Russell Abernethy, Matt Smith, and Nic Patino
Staff Writers
After a long and successful 18-year career, Peyton Manning decided to hang up the cleats for the final time. He made this decision after winning Super Bowl 50, which was his second Super Bowl in his career.
Peyton has a father who played in the NFL and a younger brother who plays for the New York Giants. Peyton’s father Archie Manning played for the New Orleans Saints for 11 years from 1971-1982. Eli Manning who is Peyton’s kid brother is a two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Super Bowl MVP. It is safe to say that the Mannings are a football family.
39-year-old Manning went to college and played for the University of Tennessee for 3 years before entering the NFL draft in 1997. Manning was the #1 ranked quarterback in college prior to entering the NFL draft. Manning was selected by the Indianapolis Colts first pick of the 1998 draft. From day one, Manning was a leader on and off the field.
From 1998 to 2010, Manning led the Indianapolis Colts to eight division championships, two AFC championships, four league MVPs and a Super Bowl championship (XLI) where he also won the Super Bowl MVP. Manning also made it to the Pro Bowl every season except one.
Following the end of the 2010 season, Peyton Manning’s career hit a snag. Manning was unable to play the 2011 season due to a neck injury that required surgery. The Colts did not trust the surgery and released the potential Hall Of Fame quarterback. John Elway and the Denver Broncos thought that the quarterback still had some to give.
Spending the four years in Denver were worth it for Manning. He won his fifth and final league MVP and his second and final Super Bowl. He also broke many records: NFL career passing touchdown record, 539; most passing yards, high 71,940; single season touchdown record, 55 in 2013; most passing yards, 5,477 in 2013; most wins, 200 (including playoffs); most games throwing for 300+ yards, 93; most passing touchdowns in a single game, 7 in 2013, and many more listed at: http://tinyurl.com/jlb29e9.
It is safe to say that Peyton Manning has had one of the best careers in the history of the NFL and his records are going to be very hard to break and could last forever. Manning is a sure Hall of Famer and many believe he will get in as soon as he is eligible.
