NEW ORLEANS –On the same night that quarterback Peyton Manning earned the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year Award, he was also recognized as the FedEx Air Player of the Year.
Manning was nominated for five FedEx Air Player of the Week honors and won the award in Week 17.
"This is a great honor to win the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Year," Manning said. "The best part about this award is that it's voted on by the fans. That means a great deal. I'm truly honored to win this award. I want to thank FedEx for honoring me with this award."
The four-time NFL MVP was named a starter for the AFC Pro Bowl squad to mark the 12th career All-Star selection, which represents a record among quarterbacks.
Manning finished the season with 4,659 yards on 400-of-583 passing with 37 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions. His team records were in touchdown passes, completions, passing yards and completion percentage (68.6). His season passer rating of 105.9 was also a team record.
He passed Hall of Famer Dan Marino for the second-most wins by a starting quarterback in NFL history in addition to overtaking Brett Favre for the most career games with at least three touchdown passes during the 2012 season.
Manning led the team to 11 straight wins en route to a 13-3 regular-season record as the
Broncos earned the No. 1 seed the AFC playoffs.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers were the other finalists for the award.
FedEx will make a $25,000 donation in Manning's name to Junior Achievement offices. The funding is used to help U.S. small business development by educating the next generation of entrepreneurs on how to start and grow their own businesses.
"I think it's a great statement by FedEx to try to help our young people and help the generation of tomorrow," Manning said. "I know that the Denver Junior Achievement Organization will greatly appreciate this donation and I'm proud that it's in my name. It truly has been a double pleasure receiving this award and also knowing that there is some money going to good use in Denver."
