Before he was the co-host of the popular Manning Megacast, Peyton Manning was a prolific quarterback whose career has been immortalized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Manning, who hung up his cleats for good at the end of the 2015 season, turned 47 on Friday.
It’s been a quarter century since Manning was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. Picked one spot ahead of Washington quarterback Ryan Leaf, Manning clearly rewarded the Colts for their faith in him. He quickly helped the Colts become one of the NFL‘s top teams while leading the franchise to its first title since moving to Indianapolis at the end of the 2006 season. Late in his career, Manning did similar magic in Denver while helping the Broncos win Super Bowl 50.
In celebration of his birthday, here are five fast facts on Manning, who was better known as “The Sheriff” during his 18 years as an NFL quarterback.
1. Record setter
At the time of his retirement, Manning held several NFL records that included the most career passing yards (71,940) and career touchdown passes (539). Tom Brady and Drew Brees have since passed Manning in both categories, with Brady currently No. 1 all-time in career passing yards and touchdown passes.
Manning is still the owner one the NFL’s most prolific single passing season, however. In 2013 (his second season in Denver), Manning set still-standing single-season records with 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns. He started that season with seven touchdown passes against the defending Super Bowl champion Ravens. Manning threw at least two touchdowns in all but one game that season and had at least three touchdown passes a whopping 11 times.
Manning was also the first starting quarterback to win Super Bowls with two different franchises. Brady joined Manning in the exclusive club after leading Tampa Bay to a win in Super Bowl LV.
2. One record he’s like to see broken
It’s safe to say that Manning would love to see someone break his record for the most interceptions thrown by a rookie. Manning’s 28 interceptions in 1998 remains the highest total by a rookie in league history.
People often forget that Manning also set then-records for the most passing yards and touchdown passes by a rookie. That season, Manning threw for 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns while leading the NFL with 575 pass attempts. His favorite target that season was Marshall Faulk, who was traded to…
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