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 renowned as one of the NFL's all-time greats. He played for 18 seasons, primarily with the Indianapolis Colts (14 seasons) and later the Denver Broncos (4 seasons). Part of the Manning football family, he's the son of Archie Manning and brother of Eli Manning. His college career at the University of Tennessee saw him win multiple awards and the 1997 SEC Championship.

Sections (5)

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

1960: Making the first time since 1960 a quarterback began a season with three consecutive games of at least three touchdown passes and zero interceptions

In his third game of 2010, Manning threw 325 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, making the first time since 1960 a quarterback began a season with three consecutive games of at least three touchdown passes and zero interceptions.

1961: Touchdown Rate Record

In 2004, Manning's 9.9% touchdown rate for the season was tied for the sixth highest rate in NFL history (with George Blanda in 1961).

1968: First Win in Pittsburgh Since 1968

In 2008, Manning helped the Colts beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking their first win in Pittsburgh since 1968. Manning won AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season.

1969: Threw seven touchdowns in a game

On the opening game of the 2013 NFL season, Peyton Manning became the sixth player in NFL history and the first since 1969 to throw seven touchdowns in a game, doing so against the defending Super Bowl XLVII champions, the Baltimore Ravens.

1984: Passing Dan Marino for the most all-time since the award was originated in 1984

For his efforts, Manning won AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the third time in the 2008 season. It was the 19th time he won the award, passing Dan Marino for the most all-time since the award was originated in 1984.

1984: Matching Dan Marino's record

In 2013, Peyton Manning passed for at least 400 yards in a record-tying three games, matching Dan Marino's 1984 season.

1984: Broke Jim McMahon's NFL record of 22 straight wins

In week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Manning won his 23rd consecutive regular season game in 2009, breaking Jim McMahon's NFL record of 22 straight wins with the Chicago Bears from 1984 to 1987.

1987: Broke Jim McMahon's NFL record of 22 straight wins

1991: Threw a career-high 25 passes in the first quarter

Against the Houston Texans in week 9 of 2009, Manning threw a career-high 25 passes in the first quarter, which were the most in any opening quarter since 1991, and had a career-high 40 pass attempts in the first half.

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 during his time at Isidore Newman School.

1997: SEC Championship Victory

In 1997, Peyton Manning led the Tennessee Volunteers to victory in the SEC Championship Game. That year, he also won the Maxwell, Davey O'Brien, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards as a senior.

1997: Senior Year Awards

In 1997, during his senior year, Peyton Manning won numerous awards including the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award, Johnny Unitas Award, and Best College Player ESPY award. He also finished as the runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting.

1998: Passing Yardage Milestone

During the 2005 season, Manning finished with 3,747 passing yards, which was the first time he threw less than 4,000 yards since his rookie season in 1998.

1998: Rookie Season

In 1998, during his rookie season, Peyton Manning threw 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns, set five NFL rookie records, and was named to the NFL All-Rookie First Team. He also threw a league high 28 interceptions.

1999: 1999 Season

In 1999, Peyton Manning led the Colts to a 13-3 season, winning the AFC East division after splitting the first two games. He earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week after a week 3 victory against the San Diego Chargers. Manning concluded the year with 4,135 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, earning Second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. The Colts lost to the Tennessee Titans in the Divisional Round.

2003: 2003 Season Start

In 2003, Manning started the season 5-0, including a win against the New Orleans Saints where he had a perfect passer rating. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Colts won after trailing by 21 points in the final four minutes, with Manning throwing for 386 yards.

2004: 2004 Season Achievements

In 2004, Manning threw for 4,557 yards, with a passer rating of 121.1, and 49 touchdown passes. He was a unanimous first-team All-Pro selection. He was also selected as the 2004 NFL MVP, named NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and won multiple ESPY Awards. The Colts finished the season with a 12–4 record, scoring a franchise record 522 points.

2004: 2004 Season

In 2004, The Colts started the season with a loss to the New England Patriots, followed by four consecutive wins. Peyton Manning earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week. Later in the season Manning was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week twice in November. In the game against the San Diego Chargers, Manning broke Dan Marino's record for touchdown passes in a season. The Colts clinched the AFC's third seed with the win.

2005: 2005 Awards and Honors

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

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.

2006: 2006 Season Start

In 2006, Manning opened the season against his brother Eli and the New York Giants, winning 26–21. Manning earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing 400 yards against the Houston Texans. He also won the award for his performance against the Washington Redskins. He secured a win against the New York Jets with a late rushing touchdown.

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.

2008: 2008 Season Comeback vs Texans

In 2008, Manning led the Colts back from a 27–10 deficit against the Houston Texans to a 31–27 victory in the last five minutes. The Colts scored three touchdowns in 2:10.

2009: Awarded his fourth MVP

In 2009 Manning finished with 4,500 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, earning him second in the league in those passing categories. At the end of the regular season, Manning was awarded his fourth MVP, breaking the NFL record for most MVPs by a single player. He was also selected to the AP All-Pro team for the fifth time in his career. He finished the regular season tying his then NFL record with seven game-winning drives in 2009.

