Career Timeline of Peyton Manning: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Peyton Manning, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Peyton Manning, nicknamed "the Sheriff", is a retired American football quarterback renowned as one of the NFL's all-time greats. He played for 18 seasons, primarily with the Indianapolis Colts (14 seasons) and later the Denver Broncos (4 seasons). Part of the Manning football family, he's the son of Archie Manning and brother of Eli Manning. His college career at the University of Tennessee saw him win multiple awards and the 1997 SEC Championship.

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.

1968: First Win in Pittsburgh Since 1968

In 2008, Manning helped the Colts beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking their first win in Pittsburgh since 1968. Manning won AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season.

1969: Threw seven touchdowns in a game

On the opening game of the 2013 NFL season, Peyton Manning became the sixth player in NFL history and the first since 1969 to throw seven touchdowns in a game, doing so against the defending Super Bowl XLVII champions, the Baltimore Ravens.

1984: Matching Dan Marino's record

In 2013, Peyton Manning passed for at least 400 yards in a record-tying three games, matching Dan Marino's 1984 season.

1994: First Collegiate Season

In 1994, during his first collegiate season, Peyton Manning completed 89 of 144 passes for 1,141 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions, also securing a 45-23 victory over Virginia Tech in the Gator Bowl.

1995: Sophomore Season at Tennessee

In 1995, Peyton Manning completed his sophomore season at Tennessee with 244 of 380 for 2,954 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions, leading the Vols to a 20-14 victory over Ohio State in the Citrus Bowl and ending the season ranked third.

1996: Junior Season at Tennessee

In 1996, Peyton Manning completed his junior season at Tennessee with 3,287 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, also winning the MVP award at the Citrus Bowl in the 48-28 win over Northwestern; he also completed his degree in speech communication and announced he would stay at Tennessee for his senior year.

1997: SEC Championship Victory

In 1997, Peyton Manning led the Tennessee Volunteers to victory in the SEC Championship Game. That year, he also won the Maxwell, Davey O'Brien, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards as a senior.

1997: Avoiding 0-3 Home Start

On October 12, 2008, Manning led the Colts to a 31–3 win against the Baltimore Ravens to avoid their first 0–3 start at home since the 1997 season.

1998: Passing Yardage Milestone

During the 2005 season, Manning finished with 3,747 passing yards, which was the first time he threw less than 4,000 yards since his rookie season in 1998.

1998: Drafted by Colts

In 1998, Peyton Manning was selected as the first overall pick in the NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts.

1998: Rookie Season

In 1998, during his rookie season, Peyton Manning threw 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns, set five NFL rookie records, and was named to the NFL All-Rookie First Team. He also threw a league high 28 interceptions.

1999: 1999 Season

In 1999, Peyton Manning led the Colts to a 13-3 season, winning the AFC East division after splitting the first two games. He earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week after a week 3 victory against the San Diego Chargers. Manning concluded the year with 4,135 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, earning Second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. The Colts lost to the Tennessee Titans in the Divisional Round.

2002: 2002 Season with Tony Dungy

In 2002, Tony Dungy became Manning's head coach. The Colts had a 4-1 start before a losing streak. They finished 10-6, making the playoffs after Manning achieved a perfect passer rating in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Manning ended the 2002 season with 4,200 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl. The Colts were defeated by the New York Jets in the Wild Card Round, 41-0.

2003: 2003 Season Start

In 2003, Manning started the season 5-0, including a win against the New Orleans Saints where he had a perfect passer rating. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Colts won after trailing by 21 points in the final four minutes, with Manning throwing for 386 yards.

2003: Lowest Single Game Point Total

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

2004: 2004 Wild Card and Divisional Round

In 2004, Manning led the Colts to a 49–24 victory over the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card Round, throwing for 458 yards and four touchdowns. However, the Colts' season ended with a 20–3 loss to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round.

2004: 2004 Season Achievements

In 2004, Manning threw for 4,557 yards, with a passer rating of 121.1, and 49 touchdown passes. He was a unanimous first-team All-Pro selection. He was also selected as the 2004 NFL MVP, named NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and won multiple ESPY Awards. The Colts finished the season with a 12–4 record, scoring a franchise record 522 points.

