History of Peyton Manning in Timeline

Peyton Manning, nicknamed "the Sheriff," is a retired American football quarterback who played 18 seasons in the NFL. He spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with the Denver Broncos. Widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, Manning comes from a football family, being the son of Archie Manning and brother of Eli Manning. He played college football at Tennessee, winning several 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, before Peyton Manning.

1960: Manning Makes NFL History

In 2010, during his third game of the season, Peyton Manning made history as the first quarterback since 1960 to begin a season with three consecutive games of at least three touchdown passes and zero interceptions.

1961: Tied for Sixth Highest Touchdown Rate in NFL History in 1961

In 1961, George Blanda also achieved a 9.9% touchdown rate, tying it for the sixth highest rate in NFL history, a feat that Manning matched in 2004.

1968: Colts Break Losing Streak in Pittsburgh

In 1968, prior to Peyton Manning's career, the Colts won their first game in Pittsburgh, breaking a streak of 12 straight losses.

1969: Last Time Seven Touchdowns Were Thrown

In 1969, before Peyton Manning's achievement in 2013, it was the last time an NFL player threw seven touchdowns in a single game.

March 24, 1976: Peyton Manning Born

On March 24, 1976, Peyton Williams Manning was born. He later became a successful NFL quarterback for 18 seasons.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Tying a Record

In 1984, Dan Marino previously tied the record for passing for at least 400 yards in three games, a feat which Manning later matched.

1984: AFC Offensive Player of the Week Award Originated

In 1984, the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award was originated. In 2008, Manning won the award for the 19th time, passing Dan Marino for the most all-time since the award's inception in 1984.

1984: Manning Breaks Jim McMahon's Record

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

1987: Manning Breaks Jim McMahon's Record

1991: Most Passes in Opening Quarter Since 1991

In 2009, during a game against the Houston Texans, Peyton Manning threw a career-high 25 passes in the first quarter, which was the most in any opening quarter since 1991.

1993: National Player-of-the-Year Award

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 during his time at Isidore Newman School.

1994: First Collegiate Season

In 1994, Peyton Manning's first collegiate season, he completed 89 of 144 passes for 1,141 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

1995: 1995 Season

In 1995, Peyton Manning led the Vols to a strong season, which included a notable game against Florida where he threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns. They finished the season with a victory in the Citrus Bowl and ranked third nationally.

1996: 1996 Season

In 1996, Peyton Manning had a season that included a loss to Florida despite a strong effort, a loss to Memphis, and a Citrus Bowl victory where he was named MVP. He also completed his degree in speech communication in three years and announced he would stay at Tennessee for his senior year.

1996: Sexual Assault Accusation

In 1996, while at the University of Tennessee, Peyton Manning was accused of sexual assault by trainer Jamie Ann Naughright, who alleged he pressed his genitals against her face during a foot examination. The incident and subsequent events led to legal issues and settlements.

1997: Colts Avoid 0-3 Start

In 1997, Peyton Manning was not yet a part of the Colts, who managed to avoid an 0-3 start at home, defeating the Baltimore Ravens 31-3 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

1997: 1997 SEC Championship Victory

In 1997, during his senior year playing college football for the Tennessee Volunteers, Peyton Manning won the Maxwell, Davey O'Brien, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards, culminating in a victory in the 1997 SEC Championship Game.

1997: Senior Year Awards

In 1997, during his senior year, Peyton Manning won numerous awards including SEC Player of the Year, the Maxwell Award, the Davey O'Brien Award, and the Johnny Unitas Award. He was also the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. He also was elected to the Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Beta Kappa society.

1998: Drafted by Colts

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

1998: Manning's Rookie Season

In 1998, during Peyton Manning's rookie season with the Colts, he threw for 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns, setting five NFL rookie records. Despite his individual success, the Colts struggled, finishing with a 3-13 record.

1998: Lowest Passing Yards Since Rookie Season in 1998

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

1999: Manning's Success in 1999 Season

In 1999, Peyton Manning threw for over 404 yards against the San Diego Chargers and scored his first professional rushing touchdown. He led the Colts to an impressive 13-3 record, winning the AFC East division. Manning finished the year with 4,135 passing yards and 26 passing touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro honors.

