Peyton Manning's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Peyton Manning.

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

1968: First Win in Pittsburgh Since 1968

During a week 10 road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Manning led the Colts to a 24-20 victory, marking the first time the Colts had won in Pittsburgh since 1968, ending a streak of 12 straight losses.

1993: National Player of the Year

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 while at Isidore Newman School.

1997: SEC Championship Victory

In 1997, Peyton Manning won the SEC Championship Game while playing college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. He also received the Maxwell, Davey O'Brien, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards as a senior in 1997.

1997: Senior Year Awards

In 1997, as a senior, Peyton Manning won the Maxwell Award, the Davey O'Brien Award, the Johnny Unitas Award, and the Best College Player ESPY award. He was also runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.

2003: 2003 Season Start

The 2003 Colts started the season 5-0, including a 55-21 win over the New Orleans Saints where Manning threw six touchdown passes. Later in 2003, Manning led the Colts to an improbable comeback victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, overcoming a 21-point deficit in the final five minutes.

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.

2004: 2004 Season

In 2004, the Colts began the season with a loss to the New England Patriots, but won the next four games. Manning had strong performances including a five-touchdown game against the Green Bay Packers, earning him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Manning was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for his November performances in 2004.

2005: 2005 Awards and Honors

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

2005: 2005 Season Success

In 2005, the Colts won their first 13 games, including a victory over the New England Patriots, earning Manning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Manning finished the 2005 season with 3,747 passing yards.

2006: 2006 Season

Manning opened the 2006 season against his brother Eli and the New York Giants, winning 26-21. He also won AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performances against the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins in 2006.

2008: Comeback Victory Against Texans

During the 2008 season, Manning led the Colts to a comeback victory against the Houston Texans. The team overcame a 17-point deficit in the last five minutes.

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: 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.

2009: Manning Sets Franchise Record with Consecutive 300-Yard Passing Games

In 2009, under new head coach Jim Caldwell, Peyton Manning started the season strong, winning AFC Offensive Player of the Month. During week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks, Manning threw for 353 yards and two touchdowns, marking his fourth consecutive 300-yard passing game and setting a new franchise 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.

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 after a successful return from injury with the Denver Broncos.

October 19, 2014: Became NFL's All-Time Leader in Passing Touchdowns

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

2014: Ranked #1 in NFL Top 100

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

2015: Super Bowl 50 Victory

In 2015, Manning's career culminated in a Super Bowl 50 victory with the Denver Broncos, marking his last season in the NFL.

2015: Super Bowl Victory with Broncos

In 2015, Peyton Manning had his weakest season statistically but won a Super Bowl with the Broncos.

2015: Ranked #5 in 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: 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.

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.