Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…
3. Peyton Manning
Drafted first overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 1998 out of the University of Tennessee, Manning overcame a rocky rookie season with 28 interceptions to become one of the most dominant quarterbacks in NFL history.
Over 13 seasons with the Colts, he transformed the franchise, leading them to 11 playoff appearances and Super Bowl XLI victory in 2006, where he earned MVP honors with 247 yards and a touchdown in a 29-17 win over the Chicago Bears.
Manning set single-season records in 2004 with 49 touchdowns and a 121.1 passer rating, and in 2013 with 55 touchdowns and 5,477 yards. He won an unprecedented five AP MVP awards (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2013), three Offensive Player of the Year honors and was a 14-time Pro Bowler with seven first-team All-Pro selections.
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After missing 2011 due to neck surgery, he signed with the Denver Broncos in 2012, earning Comeback Player of the Year and guiding them to Super Bowl 50 victory in 2015, his second ring.
Manning’s career totals stand at 71,940 passing yards and 539 touchdowns (third all-time). He holds records for most 4,000-yard seasons (14), most MVP awards and most consecutive seasons with 25+ touchdowns (13).
Manning’s standout attributes were his elite football IQ, allowing him to dissect defenses pre-snap, and his pinpoint accuracy on short-to-intermediate throws. He was always a cerebral, no-huddle maestro who called audibles at the line with surgical precision and elevated offenses through preparation.
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While criticized for playoff struggles (14-13 record) and occasional interceptions under pressure (251 career), his innovation sped up the game and influenced every modern QB.
But who ranks ahead of Manning at No. 2 all-time?