exceptional Steve McNair.

But the pinnacle of Manning's Colts tenure came in the 2004 season. Like a maestro composing an opus, he set a new NFL record by hurling an astounding 49 touchdown passes, captivating fans with his surgical precision. With 4,557 passing yards under his belt, Manning not only secured his second consecutive NFL MVP award but etched himself into the annals of football folklore.

Then came the pinnacle - Super Bowl XLI. In 2006, Manning's leadership propelled the Colts to glory, triumphing over the Chicago Bears on football's grandest stage. His regular-season brilliance, marked by 4,397 yards and 31 touchdowns, culminated in a masterful Super Bowl performance, earning him the coveted Super Bowl MVP title.

After the triumphant Super Bowl victory in the 2006 season, Peyton Manning continued to dominate the NFL as the leader of the Indianapolis Colts. From 2007 until his departure in 2011, Manning consistently showcased his brilliance and maintained his status as one of the league's premier quarterbacks.

In the 2007 season, Manning led the Colts to a playoff berth with a record of 13-3. He threw for 4,040 yards and 31 touchdowns, reinforcing his reputation as a prolific passer. Despite falling short of another Super Bowl appearance, Manning's performance and leadership on the field remained exceptional.

The following years saw Manning reach new heights of statistical excellence. In the 2009 season, he orchestrated a record-breaking campaign, amassing 4,500 passing yards and 33 touchdowns, earning his record fourth NFL MVP award. Manning's ability to dissect defenses with surgical precision and deliver pinpoint passes to his receivers was on full display, solidifying his status as an elite quarterback.

In 2010, Manning showcased his durability and consistency, starting all 16 games and throwing for 4,700 yards and 33 touchdowns. This remarkable season earned him yet another Pro Bowl selection, showcasing his sustained excellence and impact on the game.

However, Manning's Colts career took an unexpected turn during the 2011 season. A neck injury sidelined him for the entire year, casting uncertainty over his future. Despite his absence, his leadership off the field was evident, as the Colts struggled without their maestro, further highlighting his significance to the team.

Ultimately, Manning's departure from the Colts came after the 2011 season, signaling the end of an era in Indianapolis. Although Manning signed a 5-year $90 million contract with the Colts in 2011, he was ruled out of the season due to his injury. Manning did not play a single game in the 2011 season, and the Colts went 2–14 without him, only the third season since Manning was a rookie that the Colts did not win at least ten games. Peyton Manning was released by the Indianapolis Colts in 2012.

Mannings was one of the most sought after free agents in 2012. He ultimately chose the Denver Broncos to continue his career. Manning's arrival in Denver sparked a renaissance for both himself and the Broncos franchise. In his first season as a Bronco in 2012, Manning wasted no time showcasing his trademark precision and football IQ. He threw for an astonishing 4,659 yards and 37 touchdowns, leading the Broncos to a 13-3 record and an AFC West division title. Manning's exceptional play earned him the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, solidifying his triumphant return to the gridiron.

In the 2013 season he broke both the single-season passing yards record with 5,477 and the touchdown passes record with 55. His commanding presence led the Broncos to a 13-3 record and earned him his fifth NFL MVP crown, a testament to his enduring greatness. Manning's brilliance extended beyond the regular season, as he consistently delivered in the postseason. In the 2013 playoffs, he led the Broncos to the Super Bowl, showcasing his ability to perform on the grandest stage. Although the Broncos fell short in Super Bowl XLVIII, Manning's impact and leadership were undeniable

The following year, Manning proved that his brilliance knew no bounds. With 4,727 passing yards and 39 touchdowns, he guided the Broncos to their fourth consecutive AFC West division title, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to excellence.

The 2014 season saw Manning maintain his exceptional level of play. He recorded 4,727 passing yards and 39 touchdowns, guiding the Broncos to their fourth consecutive AFC West division title. In his final two seasons with the Broncos, Manning battled injuries but continued to showcase his football acumen and leadership. In 2015, despite missing several games, he led the Broncos to the playoffs with a 12-4 record. Manning's veteran presence and poise were crucial in their playoff run, culminating in a victory in Super Bowl 50. Although his statistics were not as prolific as previous years, his impact on the team's success cannot be overstated. Peyton Manning announced his retirement on March 7, 2016 after 18 glorious years of playing in the NFL.

Peyton Manning’ Teams

Indianapolis Colts (1998-2011)

Peyton Manning came to the Indianapolis Colts as the overall number 1 pick of the 1998 NFL Draft. He left as a legend among the Indianapolis Colts fans as he led the team to immense success and victories.

