History of Peyton Manning in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 19, 2026

Peyton Manning is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Selected first overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, he spent 18 seasons dominating the league with his exceptional intelligence, pre-snap reading ability, and precision passing. Manning holds numerous records, including five NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, a feat unmatched in league history. He led both the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos to Super Bowl victories, making him the first starting quarterback to win titles with two different franchises. After his retirement in 2016, his legacy was cemented with an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. Beyond his athletic achievements, Manning is celebrated for his profound impact on the game's tactical evolution and his prolific career as a pitchman and media personality.

Sections (5)

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

1940: George Cafego 1940 NFL Draft selection

In 1940, George Cafego became the first player in Tennessee school history to be drafted as the number one overall pick in the NFL draft.

March 24, 1976: Birth of Peyton Manning

On March 24, 1976, Peyton Williams Manning was born, eventually becoming a legendary professional football quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

1993: National Player of the Year Honors

In 1993, Peyton Manning earned the Gatorade Circle of Champions National Player-of-the-Year award and the Columbus (Ohio) Touchdown Club National Offensive Player-of-the-Year award for his exceptional performance at Isidore Newman School.

1994: Peyton Manning's Freshman Collegiate Season

During the 1994 collegiate season, Peyton Manning began as a third-string quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers. After injuries to teammates, he took over as the starting quarterback, ultimately leading the team to an 8-4 record and securing a 45-23 victory against Virginia Tech in the 1994 Gator Bowl.

1995: Peyton Manning's 1995 Sophomore Football Season

During his 1995 sophomore season at the University of Tennessee, Peyton Manning led the Vols to a successful campaign highlighted by a victory in the Citrus Bowl against Ohio State. Despite a tough mid-season loss to Florida, he finished the year with 2,954 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, earning a sixth-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting.

1996: Peyton Manning's 1996 Season at the University of Tennessee

During the 1996 football season, Peyton Manning led the Tennessee Volunteers, throwing for 3,287 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He earned MVP honors in the Citrus Bowl victory over Northwestern, led the SEC in pass completions, finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting, and ultimately decided to return for his senior year rather than enter the NFL draft.

1996: Sexual Assault Allegation at the University of Tennessee

In 1996, Peyton Manning was accused of sexual assault by university trainer Jamie Ann Naughright, who alleged he exposed himself during a foot examination; Manning contended the incident was a prank involving another individual.

1997: Academic and Athletic Achievements at the University of Tennessee

In 1997, Peyton Manning achieved significant milestones, including being named a consensus first-team All-American, winning several prestigious awards like the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien, finishing as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, and being elected to the Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies.

1997: College Football Awards and Championship Success

In 1997, Peyton Manning achieved significant recognition while playing for the Tennessee Volunteers by winning the Maxwell Award, the Davey O'Brien Award, and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, while also leading his team to victory in the 1997 SEC Championship Game.

1998: 1998 NFL Draft Selection

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

1998: Selection in the 1998 NFL Draft

In 1998, Peyton Manning was selected first overall in the NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts, beginning his tenure as their starting quarterback.

2002: Defamation Lawsuit Settlement

In 2002, Jamie Ann Naughright filed a defamation lawsuit against Manning regarding comments made in a book he co-authored with his father and John Underwood, resulting in a confidential settlement.

2005: University of Tennessee Retires Number 16

In 2005, the University of Tennessee honored Peyton Manning by retiring his jersey number 16 and renaming a street leading to Neyland Stadium to Peyton Manning Pass.

2010: Conclusion of Colts Starting Tenure

The year 2010 marked the final season of Peyton Manning's initial run as the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, a period in which he led the team to numerous playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory.

2011: 2011 Season Injury

During the 2011 NFL season, Peyton Manning was sidelined for the entire year due to a neck injury.

2011: Neck Surgery and Season Absence

In 2011, Peyton Manning underwent neck surgery which resulted in him being sidelined for the entire duration of the NFL season.

2012: Signing with the Denver Broncos

Following his release from the Colts, Peyton Manning signed with the Denver Broncos in 2012 to serve as their starting quarterback.

2014: Establishment of Touchdown Pass Record

Starting in 2014, Peyton Manning officially held the NFL record for the most career touchdown passes, a record he maintained until 2019.

2015: Peyton Manning's Final Season and Super Bowl 50 Victory

In 2015, Peyton Manning completed his final NFL season; although it was statistically his weakest year, he concluded his professional career with a championship victory in Super Bowl 50, supported by the Denver Broncos' defensive unit known as the No Fly Zone.

2015: Final Season and Super Bowl 50 Victory

In 2015, Peyton Manning concluded his career by leading the Denver Broncos to a victory in Super Bowl 50, becoming the first quarterback to win a Super Bowl with two different franchises.

2015: Conclusion of Manning's Starting Career and Passing Record

In 2015, Peyton Manning reached the end of his tenure as an NFL starter, concluding with a career regular-season winning percentage of .702 and establishing a career passing yards record that he held until 2018.

2015: Final Season with Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning concluded his time with the Denver Broncos after playing through the 2015 season.

2016: Tennessee Athletics and Sports Hall of Fame Honors

In 2016, Peyton Manning received two major recognitions: he was inducted into the Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame and was named the Tennessean of the Year by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

2017: College Football Hall of Fame Induction

During 2017, his first year of eligibility, Peyton Manning was elected and officially inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December, becoming part of the first father-son duo to receive the honor alongside his father, Archie Manning.

2017: Induction into the College Football Hall of Fame

In 2017, Peyton Manning was officially honored for his collegiate football achievements through his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

2018: End of Passing Yards Record Reign

In 2018, Manning concluded his period as the NFL career passing yards record holder, a title he had achieved in 2015.

2019: End of Touchdown Pass Record Reign

In 2019, Peyton Manning's tenure as the holder of the NFL record for career touchdown passes, which began in 2014, came to an end.

2021: Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Peyton Manning received professional football's highest honor in 2021 when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his storied NFL career.