Peyton Manning: The Choke Artist?

Peyton Manning has, over his 17 years of playing in the NFL, become a household name. His career started with the Indianapolis Colts who drafted him out of the 1998 NFL draft as the Number 1 overall pick for his outstanding performance in college at the University of Tennessee. He won the the 1997 SEC Championship in his senior season but went on to begin his career as a choke artist in the 1997 Orange Bowl, losing to the Cornhuskers 42-17… what a blow out.

In his Rookie season he was called upon to lead the Indianapolis Colts. He did so in, frankly, rookie fashion. Boasting a 3-13 sadsack season… However, he did tie a rookie record, throwing three touchdown passes in one game!

To clear the air a little, I respect what Peyton Manning has accomplished as a quarterback. His rap sheet is among the most impressive among all players in NFL history. Here’s just a taste of his personal records and accolades.

MOST CAREER TOUCHDOWN PASSES: 530

MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES IN A SEASON: 55

14 SEASONS WITH OVER 4000 PASSING YARDS

7 TOUCHDOWN PASSES IN ONE GAME

But, let’s look at his post season resume, after all, who cares about stats if you can’t win a championship… well he does have ONE SUPERBOWL… 

Peyton has a sub.500 11-12 record in his postseason career, with his incredible regular season numbers, its hard to imagine how he hasn’t reached more success.

He also has many losses to worse teams in the postseason: 2005 Peyton and his Colts lost to the Steelers or his more recent loss to Flacco’s Ravens with Denver. Not to mention his many losses to Tom Brady, one of the most winningest quarterbacks in NFL history… So, long story short, Peyton needed a win against Andrew Luck and the Colts to secure his place in that top tier of super elite quarterbacks (Joe Montanna, Terry Bradshaw, Dan Marino, etc).

But… He choked.

It just goes to show you that some players aren’t meant for true greatness. Unfortunately Manning, even after multiple neck surgeries, is not one of them.