2000: Release of Manning: A Father, His Sons, and a Football Legacy

In 2000, Peyton Manning co-authored the book "Manning: A Father, His Sons, and a Football Legacy" with his father, Archie Manning. The book delves into the lives and careers of Archie and Cooper Manning, as well as Peyton's life and career up to that point.

Manning: A Father, His Sons and a Football Legacy

Check it on Amazon

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 and others, claiming Manning defamed her in a book he co-authored. The lawsuit was later settled.

2002: Manning's 2002 Season

In 2002, Tony Dungy became Manning's head coach. Manning led the Colts to a 10-6 record and a playoff spot, finishing the season with 4,200 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. The Colts were defeated by the New York Jets in the Wild Card Round.

2003: Manning's 2003 Season Start

In 2003, Manning started the season with the Colts at 5-0, including a dominant win over the New Orleans Saints where Manning achieved a perfect passer rating and threw six touchdowns.

2003: Settlement of Defamation Lawsuit

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

2003: Lowest Single Game Point Total Since 2003

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

2004: Manning's Record-Breaking 2004 Season

In 2004, Peyton Manning achieved a record-breaking season with 4,557 passing yards, a 121.1 passer rating, and 49 touchdown passes. He was named the NFL MVP and NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and received an ESPY Award for Best Record-Breaking Performance.

2004: Manning's 2004 Season

In 2004, Peyton Manning led the Colts to a strong season, marked by multiple AFC Offensive Player of the Week awards and an AFC Offensive Player of the Month award for November. He broke Dan Marino's record with his 49th touchdown pass of the season, securing the AFC's third seed for the Colts.

2004: Colts' 2004 Season Ends

In the 2004 season, Manning threw for 458 yards and four touchdowns in the Wild Card Round victory against the Denver Broncos. However, the Colts' season ended in the Divisional Round with a loss to the New England Patriots, marking Manning's seventh consecutive loss to them in Foxborough.

2005: Colts' Successful 2005 Season

In 2005, Peyton Manning led the Colts to win their first 13 games, including a victory over the New England Patriots, earning him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. The Colts secured the AFC South and home-field advantage, with Manning's quarterback rating being the highest in the league for the season.

2005: Manning's Awards in 2005

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

2005: Number Retired by Tennessee

In 2005, the University of Tennessee retired Peyton Manning's number (16), and a street leading to Neyland Stadium was renamed Peyton Manning Pass in his honor.

2005: AFC Divisional Round Game of the 2005 Season

In the 2005 AFC Divisional Round game, Manning faced a controversial interception call and a missed field goal, leading to a loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers despite a strong effort.

September 10, 2006: First Manning Bowl

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

2006: Manning's 2006 Season

In 2006, Peyton Manning opened the season against his brother Eli and the New York Giants, winning the game 26-21. He threw for 400 yards against the Houston Texans and earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

March 24, 2007: Hosting Saturday Night Live

On March 24, 2007, which was his 31st birthday, Peyton Manning hosted NBC's Saturday Night Live (season 32, episode 16).

Loading Video...

May 27, 2007: Waving Green Flag at Indianapolis 500

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

September 2007: Renaming of St. Vincent Hospital's 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.

2007: Lowest Completion Percentage

During the 2014 season, in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Peyton Manning had his lowest completion percentage in a first half of any game since 2007.

2007: Colts Season Ends Against Chargers

In 2007, the Colts faced the San Diego Chargers in the Wild Card Round, ultimately losing in overtime. Peyton Manning completed a 72-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne. Following the season, Tony Dungy retired.

July 14, 2008: Manning's Knee Surgery in 2008

On July 14, 2008, Peyton Manning underwent surgery to remove an infected bursa sac in his left knee, causing him to miss preseason games and training camp.

2008: SNL Appearance

In 2008, Peyton Manning appeared on Saturday Night Live.

2008: Manning's Comeback Victory in 2008

In 2008, Peyton Manning led the Colts to a comeback victory against the Houston Texans after trailing by 17 points in the last five minutes, marking the first time an NFL team had achieved such a feat in regulation.

2008: Manning Named NFL MVP for the Third Time

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 led the Colts to a seventh consecutive playoff berth, winning AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the third time in the 2008 season.

