History of Peyton Manning in Timeline

Peyton Manning, nicknamed "the Sheriff," is a retired American football quarterback who played 18 seasons in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. Widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, he is from the Manning football family, son of Archie Manning and older brother of Eli Manning. Manning played college football at Tennessee, winning several awards and the 1997 SEC Championship. His professional career was marked by exceptional leadership, numerous records, and two Super Bowl victories, solidifying his place as a legendary figure in football history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1940: George Cafego drafted #1 overall

In 1940, George Cafego was drafted #1 overall in the NFL draft. Cafego was the first player in Tennessee's school history to be drafted #1 overall.

1960: Consecutive Touchdown Games Record

In 1960, it was the first time since that a quarterback began a season with three consecutive games of at least three touchdown passes and zero interceptions.

1961: Historical Touchdown Rate Tie

Manning's 9.9% touchdown rate during the 2004 season was tied for the sixth highest rate in NFL history with George Blanda in 1961. It is the highest rate by a quarterback in the 21st century.

1968: First Win in Pittsburgh Since 1968

During a week 10 road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Manning led the Colts to a 24-20 victory, marking the first time the Colts had won in Pittsburgh since 1968, ending a streak of 12 straight losses.

1969: Manning Throws Seven Touchdowns in Season Opener

In the opening game of the 2013 NFL season, Peyton Manning threw seven touchdowns against the Baltimore Ravens. He became the sixth player in NFL history to achieve this feat and the first since 1969.

March 24, 1976: Peyton Manning Born

On March 24, 1976, Peyton Williams Manning was born. He later became a professional football quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

1984: AFC Offensive Player of the Week Award Originated

In 1984 the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award was originated, which Peyton Manning would later win a record number of times, surpassing Dan Marino in 2008.

1984: Record-Tying Passing Performance

In 1984, Peyton Manning tied Dan Marino's record by passing for at least 400 yards in three games. The Broncos also set a record with three 50-point games, and four receivers recorded at least ten touchdowns. Manning set a season record with nine games of four or more touchdown passes.

1984: Manning Breaks Jim McMahon's NFL Record

In week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2009, Manning won his 23rd consecutive regular season game, breaking Jim McMahon's NFL record of 22 straight wins with the Chicago Bears from 1984 to 1987.

1987: Manning Breaks Jim McMahon's NFL Record

1991: Career-High Passing Records

In a game against the Houston Texans in week 9, Manning threw a career-high 25 passes in the first quarter, which were the most in any opening quarter since 1991, and had a career-high 40 pass attempts in the first half.

1993: National Player of the Year

In 1993, Peyton Manning was named Gatorade Circle of Champions National Player-of-the-Year and Columbus (Ohio) Touchdown Club National Offensive Player-of-the-Year while at Isidore Newman School.

1994: First Collegiate Season

In 1994, Peyton Manning completed his first collegiate season with 1,141 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also won the 1994 Gator Bowl against Virginia Tech 45-23.

1995: Sophomore Season at Tennessee

In 1995, Peyton Manning had 2,954 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions. The Vols ended the season ranked third, and he came in sixth place in Heisman Trophy voting.

1996: Junior Season at Tennessee

In 1996, Peyton Manning had 3,287 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions during his junior season at Tennessee. He also came in eighth place in Heisman Trophy voting.

1996: Sexual Assault Accusation

In 1996, while at the University of Tennessee, Peyton Manning was accused of sexual assault by trainer Jamie Ann Naughright.

1997: SEC Championship Victory

In 1997, Peyton Manning won the SEC Championship Game while playing college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. He also received the Maxwell, Davey O'Brien, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards as a senior in 1997.

1997: Senior Year Awards

In 1997, as a senior, Peyton Manning won the Maxwell Award, the Davey O'Brien Award, the Johnny Unitas Award, and the Best College Player ESPY award. He was also runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.

1997: Avoiding 0-3 Start Since 1997

On October 12, Manning led the Colts to a victory against the Baltimore Ravens to avoid their first 0-3 start at home since the 1997 season.

1998: Drafted by the Colts

In 1998, Manning was selected first overall in the NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts, beginning his professional career.

1998: Drafted First Overall by the Colts

In 1998, despite concerns about his arm strength and mobility, Peyton Manning was selected first overall in the NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts.

