Lasting Legacy of Peyton Manning: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Peyton Manning—a timeline of influence.

Peyton Manning, nicknamed "the Sheriff", is a retired American football quarterback who played 18 seasons in the NFL. He's widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, playing 14 seasons for the Indianapolis Colts and 4 for the Denver Broncos. Part of the Manning football dynasty, he is the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and the older brother of Eli Manning. He played college football at the University of Tennessee, winning multiple awards and the 1997 SEC Championship.

Sections (5)

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

1961: Touchdown Rate Record Tied

In 2004, Peyton Manning's 9.9% touchdown rate for the season was tied for the sixth highest rate in NFL history (with George Blanda in 1961) and the highest by a quarterback in the 21st century.

2004: Record-Breaking 2004 Season

In 2004, Manning had a record-breaking season, throwing for 4,557 yards, a 121.1 passer rating, and 49 touchdown passes. He was a unanimous first-team All-Pro selection and was named NFL MVP, drawing 49 of 50 votes. ESPN voted the 2004 season the second greatest passing season of all time in 2013. Football Outsiders also calculated that Manning had the best season for a quarterback, play-by-play, in 2004.

2005: Awards and Honors in 2005

In 2005, Manning came in second place for the MVP award to Shaun Alexander, ending his two-year streak. He was named the 2005 winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Manning was named first-team All-Pro for the third consecutive year and named to the Pro Bowl squad.

2005: Tennessee Retires Manning's Number

In 2005, the University of Tennessee retired Peyton Manning's jersey number (16) and renamed a street leading to Neyland Stadium to Peyton Manning Pass, honoring his contributions to the university's football program.

September 2007: Children's Hospital Renamed

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

2008: Named NFL MVP for the third time

At the end of the 2008 season, Peyton Manning was named NFL MVP for the third time, tying Brett Favre for the most MVP awards in NFL history.

2009: Awarded fourth MVP

At the end of the 2009 regular season, Peyton Manning was awarded his fourth MVP, breaking the NFL record for most MVPs by a single player. He also finished the regular season tying his then NFL record with seven game-winning drives in 2009.

2009: Nickname 'the Sheriff' Originates

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

2011: Ranked second best player by his peers

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

2011: Ranked 50th by his peers

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

2012: Remarkable Memory of Play Details

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, demonstrating his exceptional memory.

2012: Ranked 50th by his peers

Peyton Manning was ranked 50th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.

2013: Greatest Passing Season

In 2013, ESPN voted Manning's 2004 season the second greatest passing season of all time.

2014: Andrew Luck broke franchise record

In 2011 during week 14, against the Tennessee Titans, Peyton Manning went over 4,000 passing yards for the 11th time in a season, and tied Dan Marino with his 63rd regular season game with at least 300 passing yards. Manning's passing yards were a franchise record until it was broken by Andrew Luck in 2014.

2014: NFL Record for Career Touchdown Passes

In 2014, Peyton Manning held the NFL record for career touchdown passes, a record he maintained until 2019.

2015: Career Achievements and Records

By the end of the 2015 season, Peyton Manning had achieved a career winning percentage of .702 in the regular season. He also held the career passing yards record from 2015 to 2018.

2015: Super Bowl 50 Victory and Retirement

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

February 7, 2016: Super Bowl 50 Victory

On February 7, 2016, Peyton Manning's Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24–10 in Super Bowl 50. Manning finished the game 13-of-23 for 141 yards and one interception. He became the oldest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl at age 39.

March 7, 2016: Retirement Announcement

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

2016: Tied Game-Winning Drives Record

In 1999, Peyton Manning's seven game-winning drives were tied for the most in NFL history until the 2016 season, when Matthew Stafford had eight.

2016: Induction into Tennessee Athletics 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, recognizing his achievements and contributions to the state.

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

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

October 8, 2017: No. 18 Jersey formally retired

After being released by the Colts, Irsay announced that no Colt will ever wear the No. 18 jersey again. However, it would not be formally retired until October 8, 2017.

2017: Elected to College Football Hall of Fame

In 2017, Peyton Manning was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, joining his father Archie, as the first father and son duo to be inducted as players, marking a significant milestone in his legacy.

2018: End of Record for Career Passing Yards

By 2018, Peyton Manning no longer held the career passing yards record, a record he held from 2015.

2018: Passing Yards Record Broken by Drew Brees

In 2018, Peyton Manning's record for career passing yards was broken by Drew Brees 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, after Byron "Whizzer" White, was renamed in honor of Alan Page.

2019: End of Record for Career Touchdown Passes

In 2019, Peyton Manning no longer held the NFL record for career touchdown passes, a record he had maintained since 2014.

2019: Named to NFL 100 All-Time Team

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

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: Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

In 2021, Peyton Manning was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

2022: Named to SEC Football Legends Class

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 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.