Peyton Manning Early Career

Manning was selected first overall in the 1998 draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He has started every game in his NFL career, missing only one snap due to injury despite sustaining injuries as serious as a broken jaw inflicted by defensive end Lorenzo Bromell. He was the NFL co-MVP in 2003, sharing the honor with then Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair. In 2004, Manning became the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time, signing a $99.2m contract for seven years with a $34.5m signing bonus, an average of $14.17m annually. Under the contract, Manning is also eligible to earn an extra $19m in incentives.
Peyton Manning was the first draft pick of the 1998 NFL Draft, selected by Indianapolis, and started immediately for the team. Manning passed for 3,739 yards with 26 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. He set five different NFL rookie records, including most touchdown passes in a season and was named to the NFL All-Rookie First Team. The Colts finished 3-13.
Prior to the beginning of the 1999 season, the Colts selected running back Edgerrin James during the NFL draft. Manning and James led the team to a 13-3 record, an AFC East championship, and the playoffs. Manning passed for over 4,000 yards and 26 touchdown passes and the team earned a first round bye as the AFC's second seed, behind Jacksonville. In the playoffs the Colts fell 19-16 to the Super Bowl bound Tennessee Titans. Manning completed 19 of 43 passes with no touchdowns.
Manning married his college girlfriend, Ashley Thompson, on March 17, 2001.
In celebration of their stellar careers, Bush and Leinart appeared on the cover of the December 25, 2005 issue of Sports Illustrated; the magazine anointed the pair as the "Best in College Football" in 2005.
Finished 1st in NCAA Division I-A history and with 6,551 all-purpose yards Only 12th player in NCAA history to gain over 2,000 all-purpose yards twice (2,330 yards in 2004 and 2,890 yards in 2005). He was featured on the cover of NCAA Football 2007, released on July 18, 2006.
He was ranked #24 on ESPN's Top 25 Players In College Football History list.
Wikipedia - Peyton Manning