1998: Rookie Season

In 1998, during Manning's rookie season, he threw for 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns and was named to the NFL All-Rookie First Team.

1998: First Time Below 4,000 Yards Since 1998

The 2005 season marked the first time Manning threw for less than 4,000 yards since his rookie season in 1998, as he sat out much of the final two games with the top AFC seed clinched.

1999: Start of the 1999 Season

In 1999, Manning and the Colts split the first two games, winning against the Buffalo Bills and losing against the New England Patriots. Manning ended the 1999 year with 4,135 passing yards and 26 passing touchdowns.

2000: Release of Autobiography

In 2000, Peyton Manning co-authored a book titled "Manning: A Father, His Sons, and a Football Legacy" with his father Archie.

2001: Marriage to Ashley

In 2001, Peyton Manning married his wife, Ashley, in Memphis on St. Patrick's Day.

2002: Defamation Lawsuit Filed

In 2002, Jamie Ann Naughright filed a defamation lawsuit against Peyton Manning, claiming that he defamed her in a book he wrote.

2002: 2002 Season with Tony Dungy

In 2002, Tony Dungy became Manning's head coach. Manning finished the 2002 season with 4,200 passing yards and 27 passing touchdowns, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl. The Colts were defeated by the New York Jets in the Wild Card Round, 41-0.

2003: Settlement in Defamation Suit

In 2003, Peyton Manning reached an undisclosed settlement in a defamation suit filed by Jamie Ann Naughright, who accused him of sexual harassment. A court order prevented both parties from discussing the settlement or each other.

2003: 2003 Season Start

The 2003 Colts started the season 5-0, including a 55-21 win over the New Orleans Saints where Manning threw six touchdown passes. Later in 2003, Manning led the Colts to an improbable comeback victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, overcoming a 21-point deficit in the final five minutes.

2003: Lowest Point Total Since 2003

The Colts' three points against the Patriots in the 2004 Divisional Round were their lowest single game point total since their opening game of the 2003 season.

2004: Record-Breaking 2004 Season

During the 2004 season, Manning achieved a then-record 121.1 passer rating and threw a then-record 49 touchdown passes. Manning was selected as the 2004 NFL MVP and NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He also received the ESPY Award for Best Record-Breaking Performance.

2004: 2004 Season

In 2004, the Colts began the season with a loss to the New England Patriots, but won the next four games. Manning had strong performances including a five-touchdown game against the Green Bay Packers, earning him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Manning was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for his November performances in 2004.

2004: 2004 Wild Card and Divisional Round

In the Wild Card Round of 2004, Manning threw for 458 yards and four touchdowns in a win against the Denver Broncos. The Colts' 2004 season ended with a loss to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round.

2005: 2005 AFC Divisional Round

During the 2005 AFC Divisional Round game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Manning threw an interception that was overturned. The Colts ultimately lost the game after a missed field goal.

2005: 2005 Awards and Honors

In 2005, Manning was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner and nominated for the FedEx Air Player of the Year Award. He was also named first-team All-Pro for the third consecutive year and named to the Pro Bowl squad.

2005: 2005 Season Success

In 2005, the Colts won their first 13 games, including a victory over the New England Patriots, earning Manning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Manning finished the 2005 season with 3,747 passing yards.

2005: Number Retired by Tennessee

In 2005, the University of Tennessee retired Peyton Manning's number (16).

September 10, 2006: First Manning Bowl

On September 10, 2006, Peyton's Colts defeated Eli's Giants in the first "Manning Bowl" by a score of 26–21.

2006: 2006 Season

Manning opened the 2006 season against his brother Eli and the New York Giants, winning 26-21. He also won AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performances against the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins in 2006.

March 24, 2007: Hosted Saturday Night Live

On March 24, 2007, Peyton Manning hosted NBC's Saturday Night Live, earning the show's highest household rating in more than 10 months.

May 27, 2007: Waved Green Flag at Indianapolis 500

On May 27, 2007, Peyton Manning waved the green flag to begin the 91st Indianapolis 500.

September 2007: Peyton Manning Children's Hospital

In September 2007, St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis renamed its children's hospital to Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent following a donation.

2007: Colts Lose to Chargers in Wild Card Round; Tony Dungy Retires

Following his MVP award, the Colts faced the San Diego Chargers in the Wild Card Round in 2007, losing in overtime. Peyton Manning completed a 72-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne during the game. At the end of the season, Tony Dungy retired as head coach.

