1. Peyton Manning — Quarterback
Dec 2 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) signals in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee Volunteer from 1994-1997
Drafted with the 1st overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 1998
Current team: Denver Broncos
Who else could possibly be number one on this list?
Peyton Manning will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, if not the greatest. Manning directs the action on the field like a general. He’s constantly checking defenses, adjusting protections and changing plays at the line of scrimmage. Peyton is a joy to watch as he works his magic on the football field.
If there’s any doubt let’s take a short look at some of Manning’s career accomplishments.
- 12 time pro-bowl selection
- 4 time NFL mvp
- Pro-bowl mvp (2004)
- Super Bowl XLI champion and mvp
- 6 time first team All-pro
Besides those accomplishments, Manning holds several Colts franchise records including: passing touchdowns, completions and passing yards among others.
Manning missed all of the 2011 season due to neck surgery. A lot of analysts speculated that his career may be over.
After being released by the Colts, Manning went on to sign with the Denver Broncos. In route to guiding the Broncos to the playoffs in 2012, Manning was named NFL comeback player of the year.
Manning has become somewhat the face of not only the quarterback position, but the NFL as well, appearing in various commercials, hosting Saturday Night Live and just being an all around great ambassador for the game.
Peyton Manning is one of the most famous NFL players of all time, one of the true greats to play the game. It would be hard to think of a better former Vol to represent the University of Tennessee.