2009: Origin of "The Sheriff" Nickname

In 2009, Peyton Manning earned the nickname "the Sheriff," which originated during a Monday Night Football broadcast when analyst Jon Gruden highlighted Manning's use of audibles at the line of scrimmage on the road.

2009: Manning Awarded Fourth MVP

In 2009, Peyton Manning was awarded his fourth MVP, breaking the NFL record for most MVPs by a single player. He also tied his then NFL record with seven game-winning drives.

2009: Guest Voicing on The Simpsons

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

Loading Video...

2009: Pro Bowl Appearance

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

2009: Manning wins AFC Offensive Player of the Month

In 2009, under new head coach Jim Caldwell, Peyton Manning started the 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 for 353 yards and two touchdowns.

September 19, 2010: Second Manning Bowl

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

2010: Final Season

2010 marked the end of Peyton Manning's tenure as the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts.

February 15, 2011: Colts Place Franchise Tag on Manning

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

March 31, 2011: Birth of Twins

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

Others born on this day/year

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 Colts.

2011: Manning Misses Season

During the 2011 season, Peyton Manning did not play a single game due to injury, and the Colts had a poor 2-14 record.

2011: Neck Surgery and Sidelining

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

2011: Manning Ranked Second Best Player

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

2011: Neck Injury

In 2011, Peyton Manning was sidelined by a neck injury, which cost him the entire season.

2011: Breaking Touchdown Record

In 2011, Tom Brady previously held the record for most touchdown passes in the first three games of a season before Peyton Manning broke it.

2011: Manning Ranked 50th by Peers

In 2012, Peyton Manning was ranked 50th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list, despite not playing in the 2011 season.

2011: Pharmacist at Guyer Anti-Aging Clinic

In the fall of 2011, the Al Jazeera America report alleged that Peyton Manning received illegal drugs from Charles Sly, a pharmacist who worked at the Guyer Anti-Aging Clinic in Indianapolis.

March 7, 2012: Manning Released by Colts

On March 7, 2012, Peyton Manning was released by the Colts due to the team having the first overall pick in the upcoming draft and Manning being due a $28 million roster bonus.

March 20, 2012: Manning Signs with Broncos

On March 20, 2012, Peyton Manning reached an agreement with the Denver Broncos on a five-year contract worth $96 million.

October 26, 2012: Purchase of Papa John's Pizza Stores

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

2012: Joins Broncos

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

2012: Manning Debuts with Broncos and Achieves Milestone

In 2012, Peyton Manning made his regular season debut as a Denver Bronco, achieving his 400th career touchdown pass. He finished the season with franchise records for pass attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns.

2012: Manning Ranked 50th by Peers

In 2012, Peyton Manning was ranked 50th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list, despite not playing in the 2011 season.

2012: Signed with the Broncos

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

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.

September 15, 2013: Third Manning Bowl

On September 15, 2013, Peyton Manning and the Broncos defeated Eli Manning's Giants in the third and final "Manning Bowl" with a score of 41–23.

2013: Manning named to 12th Pro Bowl

In 2012, Peyton Manning was named to the 2013 Pro Bowl, his 12th. He set single-season franchise records for pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards, and touchdowns in the 2012 season, each of these milestones he would surpass again in 2013.

2013: ESPN Ranks Manning's 2004 Season

In 2013, ESPN voted Peyton Manning's 2004 season as the second greatest passing season of all time, highlighting his exceptional performance that year.

2013: Record-Breaking Season

In 2013, Manning broke the record for most touchdown passes in a season with 51, later finishing with 55. He also broke the league record for passing yards with 5,477. The Broncos scored an NFL record 606 points.

2013: Seven Touchdowns Against the Ravens

In the opening game of the 2013 NFL season, Peyton Manning threw seven touchdowns against the Baltimore Ravens, becoming the sixth player in NFL history and the first since 1969 to achieve this feat in a single game. Manning did not throw an interception in the game.

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 Passing Yards

On October 5, 2014, against the Arizona Cardinals, Peyton Manning threw for a career-high 479 passing yards, tied his career-high with an 86-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas, and threw his 500th career touchdown pass.

October 19, 2014: All-Time Leader in Passing Touchdowns

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

2014: Career Touchdown Passes Record

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

2014: Andrew Luck Breaks Manning's Passing Yards Record

In 2010, Peyton Manning finished the season with a franchise record of 4,700 passing yards, which was later broken by Andrew Luck in 2014.