2004: 2004 Season

In 2004, The Colts started the season with a loss to the New England Patriots, followed by four consecutive wins. Peyton Manning earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week. Later in the season Manning was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week twice in November. In the game against the San Diego Chargers, Manning broke Dan Marino's record for touchdown passes in a season. The Colts clinched the AFC's third seed with the win.

September 10, 2006: First Manning Bowl Victory

On September 10, 2006, Peyton Manning's Colts defeated Eli Manning's Giants 26-21 in the first 'Manning Bowl'.

2006: 2006 Season Start

In 2006, Manning opened the season against his brother Eli and the New York Giants, winning 26–21. Manning earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing 400 yards against the Houston Texans. He also won the award for his performance against the Washington Redskins. He secured a win against the New York Jets with a late rushing touchdown.

March 24, 2007: Hosts Saturday Night Live

On March 24, 2007, Manning hosted NBC's Saturday Night Live (season 32, episode 16) for his 31st birthday. The episode earned the show's highest household rating in more than 10 months in the metered markets.

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September 2007: St. Vincent Hospital renames 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 due to Manning and his wife's donation.

2007: Lowest Completion Percentage in First Half Since 2007

During the Divisional Round of the playoffs in 2014, Peyton Manning went 7-for-18 (38.9%) in the first half, his lowest completion percentage in a first half of any game since 2007.

2008: Saturday Night Live Appearance

In 2008, Manning appeared on SNL again.

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2008: 2008 Season Comeback vs Texans

In 2008, Manning led the Colts back from a 27–10 deficit against the Houston Texans to a 31–27 victory in the last five minutes. The Colts scored three touchdowns in 2:10.

2009: Origin of "The Sheriff" Nickname

During a Monday Night Football broadcast in 2009, analyst Jon Gruden described Manning's ability to use audibles at the line of scrimmage on the road, leading to his nickname, 'The Sheriff'.

2009: Guest voices on The Simpsons

In 2009, Manning guest voiced (with his brothers Eli and Cooper) on an episode of The Simpsons called "O Brother, Where Bart Thou?" in which Bart dreams of having a baby brother and sees famous brothers.

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2009: Pro Bowl Appearance

In 2009, Peyton and Eli Manning faced each other in the Pro Bowl, which was won by the NFC.

2009: Started the 2009 season with three consecutive wins

Under new head coach Jim Caldwell, Peyton Manning started the 2009 season with three consecutive wins and won AFC Offensive Player of the Month for the fourth time in his career. In week 4, against the Seattle Seahawks, Manning threw 353 yards and two touchdowns for his fourth consecutive 300-yard passing game, setting a new franchise record in the 34–17 win.

September 19, 2010: Second Manning Bowl Victory

On September 19, 2010, Peyton Manning and the Colts defeated Eli Manning's Giants 38-14 in the second 'Manning Bowl'.

2010: End of Colts Era

In 2010, Peyton Manning's tenure as the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts concluded after 13 seasons.

February 15, 2011: The Colts placed their franchise tag on Manning

On February 15, 2011, the Colts placed their franchise tag on Manning.

July 30, 2011: Signed a 5-year, $90 million contract with the Colts

On July 30, 2011, the Colts signed Manning to a 5-year, $90 million contract.

2011: Broke Tom Brady's record

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: Neck Injury and Release

In 2011, Peyton Manning was sidelined by a neck injury, which led to him missing the entire season and subsequently being released by the Colts.

March 7, 2012: Released by the Colts

With the Colts having the first overall pick in the upcoming 2012 draft, which contained highly rated quarterback Andrew Luck, and with Manning due a $28 million roster bonus, he was released on March 7, 2012.

March 20, 2012: Reached an agreement with the Broncos

After visiting both the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos, Manning reached an agreement with the Broncos on a five-year contract worth $96 million on March 20, 2012.

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: Joins Denver Broncos

In 2012, Peyton Manning joined the Denver Broncos after being released by the Colts.