Within a week of being selected, Manning had the Colts' playbook committed to memory. He was able to recollect every aspect of a certain play he had utilized sixteen years earlier in 2012. The struggling Colts became perennial postseason contenders thanks to Manning. Peyton Manning steered the Colts to eight division titles, two AFC crowns, and a Super Bowl victory over the Chicago Bears in 2006 during his tenure with the team. He participated in his second Super Bowl in 2009, however his team was defeated by the Saints, who went on to win the first Super Bowl in team history. After having neck surgery in 2011, Manning was forced to miss the full season.

Manning himself won four NFL MVP awards as an Indianapolis Colts player and during his time donning the horseshoe helmet, the Colts were truly one of the best teams in the NFL. Manning's tenure with the Colts spanned 13 seasons, during which he established himself as one of the most dominant quarterbacks in NFL history. With his unparalleled football acumen, impeccable accuracy, and remarkable leadership, Manning revolutionized the Colts' offense and transformed them into perennial contenders. He consistently lit up the scoreboard with his prolific passing, setting numerous franchise and league records.

The Indianapolis Colts ultimately released Peyton Manning in 2012 after he missed the 2011-12 season due to a spinal injury.

Denver Broncos (2012-2015)

Peyton Manning decided to join the Denver Broncos on a five year contract worth $96 million in 2012. Manning wore the #18 jersey in Denver Broncos although it was retired in honor of quarterback Frank Tripucka. Manning took permission from Frank Tripucka before wearing it.

Manning started at quarterback for the Broncos from 2012 through 2015. Each year, he contributed to the Broncos winning their division. In Super Bowl 50, the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers, and Peyton made his third Super Bowl appearance. On March 7, 2016, shortly after their significant victory, Manning, who had played 18 seasons, announced his retirement. Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos career was a testament to his unwavering pursuit of excellence and his ability to elevate the play of those around him. With record-breaking seasons, Super Bowl success, and a legacy of statistical brilliance, Manning left an indelible mark on the Broncos franchise. His time in Denver further solidified his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game

Peyton Manning Awards and Honors

Awards

Peyton Manning Super Bowl wins

Peyton Manning has tasted success in securing the Vince Lombardi trophy. His first Super Bowl triumph came in 2007 with the Indianapolis Colts, as he steered the squad to a 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears. He was named MVP for his performance, making him the first player in team history to hold that honor. Manning was also the winner of the Best Championship Performance ESPY.

In 2016, just before his retirement, Manning won his second Super Bowl. Manning defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 while playing with the Denver Broncos. The triumph was noteworthy for him since it was not just his final victory but also his 200th overall. At age 40, Manning made history by becoming the first starting quarterback to compete in and win a Super Bowl.

Read more about Peyton Manning’s Super Bowl

Peyton Manning Net Worth

Peyton Manning has accumulated a great net worth over the years of playing. He secured a number of great contracts in the NFL along with endorsement deals which added to his net worth. His current net worth is estimated to be a whopping $250 million.

Peyton Manning Contract

Manning spent a total of 18 seasons in the NFL. It is estimated that over his 18 season NFL career he earned around $248 million in NFL salaries alone. His initial NFL contract with the Indianapolis Colts was worth $46 million and extended from 1998-2003. He then signed a hefty 7 year contract in 2004 worth $98 million. Manning’s final contract extension with the Colts came in 2011 when he signed a 5-year extension worth $90 million.

When Manning joined the Denver Broncos in 2012, he signed a 5-year contract worth $96 million. His last contract in the NFL was an extension with the Broncos which was a 2-year extension worth $34 million. The contract included a $15,000,000 guaranteed sum, and an average annual salary of $17,000,000.

Peyton Manning Family

Peyton Manning comes from a family of football. He was born to Archie Manning and Olivia Manning. Archie Manning, Peyton's father, is a football legend in his own right. He earned two Pro Bowl selections during his NFL career and was known for his ability to elude defenders and make plays happen. Archie's football acumen and passion for the game laid the foundation for his sons' success.

Peyton Manning’s younger brother Eli Manning is also another football star. He was selected as the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers and subsequently traded to the New York Giants. Eli achieved remarkable success with the Giants, leading the team to two Super Bowl victories and earning Super Bowl MVP honors in both those games.

Peyton Manning also has an elder brother Cooper Manning whose football career got cut short due to a spinal condition. However, he made his mark in football through football broadcasting and analysis.

Peyton Manning is married to his college sweetheart, Ashley Manning (née Thompson). The couple tied the knot on March 17, 2001, in a private ceremony. Ashley has been a pillar of support throughout Peyton's career, standing by his side through the highs and lows of his football journey. They have two children together, a son Marshall Williams and a daughter Mosley Thompson.