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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

2014: Career Touchdown Passes Record

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

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.

2015: Career Passing Yards Record

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

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.