2012: Signed with the Broncos

In 2012, Peyton Manning signed with the Denver Broncos, beginning a new chapter in his NFL career.

2012: Memory of Specific Play

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, showcasing his exceptional memory and understanding of the game.

2012: Made regular season debut as a Denver Bronco

Peyton Manning made his regular season debut as a Denver Bronco in the prime time game on the first Sunday of the 2012 season, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the game, Manning completed 19-of-26 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.

September 15, 2013: Third Manning Bowl Victory

On September 15, 2013, Peyton Manning and the Broncos defeated Eli Manning's Giants 41-23 in the third 'Manning Bowl'.

2013: Record-Breaking Season

In 2013, Peyton Manning had a record-breaking season, setting new marks for touchdown passes and passing yards. He led the Broncos to score an NFL record 606 points, becoming the first team ever to eclipse 600 points in a season.

2013: Threw seven touchdowns in a game

October 5, 2014: Stellar Performance Against Arizona Cardinals

On October 5, 2014, Manning had a career-high 479 passing yards, tied his career-high with an 86-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas, threw his 500th career touchdown pass to Julius Thomas, and tied Dan Marino for the most 400-yard games by a quarterback in a 41–20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

October 19, 2014: Manning Becomes 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 to Demaryius Thomas, surpassing Brett Favre to become the NFL's all-time leader in passing touchdowns. He earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for the 27th and final time in his career.

2014: NFL Record for Career Touchdown Passes

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

2015: Final Season with Broncos

2015 marked Peyton Manning's final season in the NFL, playing for the Denver Broncos.

2015: Saturday Night Live Appearance

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

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2015: Super Bowl 50 Victory and Retirement

In 2015, Peyton Manning concluded his NFL career with a Super Bowl 50 victory with the Denver Broncos, marking his retirement from professional football.

2015: Career Achievements

In 2015, Peyton Manning's career showed a winning percentage of .702 in the regular season. From 2015 to 2018 he held the career passing yards record in the NFL.

2015: Super Bowl Victory

In 2015, during Peyton Manning's final season, he ended his career with a Super Bowl victory, despite it being statistically his weakest season, due to the assistance of the Broncos' No Fly Zone defense.

February 7, 2016: Broncos Win Super Bowl 50

On February 7, 2016, the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24–10 in Super Bowl 50. Manning finished the game 13-of-23 for 141 yards and one interception. Manning became the oldest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl and the first quarterback to lead two franchises to a Super Bowl victory. The victory gave Manning his 200th overall win including regular season and playoffs.

March 7, 2016: Manning Announces Retirement

On March 7, 2016, Peyton Manning announced his retirement after 18 seasons in the NFL. He received the 2016 ESPY Icon Award, adding to his total of nine ESPY Awards during his career.

2016: Contributed to Jeb Bush's Campaign

During the 2016 presidential race, Peyton Manning contributed to the campaign of Jeb Bush, showcasing his involvement in political activities.

July 12, 2017: Hosts the ESPY Awards

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

2017: Voices Guapo in Ferdinand

In 2017, Manning voiced Guapo in the movie Ferdinand.

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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.

2018: End of Career Passing Yards Record

In 2018, Peyton Manning no longer held the career passing yards record in the NFL.

2019: End of Career Touchdown Record

In 2019, Peyton Manning no longer held the NFL record for career touchdown passes.

December 2020: Peyton's Places Renewed

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

2021: Begins hosting Manningcast

In 2021, Peyton and Eli began hosting an alternative broadcast of Monday Night Football called the Manningcast on ESPN2 and ESPN+. The show features segments with special guest stars while the Manning brothers watch and commentate on the game.

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2021: Hosts College Bowl Revival

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

January 29, 2022: Saturday Night Live Appearance

On January 29, 2022, Manning appeared on Weekend Update on the Saturday Night Live episode hosted by Willem Dafoe.

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2022: Peyback Foundation launches scholarships

In 2022, the Peyback foundation teamed up with Georgia Tech to launch a scholarship in honor of Manning's former Broncos teammate Demaryius Thomas. The foundation also launched scholarships at six historically black colleges and universities.