Peyton Williams Manning, born on March 24, 1976, in New Orleans, established himself as a central figure in American football during an 18-season career in the National Football League. Recognized by the nickname "the Sheriff," he transitioned from a standout college career at the University of Tennessee to a professional tenure marked by historic passing records and multiple championship titles.
Early Development and College Tenure
Before his professional career, Manning attended Isidore Newman School in Louisiana, where he accumulated 7,207 passing yards and 92 touchdowns. He opted to join the University of Tennessee Volunteers in 1994, eventually becoming the school's all-time leading passer with 11,201 yards. During his time in Knoxville, he completed a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication in three years and secured major honors in 1997, including the Maxwell, Davey O'Brien, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards.
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Selected first overall in the 1998 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Manning served as their starter until 2010. During this period, the franchise achieved 11 playoff appearances and eight division titles, culminating in a victory at Super Bowl XLI where Manning earned MVP honors. Following a period of injury that sidelined him in 2011, he signed with the Denver Broncos. He played there from 2012 to 2015, helping the team secure four consecutive division titles and ending his career with a win in Super Bowl 50.
Records and Legacy
Manning remains the only starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl with two different franchises. His statistical resume includes the most MVP awards, the most single-season passing yards, and the highest number of single-season passing touchdowns in NFL history. Beyond his on-field performance, he has engaged in work as an actor, voice actor, and restaurateur. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 March 1976, New Orleans
- College: University of Tennessee
- NFL Draft: First overall, 1998
- Nickname: The Sheriff
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction: 2021
- College Football Hall of Fame Induction: 2017
- Professional Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos
- Education: Bachelor of Arts, speech communication
Questions readers ask
How many Super Bowls did Peyton Manning win?
He won two Super Bowls: Super Bowl XLI with the Indianapolis Colts and Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos.
What college did Peyton Manning attend?
He attended the University of Tennessee from 1994 to 1998.
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