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Sports • American Football

Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning is a former American football quarterback who played 18 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Peyton Manning is a former American football quarterback who played 18 seasons in the National Football League, primarily with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, winning two Super Bowls, five NFL Most Valuable Player awards, and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

Early life and college career

Manning was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and played college football at the University of Tennessee. He became one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in college football before entering the NFL.

NFL career

He was drafted first overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 1998 and became the team’s starting quarterback for more than a decade. After joining the Denver Broncos in 2012, he led them to another Super Bowl title before retiring in March 2016 after an 18-season career.

Accolades and records

Manning won a record five NFL MVP awards. At retirement he held major career passing records, including 71,940 passing yards and 539 touchdown passes, and earned 14 Pro Bowl selections.

Legacy

Manning is regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021, reflecting his long-term impact on the sport.

Key facts

  • Won Super Bowl XLI with the Indianapolis Colts and Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos.
  • Selected first overall in the 1998 NFL draft by the Colts.
  • Won a record five NFL Most Valuable Player awards.
  • Retired in 2016 with 71,940 passing yards and 539 touchdown passes.
  • Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
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Canadian context

Manning has been a major figure in North American professional football, a sport with a substantial Canadian audience through NFL coverage and related media.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Peyton Manning?
He is a former NFL quarterback who played for the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos and is considered one of the greatest players in league history.
Which teams did Peyton Manning play for?
He played for the Indianapolis Colts from 1998 to 2011 and the Denver Broncos from 2012 to 2015.
How many Super Bowls did Peyton Manning win?
He won two Super Bowls, one with the Colts and one with the Broncos.
What records is Peyton Manning known for?
He retired with 71,940 passing yards and 539 touchdown passes, and he won five NFL MVP awards.
When was Peyton Manning inducted into the Hall of Fame?
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
Where did Peyton Manning go to college?
He attended the University of Tennessee.

References

  1. Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Peyton-Manning
    Supports: Birth date and place, NFL career, Super Bowl wins, retirement, career totals, Hall of Fame induction.
  2. Pro Football Hall of Famehttps://www.profootballhof.com/players/peyton-manning
    Supports: Draft position, career teams, records, awards, Pro Bowl selections, Hall of Fame induction.
  3. Biography.comhttps://www.biography.com/athletes/peyton-manning
    Supports: Family background, MVP awards, Super Bowl championships, retirement.
  4. CNNhttps://www.cnn.com/us/peyton-manning-fast-facts
    Supports: Birth details, spouse and children, education, Pro Bowl appearances, MVP awards.
  5. ESPNhttps://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/1428/peyton-manning
    Supports: Birthdate, college, draft information, birthplace.