UT quarterback (1994–97) and honors student (elected to Phi Beta Kappa), Peyton Manning graduated in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in speech communication (then in the College of Arts and Sciences). He was the number 1 draft pick in the NFL (going to the Indianapolis Colts) in 1998. The street leading from Volunteer Boulevard to Neyland Stadium was renamed Peyton Manning Pass by the Knoxville City Council in spring 1997 at the request of Mayor Victor Ashe. He was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy and was the national scholar athlete of the year. In 1995 he was chosen as one of the three finalists for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, presented annually (since 1977) to the nation’s top quarterback by the Davey O’Brien Foundation of Fort Worth, Texas, and in 1997 he was the recipient of the award. In 1997 he was the recipient of the John Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented annually (since 1987) to the nation’s top senior quarterback by the John Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation of Louisville, Kentucky. In 1997 he was the recipient of the Maxwell Award, presented annually (since 1937) to the nation’s top college football player by the Maxwell Football Club of Philadelphia. In 1997 he was named SEC Player of the Year by the coaches of the Southeastern Conference, an award which has been given since 1933. In 1998 he was the recipient of the Sullivan Award—named for Joseph E. Sullivan, the founder of the Amateur Athletic Union—which is presented annually (since 1930) to the nation’s top amateur athlete.
His jersey (but not his Number 16) was retired by the university in ceremonies at the 1998 Orange and White Game. His number was retired October 29, 2005. In 2004 he was named pro football’s Offensive Player of the Year. In 2008 he announced a $1 million gift to the Campaign for Tennessee to support the renovation of Neyland Stadium and also received UT’s Jim and Natalie Haslam Presidential Medal. The award was accepted for him by his wife, Ashley, since Peyton was practicing for a Colts game. In 2010 he established the Peyton Manning Communications Enrichment Endowment in the College of Communication and Information.
Manning played for the Colts from 1998 to 2011, missing the entire 2011 season because of two neck surgeries. He was released by the Colts on March 7, 2012, and signed with the Denver Broncos on March 20, 2012. He was named the 2012 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He has five times been named League MVP, has played in four Super Bowls, and won two (2006 and 2015). Manning announced his retirement from the NFL on March 7, 2016.