2014: Ranked Best Player

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

December 27, 2015: Al Jazeera Report

On December 27, 2015, Al Jazeera America released a report alleging Manning's use of Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) from a pharmacist at the Guyer Anti-Aging Clinic.

2015: Final Season with Broncos

2015 marked Peyton Manning's final season playing in the NFL, as a member of the Denver Broncos.

2015: Career Passing Yards Record

From 2015 to 2018, Peyton Manning held the career passing yards record in the NFL.

2015: Appearance on Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special

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

Loading Video...

2015: Career Ends with Super Bowl 50 Victory

In 2015, Peyton Manning concluded his NFL career with a victory in Super Bowl 50, making him the first starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl for more than one franchise.

2015: NFL Top 100

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

2015: Super Bowl Victory

In 2015, Peyton Manning's final season, he won Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos, despite it being statistically his weakest season.

February 7, 2016: Super Bowl 50 Victory

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. The game also marked the final pass of his career.

March 7, 2016: Retirement Announcement

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

July 2016: Cleared of Allegations

In July 2016, the NFL cleared Peyton Manning of the allegations made in the Al Jazeera report, finding no evidence to support the claims.

2016: Contribution to Jeb Bush's Campaign

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

2016: Hall of Fame and Tennessean of the Year

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

2016: Manning's record tied in 2016

In the 2016 NFL season, Matthew Stafford tied Peyton Manning's record of seven game-winning drives, highlighting Manning's lasting impact on the game.

July 12, 2017: Hosting the ESPY Awards

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

October 7, 2017: Statue Unveiling and Ring of Honor Induction

On October 7, 2017, the Colts unveiled a bronze statue of Peyton Manning outside Lucas Oil Stadium, and he was inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor.

October 8, 2017: Colts Formally Retire No. 18 Jersey

On October 8, 2017, the Colts formally retired Peyton Manning's No. 18 jersey, though it was announced in 2012 that no Colt would ever wear it again.

2017: Voicing Guapo in Ferdinand

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

Loading Video...

2017: College Football Hall of Fame Induction

In 2017, Peyton Manning was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame and inducted in December, joining his father Archie, making them the first father and son duo to both be inducted as players.

2017: Induction into College Football Hall of Fame

In 2017, Peyton Manning was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

February 2018: Sale of Papa John's Pizza Shares

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

February 18, 2018: Driving Pace Car at Daytona 500

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

2018: End of career Passing Yards Record

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

2018: Drew Brees Breaks Passing Yards Record

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

2018: Renaming of the NFL Man of the Year Award

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

2019: End of career Touchdown Passes Record

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

2019: NFL 100 All-Time Team

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

December 2020: Renewal of Peyton's Places and Founding Omaha Productions

In December 2020, "Peyton's Places" was renewed for a third season and Peyton Manning co-founded Omaha Productions.

Loading Video...

February 6, 2021: Hall of Fame Election

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

June 9, 2021: Broncos Ring of Fame Election

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

August 8, 2021: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction

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

October 31, 2021: Broncos Ring of Fame Induction

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

2021: Hosting College Bowl Revival

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

Loading Video...

2021: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction

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

2021: Start of Manningcast on ESPN2 and ESPN+

In 2021, Peyton and Eli Manning began hosting an alternative broadcast of Monday Night Football called the Manningcast on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

January 29, 2022: Appearance on Weekend Update

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

Loading Video...

2022: SEC Football Legend

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

2022: Renewal of College Bowl

In 2022, the College Bowl series hosted by Peyton Manning was renewed for a second season.

Loading Video...

2022: Peyback Foundation Scholarships

In 2022, the Peyback Foundation teamed up with Georgia Tech to launch a scholarship in honor of Demaryius Thomas and launched scholarships at six historically black colleges and universities.

2023: Joining University of Tennessee as a Professor

In 2023, it was announced that Peyton Manning would join the University of Tennessee as a professor in the College of Communication and Information.

2024: Mizel Institute Community Enrichment Award

In 2024, Peyton Manning was honored with the Mizel Institute Community Enrichment Award.

June 3, 2025: Joining Denver Summit FC Ownership Group

On June 3, 2025, it was announced that Peyton Manning would join the ownership group of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team Denver Summit FC.