2007: Lowest Completion Percentage

In 2007, Peyton Manning had his lowest completion percentage in a first half of any game since this year.

July 14, 2008: Knee Surgery

On July 14, 2008, Manning underwent surgery to remove an infected bursa sac in his left knee. He subsequently sat out all preseason games and missed most of training camp.

2008: Comeback Victory Against Texans

During the 2008 season, Manning led the Colts to a comeback victory against the Houston Texans. The team overcame a 17-point deficit in the last five minutes.

2008: Appeared on Saturday Night Live

In 2008, Peyton Manning appeared on Saturday Night Live.

2008: Manning Wins Third NFL MVP Award

In 2008, Peyton Manning was named NFL MVP for the third time, tying Brett Favre for the most MVP awards in NFL history. He also won AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the third time in the 2008 season, passing Dan Marino for the most all-time since the award was originated in 1984.

2009: Nickname "The Sheriff" Originates

In 2009, Peyton Manning earned the nickname "the Sheriff" after analyst Jon Gruden described his ability to use audibles on the road during a Monday Night Football broadcast.

2009: Guest Voiced on The Simpsons

In 2009, Peyton Manning guest-voiced (with his brothers Eli and Cooper) on an episode of The Simpsons called "O Brother, Where Bart Thou?".

2009: Manning Wins Fourth MVP Award and Sets Records

In 2009, Peyton Manning led the Colts to a 7-0 record. He became the first quarterback to throw for over 40,000 yards in a decade and tied for second-most comeback wins in the fourth quarter. Manning also broke Jim McMahon's NFL record for consecutive regular season wins. At the end of the regular season, Manning was awarded his fourth MVP, breaking the NFL record.

2009: Manning Sets Franchise Record with Consecutive 300-Yard Passing Games

In 2009, under new head coach Jim Caldwell, Peyton Manning started the season strong, winning AFC Offensive Player of the Month. During week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks, Manning threw for 353 yards and two touchdowns, marking his fourth consecutive 300-yard passing game and setting a new franchise record.

September 19, 2010: Second Manning Bowl

On September 19, 2010, Peyton's Colts beat Eli's Giants again by a score of 38–14 in the second "Manning Bowl".

2010: Final Full Season with Colts

In 2010, Manning played his last full season as the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts before a neck injury.

February 15, 2011: Colts Place Franchise Tag on Manning

On February 15, 2011, the Indianapolis Colts placed their franchise tag on Peyton Manning, indicating their intent to retain him.

March 31, 2011: Birth of Twins

On March 31, 2011, Peyton Manning and his wife, Ashley, had twins: a son, Marshall Williams, and a daughter, Mosley Thompson.

July 30, 2011: Manning Signs 5-Year Contract with Colts

On July 30, 2011, Peyton Manning signed a 5-year, $90 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, ensuring his continued presence with the team.

2011: Tom Brady's record broken in 2013

Against the Raiders in week 3 of 2013, Manning broke the record for most touchdown passes in the first three games of a season after throwing 12, surpassing Tom Brady's 2011 record.

2011: Manning Misses Entire Season Due to Injury

Despite practicing and showing signs of recovery, Peyton Manning did not play a single game in the 2011 season due to a neck injury. The Colts struggled without him, finishing with a 2-14 record.

2011: Sidelined by Neck Surgery

In 2011, Manning underwent neck surgery, which sidelined him for the entire season.

2011: Ranked Second Best Player by Peers

In 2011, Peyton Manning was named the second-best player on the NFL Top 100 Players list, as voted by his peers.

2011: Manning Ranked 50th on NFL Top 100 Despite Inactivity

In 2012, Peyton Manning was ranked 50th on the NFL Top 100 Players list by his peers, even though he did not play in the 2011 season.

2011: Allegations Arose Regarding Illegal Drugs

In the fall of 2011, allegations arose that Peyton Manning was involved with the use of illegal drugs from a pharmacist in Indianapolis.

March 7, 2012: Manning Released by the Colts

On March 7, 2012, Peyton Manning was released by the Indianapolis Colts. This decision was influenced by the Colts having the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, which included highly rated quarterback Andrew Luck, and Manning being due a $28 million roster bonus.

