Peyton Manning’s name is no stranger to sports enthusiasts. From college football greatness with the Tennessee Volunteers to a legendary NFL career that saw him win two Super Bowls and earn five league MVP awards, Manning’s football résumé is already etched into the fabric of American sports history. Now, the icon has added yet another remarkable milestone to his legacy — being named one of TIME 100’s most influential people in sports. This isn’t just another accolade for the shelves of a man who has won just about every individual award football has to offer; it’s a recognition that solidifies his cultural imprint and expands his legacy beyond touchdowns, records, and Super Bowl rings.
To be selected as one of TIME magazine’s most influential people in sports means that your impact stretches far beyond the game itself. Manning’s inclusion is not simply because of his greatness on the field, but because of the way he has shaped the narrative of what it means to be an athlete in the modern era. His influence spans leadership, philanthropy, media, and community-building — all wrapped in the warm, affable persona that fans and fellow athletes have come to know and admire.
Manning’s journey to this honor began long before his NFL dominance. It truly started in Knoxville, Tennessee, where as a Vol, he became one of the most beloved athletes in college football history. While many thought he might jump to the NFL early, Manning surprised the country by returning for his senior year in 1997, opting to finish his education and help the Volunteers chase glory. That decision wasn’t just about football — it spoke volumes about his character, maturity, and leadership. In today’s fast-paced sports culture, where stars often exit early for professional opportunities, Manning’s decision to return for his senior year remains one of the most respected choices in college football history.
His time at Tennessee was defined by unmatched excellence. Manning threw for over 11,000 yards and 89 touchdowns during his college career, but statistics alone don’t tell the full story. He embodied everything the program stood for: dedication, toughness, sportsmanship, and class. He elevated not just the program but the entire Southeastern Conference during his era, and his influence helped boost Tennessee’s national profile. Years after leaving the university, Manning has remained a pillar of the Vols community. He donates, mentors, returns for games, and has never hidden his love for Rocky Top. It’s rare that an athlete maintains such a strong connection to his alma mater, but with Manning, it feels more like family than tradition.
After college came the NFL, where Manning evolved from a promising prospect into one of the greatest quarterbacks in league history. With the Indianapolis Colts and later the Denver Broncos, Manning redefined quarterbacking in the modern age. His audibles at the line of scrimmage became legendary — the “Omaha” cadence still echoes in football lore. But even more than the plays and passes, it was Manning’s obsessive preparation, his control of the game, and his ability to uplift his teammates that made him so extraordinary. He wasn’t just a quarterback; he was a general, a coach on the field, and eventually, an icon of professional sports.
However, Manning’s post-retirement influence may be what ultimately sealed his place on the TIME 100 list. In the years since hanging up his cleats, Manning has become a cultural mainstay, a statesman for the sport of football, and a media personality with unmatched credibility. His work on ESPN’s “ManningCast” alongside brother Eli has breathed new life into how fans consume Monday Night Football. The show is informative, entertaining, and wildly popular — helping even casual fans understand the nuances of the game while keeping them engaged with humor and insight. It has shown another side of Manning — not just the intense competitor, but the charming, intelligent commentator who can balance analysis with personality. That duality is rare, and it’s why fans love him as much now as they did when he played.
Then there’s Manning’s deep commitment to philanthropy. The PeyBack Foundation, established in 1999, has provided millions of dollars in grants to programs that support disadvantaged youth. Manning’s foundation has impacted communities in Indiana, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Colorado — all regions tied to his playing career. The causes range from after-school programs to leadership development to health and wellness. Manning’s approach has always been holistic; he doesn’t just write checks. He visits, he listens, he helps strategize. His charitable work is grounded in authenticity, and that’s why it resonates so powerfully. He’s not just giving back — he’s investing in the future.
Even in his public appearances and speeches, Manning continues to demonstrate why he’s more than just a sports figure. Whether he’s delivering a heartfelt tribute at a Hall of Fame ceremony or making an audience laugh on Saturday Night Live, he strikes a perfect balance between gravity and levity. He’s someone people look to not just for football commentary, but for leadership and moral clarity in a time when those qualities can often feel elusive.
When TIME 100 recognized Peyton Manning, they were not simply listing another athlete who achieved greatness on the field. They were acknowledging a man whose entire career has been defined by influence — on teammates, on fans, on communities, and on the sport itself. Manning has become a template for how athletes can leverage their platforms for meaningful impact. In an age where sports icons are increasingly judged by what they stand for off the field as much as what they do on it, Manning stands as a beacon.
The list also places Manning among a cross-section of the global sports elite — people who transcend their arenas to become change agents. Whether it’s Serena Williams breaking barriers, LeBron James building schools, or Lionel Messi bridging cultures, TIME 100’s sports section is reserved for those whose reach stretches beyond stadiums. Manning fits seamlessly in that company, not because he sought influence, but because he earned it through consistency, integrity, and excellence across decades.
For Tennessee fans, this recognition feels like a shared victory. The bond between Peyton and the Volunteers community is unique — it’s not just about wins or Heisman snubs. It’s about identity. Manning gave the program national credibility, but more importantly, he gave it heart. Even today, when he returns to Neyland Stadium, the energy is electric. Fans of all generations stand and cheer, not just because of what he did, but because of who he is.
