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 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

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.

1984: AFC Offensive Player of the Week Award Originated

In 1984 the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award was originated, which Peyton Manning would later win a record number of times, surpassing Dan Marino in 2008.

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.

2005: Number Retired by Tennessee

In 2005, the University of Tennessee retired Peyton Manning's number (16).

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.

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: Nickname "The Sheriff" Originates

In 2009, Peyton Manning earned the nickname "the Sheriff" after analyst Jon Gruden described his ability to use audibles on the road during a Monday Night Football broadcast.

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.

2011: Ranked Second Best Player by Peers

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

2011: Manning Ranked 50th on NFL Top 100 Despite Inactivity

In 2012, Peyton Manning was ranked 50th on the NFL Top 100 Players list by his peers, even though he did not play in the 2011 season.

2012: Manning Ranked 50th on NFL Top 100 Despite Inactivity

In 2012, Peyton Manning was ranked 50th on the NFL Top 100 Players list by his peers, even though he did not play in the 2011 season.

2013: Ranked Second Greatest Passing Season

In 2013, ESPN voted Manning's 2004 season the second greatest passing season of all time, highlighting his record-breaking achievements that year.

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.

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.

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.

2016: Inducted into Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame

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

October 7, 2017: Colts Unveil Statue and Retire Jersey

On October 7, 2017, the Colts unveiled a bronze statue of Manning outside Lucas Oil Stadium. He was inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor and had his jersey retired.

2017: Elected to College Football Hall of Fame

In 2017, Peyton Manning was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

2018: Drew Brees Breaks Manning's Record

In 2018, Drew Brees broke Peyton Manning's record for career passing yards 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 was renamed in honor of Alan Page.

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: Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

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

2022: Named SEC Football Legend

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 partnered with Georgia Tech to establish a scholarship honoring Demaryius Thomas and launched scholarships at six HBCUs.