March 20, 2012: Manning Signs with the Denver Broncos

On March 20, 2012, Peyton Manning reached an agreement with the Denver Broncos on a five-year contract worth $96 million. He chose Denver after meeting with John Elway and coach John Fox.

October 26, 2012: Bought Papa John's Pizza Stores

On October 26, 2012, Peyton Manning bought 21 Papa John's Pizza stores in Colorado.

2012: Remarkable Memory

In 2012, Peyton Manning was able to precisely recall the details and timing of a specific play that he used at Tennessee 16 years earlier, highlighting his remarkable memory.

2012: Manning Ranked 50th on NFL Top 100 Despite Inactivity

In 2012, Peyton Manning was ranked 50th on the NFL Top 100 Players list by his peers, even though he did not play in the 2011 season.

2012: Signed with the Broncos

In 2012, after being released by the Colts, Manning signed with the Denver Broncos and became their starting quarterback.

2012: Manning Makes Broncos Debut and Reaches 400 Career Touchdowns

In his debut as a Denver Bronco in 2012, Peyton Manning threw his 400th career touchdown, becoming the third quarterback to reach the milestone. He also led the Broncos to a 31-19 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

February 2, 2013: Manning Wins Comeback Player of the Year

On February 2, 2013, Peyton Manning was awarded the AP National Football League Comeback Player of the Year Award, named a first-team All-Pro selection, and finished second in MVP voting after a successful return from injury with the Denver Broncos.

September 15, 2013: Third Manning Bowl

On September 15, 2013, Peyton's Broncos beat Eli's Giants 41–23 in the third and final "Manning Bowl".

2013: Manning's Success in Denver

By late October of 2012, ESPN stated that Peyton Manning "has silenced the critics" about his arm strength. Manning was named to the 2013 Pro Bowl, his 12th.

2013: Ranked Second Greatest Passing Season

In 2013, ESPN voted Manning's 2004 season the second greatest passing season of all time, highlighting his record-breaking achievements that year.

2013: Manning Breaks Single-Season Touchdown Record

In 2013, Peyton Manning broke Tom Brady's record for most touchdown passes in a season, finishing with 55 touchdowns and a league-record 5,477 passing yards. He also led the Broncos to score an NFL record 606 points.

2013: Manning Throws Seven Touchdowns in Season Opener

August 28, 2014: Fined for Taunting

On August 28, 2014, Peyton Manning was fined $8,268 for taunting D. J. Swearinger during a preseason game against the Houston Texans.

October 5, 2014: Career-High Performance Against Cardinals

On October 5, 2014, Peyton Manning had a career-high performance against the Arizona Cardinals, throwing for 479 passing yards, tying his career-high with an 86-yard touchdown pass, and throwing his 500th career touchdown pass, tying Dan Marino for the most 400-yard games.

October 19, 2014: Became NFL's All-Time Leader in Passing Touchdowns

On October 19, 2014, against the San Francisco 49ers, Peyton Manning threw his 509th career touchdown pass, surpassing Brett Favre to become the NFL's all-time leader in passing touchdowns, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

2014: Held NFL Record for Touchdown Passes

From 2014 to 2019, Peyton Manning held the NFL record for career touchdown passes.

2014: Andrew Luck Breaks Manning's Passing Yards Record

In 2014, Andrew Luck broke Peyton Manning's franchise record for passing yards, which Manning had set during the previous season.

2014: Ranked #1 in NFL Top 100

In 2014, Peyton Manning was ranked as the best player in the league by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

December 27, 2015: Al Jazeera Report on PEDs

On December 27, 2015, Al Jazeera America released a report which named Manning, among other athletes, as having received illegal drugs from a pharmacist in Indianapolis during the fall of 2011.

2015: Career Achievements

By the end of 2015, Peyton Manning had achieved a career winning percentage of .702 in the regular season as a starter.

2015: Super Bowl 50 Victory

In 2015, Manning's career culminated in a Super Bowl 50 victory with the Denver Broncos, marking his last season in the NFL.

2015: Appeared on Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special

In 2015, Peyton Manning appeared on the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special.

2015: Super Bowl Victory with Broncos

In 2015, Peyton Manning had his weakest season statistically but won a Super Bowl with the Broncos.

2015: Final Season with Broncos

In 2015, Peyton Manning played his final season with the Denver Broncos.

