Peyton Manning: 10 iconic moments from his NFL career

After a stellar career at the University of Tennessee, Peyton Manning was selected first overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. The debate going into the draft was whether Manning or Washington State University Ryan Leaf would be selected first. Leaf went to the San Diego Chargers at pick #2, and never developed into an NFL-caliber quarterback.

After some initial struggles, Manning soon became known for perfecting the “hurry-up” offense, determining the next play to run without the need for a traditional huddle behind the line of scrimmage. This confused and wore down defenses who could not keep up.

Whenever Peyton Manning and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (right) played one another, it was must-see TV in the United States. They met 17 times over the years, including five times in the playoffs. The two quarterbacks won a combined six Super Bowls. Brady holds the edge in the rivalry, winning the matchup 11 times.

After struggling in the playoffs for many years, Manning and the Colts came together and won Super Bowl XLI in the pouring rain in Miami Gardens, Florida. Manning threw for 247 yards and one touchdown en route to the 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears. Manning was named the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Manning took the Colts to the Super Bowl again three years later. But a late interception by Tracy Porter for a 74-yard touchdown sealed Super Bowl XLIV for the New Orleans Saints, 31-17. Manning threw for 333 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Neck surgeries kept Manning off the field for all of 2011, and he was released by the Colts after the end of the season. He was picked up by the Denver Broncos on March 20, 2012 on a five-year contract.

Peyton was not the only Manning in the NFL. His father, Archie, played for the New Orleans Saints, Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings. His younger brother, Eli (left), is the current quarterback with the New York Giants, taking them to two Super Bowl victories. Peyton won all three match-ups against Eli.

The worst night of Manning’s career was easily Super Bowl XLVIII. From the first snap that flew over his head and into the endzone for a safety, it was clear this was not his or the Broncos' night. He threw two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, as the Seattle Seahawks won the game, 43-8.

Already considered one of the top quarterbacks of all-time, Manning broke Brett Favre's all-time touchdown pass record with his 509th touchdown pass on October 19, 2014. He ends his career with 539 touchdown throws (regular season), 71,940 yards thrown for (regular season), and 200 wins (regular season and playoffs), all of them tops in NFL history.

Though his final season was marred by more injuries, Manning, along with the top defense in the league, won Super Bowl 50 in his final game under center. The Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers in Santa Clara, California, 24-10.