2009: Started the 2009 season with three consecutive wins

Under new head coach Jim Caldwell, Peyton Manning started the 2009 season with three consecutive wins and won AFC Offensive Player of the Month for the fourth time in his career. In week 4, against the Seattle Seahawks, Manning threw 353 yards and two touchdowns for his fourth consecutive 300-yard passing game, setting a new franchise record in the 34–17 win.

2011: Broke Tom Brady's record

Against the Raiders in week 3 of 2013, Manning broke the record for most touchdown passes in the first three games of a season after throwing 12, surpassing Tom Brady's 2011 record.

2011: Ranked 50th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012

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

2011: Named the second best player by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011

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

2012: Ranked 50th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012

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

February 2, 2013: Awarded the AP National Football League Comeback Player of the Year Award

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.

2013: Greatest Passing Season Ranking

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

2013: Record-Breaking Season

In 2013, Peyton Manning had a record-breaking season, setting new marks for touchdown passes and passing yards. He led the Broncos to score an NFL record 606 points, becoming the first team ever to eclipse 600 points in a season.

2013: Set single-season franchise records

In the 2012 season, Manning set single-season franchise records for pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards, and touchdowns. Each of these milestones he would surpass again in 2013.

2013: Threw seven touchdowns in a game

October 5, 2014: Stellar Performance Against Arizona Cardinals

On October 5, 2014, Manning had a career-high 479 passing yards, tied his career-high with an 86-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas, threw his 500th career touchdown pass to Julius Thomas, and tied Dan Marino for the most 400-yard games by a quarterback in a 41–20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

October 19, 2014: Manning Becomes 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 to Demaryius Thomas, surpassing Brett Favre to become the NFL's all-time leader in passing touchdowns. He earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for the 27th and final time in his career.

2014: NFL Record for Career Touchdown Passes

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

2014: Andrew Luck broke Manning's passing yards franchise record

In 2010, Manning's passing yards were a franchise record until it was broken by Andrew Luck in 2014.

2014: Ranked Best Player 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 and Retirement

In 2015, Peyton Manning concluded his NFL career with a Super Bowl 50 victory with the Denver Broncos, marking his retirement from professional football.

2015: Ranked Fifth Best Player 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.

2015: Career Achievements

In 2015, Peyton Manning's career showed a winning percentage of .702 in the regular season. From 2015 to 2018 he held the career passing yards record in the NFL.

2015: Super Bowl Victory

In 2015, during Peyton Manning's final season, he ended his career with a Super Bowl victory, despite it being statistically his weakest season, due to the assistance of the Broncos' No Fly Zone defense.

February 7, 2016: Broncos Win Super Bowl 50

On February 7, 2016, the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24–10 in Super Bowl 50. Manning finished the game 13-of-23 for 141 yards and one interception. Manning became the oldest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl and the first quarterback to lead two franchises to a Super Bowl victory. The victory gave Manning his 200th overall win including regular season and playoffs.

March 7, 2016: Manning Announces Retirement

On March 7, 2016, Peyton Manning announced his retirement after 18 seasons in the NFL. He received the 2016 ESPY Icon Award, adding to his total of nine ESPY Awards during his career.

2016: Game-Winning Drives Record

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

2016: Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame Induction

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.

October 7, 2017: Colts Unveil Manning Statue and Retire Jersey

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 and was the first player to have his jersey retired by the Colts since they moved to Indianapolis.

2017: College Football Hall of Fame

In 2017, Peyton Manning was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, joining his father Archie in the Hall of Fame and making them the first father and son duo to both be inducted as players.

2017: Induction into College Football Hall of Fame

In 2017, Peyton Manning was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, marking his achievements in collegiate football.

2018: End of Career Passing Yards Record

In 2018, Peyton Manning no longer held the career passing yards record in the NFL.

2018: Drew Brees Broke Passing Yards Record

In the 2018 season, Drew Brees broke Peyton Manning's record for career passing yards in week 5 against the Washington Redskins.

2019: End of Career Touchdown Record

In 2019, Peyton Manning no longer held the NFL record for career touchdown passes.

2019: Named to NFL 100 All-Time Team

In 2019, Peyton Manning was named to the NFL 100 All-Time Team, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in NFL history.

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 officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

October 31, 2021: Inducted into Denver Broncos Ring of Fame

On October 31, 2021, Peyton Manning was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.

2021: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction

In 2021, Peyton Manning was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest NFL players of all time.

2022: Named to SEC Football Legends Class

In 2022, Peyton Manning, along with his brother Eli, were named to the 2022 SEC Football Legends Class.

2024: Honored with Mizel Institute Community Enrichment Award

In 2024, Manning was honored with the Mizel Institute Community Enrichment Award.

Mentioned in this timeline

Tom Brady is a former American football quarterback widely considered...

FedEx Corporation originally Federal Express is a multinational conglomerate based...

Brett Favre a former NFL quarterback is renowned for his...

College football is a popular amateur sport in the United...

Saturday Night Live SNL is a late-night live sketch comedy...

The Buffalo Bills are a professional American football team located...