Tennessee football’s five QBs with greatest NFL careers
839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 1994-1997. 1. player. Years in pros: 18. Peyton Manning
Teams played for:
- Indianapolis Colts: 1998-2011
- Denver Broncos: 2012-2015
Obviously, nobody was going to debate this one. Peyton Manning is Tennessee football’s one exception. He was the No. 1 draft pick in 1998 after a stellar college career, becoming the greatest quarterback in school history, winning an SEC title in 1997.
More from All for Tennessee
- How to Win a GUARANTEED $200 Bonus Betting Just $5 on the Vols vs. Florida!
- Tennessee Football at Florida: Five Keys to a Vols Victory
- Week 3 SEC Power Rankings: Did Tennessee Football’s Win Help At All?
- Week 3 AP Polls: Why Did Tennessee Football Drop in the Polls?
- Tennessee Football: Top Five Performers in 30-13 Win vs. Austin Peay
Manning immediately became the starter with the Indianapolis Colts, and despite going 3-13 as a rookie and setting the NFL record for most interceptions in a season, the franchise stayed behind him. As we all know, it paid off just one year later, when Indianapolis went from 3-13 to 13-3 and turned into one of the best teams in the NFL.
Over 13 years, Manning started every game with the Colts, winning four MVPs, reaching two Super Bowls and winning one in the process. He became the greatest quarterback in franchise history and arguably in NFL history. Then, of course, he missed all of 2011 due to four neck surgeries and was cut by the Colts.
As a result Manning went to the Denver Broncos for his second act. He won Comeback Player of the Year in 2012, another MVP in 2013 in which he set the single-season record for passing yards and passing touchdowns, and made two more Super Bowls, winning another one. So his pro career was legendary.
10 Vols who should redshirt in 2020. dark. Next
Unlike Pat Ryan, Manning actually played a lot with Tennessee football and still owns every school passing record. He is Rocky Top’s favorite son, and his pro production simply supplements what he did in college. So him being atop this list isn’t shocking.
For other posts ranking Tennessee football players at specific positions with the greatest NFL careers, please click here.