The Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee voted Jan. 19 on which five Modern-Era finalists will join the Hall's Class of 2021, but the results have yet to be announced. As we — impatiently — wait to learn who will be inducted into Canton this fall, we're taking a look at some of the most important numbers that suggest why John Lynch and Peyton Manning belong in the Hall of Fame.
We continue with Manning, who is a finalist for the first year and is widely expected to be among this year's class of enshrinees.
5
Manning earned an NFL-record five MVP awards during his career. He is part of an elite group of athletes that have won at least five MVPs including Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Gordie Howe, Wayne Gretzky and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Barry Bonds won seven National League MVP awards, but baseball does not recognize a league-wide MVP.
539
Manning's 539 career touchdown passes were the most in NFL history at the time of his retirement, as were his 71,940 passing yards. He posted 140 touchdowns and 17,112 passing yards in just four seasons in Denver. He holds the Broncos' single-season record for most passing yards and ranks second in franchise history in career passing yards, completions and touchdown passes. Manning also ranks first in franchise history in completion percentage. Tom Brady and Drew Brees have since surpassed his career totals.
55
Manning's MVP season in 2013 was highlighted by an NFL-record 55 touchdown passes that season. Manning first broke Dan Marino's long-standing record in 2004 in Indianapolis and then reclaimed the record from Brady in 2013. Manning threw for an NFL record 5,477 yards during his final MVP campaign.
200
Manning's 200 combined regular-season and playoff wins also ranked first in NFL history at the time of his retirement. Manning won 50 total games during his four-year stint.
14
Manning earned 14 Pro Bowl nods during his 18-year career, which is tied with Brady for the highest total in NFL history.
7
Manning earned seven first-team All-Pro nods, including two in Denver. Only Otto Graham has equaled that number of first-team selections at the quarterback position.
18
Manning played 18 seasons in the NFL, including his final four with the Broncos. He was named the Comeback Player of the Year in 2012 and led the Broncos to playoff appearances in all four of his seasons in Denver. His .789 winning percentage is the highest for a Broncos quarterback with at least 25 starts.
1
Manning is the only quarterback in NFL history to lead two separate franchises to Super Bowl titles. He won Super Bowl XLI with the Colts before guiding the Broncos to a Super Bowl 50 title. He made another appearance with each of the teams, as well. Manning could soon share this honor, as Brady could become the second quarterback to accomplish the feat this season.
10
Manning is one of 10 quarterbacks named to the NFL 100, which was designed to celebrate the best players in NFL history. Manning joins Brady, Sammy Baugh, John Elway, Brett Favre, Otto Graham, Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Roger Staubach and Johnny Unitas on the team.
3
Manning would be just the third first-ballot Hall of Famer in Broncos history, joining Elway and Champ Bailey.
