While everyone agrees that Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, here are some of the reasons:
No. 1 draft pick (Colts, 1998)
Played 18 seasons
Led teams to an NFL-record 15 playoff appearances
NFL’s only five-time Most Valuable Player
14 Pro Bowl selections are tied for the most in league history
NFL all-time record holder in career touchdown passes (539)
NFL all-time record holder in passing yards (71,940)
NFL single-season records in passing touchdowns (55) and passing yards (5,477)
Played in 4 Super Bowls, won two. Named Super Bowl MVP (2003).
One of 3 quarterbacks (Craig Morton & Kurt Warner) to pilot multiple teams to a Super Bowl (Indianapolis—2006, ‘09; Denver—2013, '15). Only quarterback in NFL history to lead two teams to a Super Bowl victory (Super Bowl XLI, 50)
186 regular-season victories (tied with Brett Favre for most all time)
Leads NFL with 200 combined regular-season and playoff wins by a starting quarterback
54 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime since 1970 merger