Through the Years
45 of our favorite Peyton Manning photos for his 45th birthday
To celebrate Peyton Manning's 45th birthday, we picked out 45 photos from his time in Denver that are among our favorites.
After deciding to join the Broncos, Peyton Manning addresses the media during a news conference at the team's headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. The franchise's course would be changed forever.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning relaxes and answers questions in a phone interview after his news conference on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. Never before had Manning been a free agent, and the decision process had been a rigorous one even as he was returning from a neck injury that had sidelined him for the entire 2011 season.
Peyton Manning signs his contract with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen in attendance at the team's headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. The signing would change the course of the franchise.
Peyton Manning signs autographs for fans after practice during 2012 Denver Broncos training camp at South Suburban in Englewood, CO. July 26, 2012. Excitement and anticipation among the fan base reached a fever pitch as the team looked to become an immediate title contender.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning runs out of the tunnel during player introductions prior to kickoff against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 9, 2012. In Manning's first game since the 2010 season, he threw for two touchdowns and zero interceptions and, most importantly, a win.
Denver Broncos Head Coach John Fox and the squad cheer for Peyton Manning after Fox presented Manning with a game ball in the locker room for Manning's 400th and 401st touchdown passes in his career after Denver defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-19 in the game on September 9, 2012.
In the closing minutes, Denver Broncos Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway and Peyton Manning enjoy the team's win 37-6 over the Oakland Raiders on September 30, 2012. In joining the Broncos, Manning followed Elway a the next league-wide star quarterback to play in orange and blue.
Peyton Manning throws deep in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers on October 15, 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium. With some help from timely defensive takeaways, Manning helped lead the Broncos to an incredible comeback after falling behind 24-0 at halftime. Behind his three second-half touchdown passes, the Broncos earned the surprising victory. That game proved to be a fulcrum for Denver. After starting the season 2-3, the Broncos wouldn't lose another regular-season game that year.
Peyton Manning (18) hands the ball to defensive tackle Mitch Unrein (96) after Unrein made a touchdown reception during first quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 2, 2012. Manning threw an awful lot of touchdowns during his time in Denver, most to wide receivers or tight ends. But Unrein shocked the Bucs — and maybe some of his teammates — by coming out of the backfield and catching the touchdown pass unguarded.
In his first season in Denver, Manning proved to be no less capable a passer than he was in Indianapolis. With his complete control at the line of scrimmage, knowledge of the game and passing acuity, Manning immediately set Denver Broncos records. By the end of the 2012 season, Manning had eclipsed the team's previous single-season passing touchdown mark by 10.
Peyton Manning made himself part of the Denver community, too. Here, he played with students during Playworks Denver activities at Whittier Elementary on April 17, 2013.
The shadow of quarterback Peyton Manning is cast on the turf during warmups prior to a preseason on August 8, 2013. It was Manning's attention to detail and constant drive to improve that made him one of the game's greats.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) and quarterback Peyton Manning (18) celebrate a 78-yard touchdown during fourth-quarter action against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5, 2013. The score was Manning's seventh of the day, tying an NFL record for most passing touchdowns in a single game.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) leads the team in a victory huddle in the locker room after Denver defeated the Baltimore Ravens 49-27 in the NFL Kickoff game on September 5, 2013. It was a promising start to the season, and only just a taste of what was to come.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) talks with his brother Eli after the game against the New York Giants at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on September 15, 2013. The Manning brothers always cherished their rare games against one another.
Peyton Manning runs a play-action bootleg for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys on October 6, 2013. During the Broncos' high-scoring season, perhaps no game was more entertaining than this shootout — and no play was more delightful than this one.
Before his first game as a visitor at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2013, Peyton Manning looks at a video tribute to his years in Indianapolis. It was an undeniably emotional experience for Manning and the thousands of Colts fans who loved him, too.
Peyton Manning poses with the Sportsman of the Year trophy with his parent Olivia and Archie Manning at the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Award Ceremony held in the locker room on December 16, 2013.
Peyton Manning and head coach John Fox celebrate Manning's record-setting 51st touchdown of the season during fourth quarter action against the Houston Texans in the NFL game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX on December 22, 2013.
During the Broncos' first playoff game of the 2013 postseason, Peyton Manning threw for two touchdowns against the Chargers as Denver narrowly escaped with a win to reach the AFC Championship Game. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) shakes hands with Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen after action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship on January 19, 2014. This — getting back to the Super Bowl — was what Manning and Bowlen each had in mind when he joined the team almost two years earlier.