2015: Ranked #5 in NFL Top 100

In 2015, Peyton Manning was ranked as the fifth-best player by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

February 7, 2016: Broncos Win Super Bowl 50

On February 7, 2016, the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. Manning became the oldest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl at age 39 and the first quarterback to lead two franchises to a Super Bowl victory, earning his 200th overall win.

March 7, 2016: Manning Announces Retirement

On March 7, 2016, Peyton Manning announced his retirement after 18 seasons. He received the 2016 ESPY Icon Award.

March 18, 2016: Colts Formally Retire Manning's Jersey

On March 18, 2016, the Indianapolis Colts formally retired Peyton Manning's No. 18 jersey, ensuring that no Colt will ever wear it again.

July 2016: NFL Clears Manning of PED Allegations

In July 2016, the NFL cleared Manning of allegations of using performance-enhancing drugs after finding no evidence to support the claims.

2016: Contributed to Jeb Bush Campaign

During the 2016 presidential race, Peyton Manning contributed to the campaign of Jeb Bush.

2016: Tied for Most Game-Winning Drives

In 2016, Matthew Stafford surpassed Manning's record of seven game-winning drives, achieving eight in the 2016 season. Manning's seven game-winning drives in 1999 were tied for the most in NFL history until Stafford's achievement.

2016: Inducted into Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame

In 2016, Peyton Manning was inducted into the Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame and named Tennessean of the Year by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

July 12, 2017: Hosted ESPY Awards

On July 12, 2017, Peyton Manning hosted the ESPY Awards.

October 7, 2017: Colts Unveil Statue and Retire Jersey

On October 7, 2017, the Colts unveiled a bronze statue of Manning outside Lucas Oil Stadium. He was inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor and had his jersey retired.

2017: Voiced Guapo in Ferdinand

In 2017, Peyton Manning voiced the character Guapo in the movie Ferdinand.

2017: Elected to College Football Hall of Fame

In 2017, Peyton Manning was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

February 2018: Sold Papa John's Pizza Stores

In February 2018, Peyton Manning sold his shares of the Papa John's Pizza stores he owned in Colorado.

February 18, 2018: Drove Pace Car at Daytona 500

On February 18, 2018, Peyton Manning drove the pace car during the 2018 Daytona 500 and made a guest appearance on Fox NASCAR's pre-race show.

2018: Drew Brees Breaks Manning's Record

In 2018, Drew Brees broke Peyton Manning's record for career passing yards in week 5 against the Washington Redskins.

2018: Byron "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award renamed

In the fall of 2018, the Byron "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award was renamed in honor of Alan Page.

2018: End of Passing Yards Record

Peyton Manning's career passing yards record ended in 2018.

2019: Named to NFL 100 All-Time Team

In 2019, Peyton Manning was named to the NFL 100 All-Time Team.

2019: End of Touchdown Pass Record

Peyton Manning's NFL record for career touchdown passes ended in 2019.

December 2020: Peyton's Places Renewed for Third Season

In December 2020, Peyton Manning's documentary series about football on ESPN+, Peyton's Places, was renewed for a third season.

February 6, 2021: Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

On February 6, 2021, Peyton Manning was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

June 9, 2021: Elected to Denver Broncos Ring of Fame

On June 9, 2021, Peyton Manning was unanimously elected to the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.

August 8, 2021: Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

On August 8, 2021, Peyton Manning was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

October 31, 2021: Inducted into Broncos Ring of Fame

On October 31, 2021, Peyton Manning was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame.

2021: Hosted College Bowl Revival

In 2021, Peyton Manning hosted a revival of the quiz show College Bowl, with his brother Cooper.

2021: Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

In 2021, Peyton Manning was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2021: Manningcast Debut on ESPN

In 2021, Peyton and Eli Manning began hosting the "Manningcast," an alternative broadcast of Monday Night Football on ESPN2 and ESPN+, featuring guest stars and their commentary.

January 29, 2022: Appeared on Weekend Update

On January 29, 2022, Peyton Manning appeared on Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live.

2022: Named SEC Football Legend

In 2022, Peyton Manning, along with Eli Manning, was named to the SEC Football Legends Class.

2022: Peyback Foundation Scholarships

In 2022, the Peyback foundation partnered with Georgia Tech to establish a scholarship honoring Demaryius Thomas and launched scholarships at six HBCUs.