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 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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

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.

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.

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: 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

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

2018: End of Passing Yards Record

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

2019: End of Touchdown Pass Record

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

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.

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.