Before the team photo ahead of Super Bowl XLVIII, Peyton Manning and Champ Bailey take a photo together. The two future Pro Football Hall of Famers were captains and were instrumental in helping lead Denver back to a Super Bowl.
Peyton Manning gets in the face of Houston Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger after throwing a touchdown in a preseason game on Aug. 23, 2014. Manning was whistled for taunting after the perhaps uncharacteristic outburst. Earlier in the game, Swearinger had connected with Broncos WR Wes Welker on a shoulder-to-head collision, giving Welker a concussion. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) prepares for the snap during the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 7, 2014. The Broncos earned a 31-24 win as Manning beat his former team for the first time. At the time, Manning became just the second player to beat all 32 NFL teams. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) celebrates with wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) after an 86-yard-touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals on October 5, 2014. Manning and Thomas torched the Cardinals; Manning set a career record with 479 passing yards and Thomas set a single-game franchise record with 226 receiving yards. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Peyton Manning throws for his then-record-setting 509th career touchdown on October 19, 2014.
As Manning celebrated his 509th career touchdown pass, his teammates played keep away with the ball as they headed to the sideline.
Denver Broncos fans cheer for quarterback Peyton Manning after setting the NFL record for touchdowns during second quarter action against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, October 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach Greg Knapp defends a young fan as Peyton Manning prepares to throw to him at training camp in 2015. Manning always made time for kids during training camp.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is congratulated by tight end Owen Daniels following a 31-24 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL football game on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015 in Kansas City, Mo. Despite some struggles, Manning helped get the Broncos in position late in the game to tie it before the defense came up with the game-winning touchdown. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
During his recovery from a foot injury, Peyton Manning missed six games. Amid his uncertain status, the Broncos tried to stay on their path to the postseason with leadership from Head Coach Gary Kubiak. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) prepares to enter the game during third-quarter action against the San Diego Chargers in the regular-season finale on January 3, 2016. After turning the ball over several times, the Broncos made the move to reinsert Manning into the offense to find stability. They needed the win to secure their first-round bye in the playoffs and home-field advantage. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) scrambles for a 12 yard gain during third quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship on January 24, 2016. It may not have been 'The Helicopter' but this play showed just how much Manning was willing to put on the line to get the Broncos back to the Super Bowl. His two touchdowns gave the Broncos an early lead, and Denver was able to hold on for the win. Photo by Ben Hays.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) congratulates Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) at midfield after Denver defeated the New England Patriots 20-18 in the AFC Conference Championship on January 24, 2016. In recent history, perhaps no quarterback battle has been greater than the series between these two. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
As the confetti falls, Peyton Manning looks into the crowd after the AFC Championship NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
With the Super Bowl set to begin, Manning watches as a flyover of Blue Angels soars overhead. Super Bowl 50 would prove to be Manning's final game. (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Peyton Manning holds up the Lombardi Trophy during the postgame celebration after beating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 7, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Peyton Manning and DeMarcus Ware pose for a photo with the Lombardi Trophy during the championship parade through downtown Denver on February 9, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
In a speech that was full of the joy and sadness of the moment, Peyton Manning announces his retirement at UCHealth Training Center in Englewood, Colo. March 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Peyton Manning poses for a photo with his Super Bowl ring during the Ring Ceremony at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, June 12, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
In the years since he retired, Peyton Manning and his children have been frequent spectators at Broncos games. They made sure to come to the Broncos' Week 9 game in 2018 to bid farewell to one of their favorite Broncos and dear friends, Demaryius Thomas, who had been traded to the Texans earlier that week.
Peyton Manning and Von Miller's family surprise Miller to announce he's the Broncos' nominee for the 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. Manning won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2005.
Peyton Manning walks out of the tunnel before a game in 2019 as part of the celebration of the Broncos' top 100 team, selected for the NFL's centennial event. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Peyton Manning and John Elway pose for a photo after conducting a film session of "The Drive" from the 1986 AFC Championship during the taping of an episode of Peyton's Places at Empower Field at Mile High on June 26, 2020. In Manning's post-NFL career, he's embraced television production; Peyton's Places unites that interest with his love for football history. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
David Baker tells Peyton Manning he will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, January 22, 2021. Photo by Gabriel Christus
