by MARIAH THOMPSON Staff Writer
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning broke the record for most career passing touchdowns with 509 on October 19, 2014 against the San Francisco 49ers.
The record-breaking touchdown was an eight-yard pass to Demaryius Thomas right before the end of the first half. The touchdown helped the Broncos lead 21-3 going into half-time.
Manning also had two other passing touchdowns, including a three-yard pass to Emmanuel Sanders and a 39-yard pass to Wes Welker, making the record 510 passing touchdowns.
Sophomore Caitlyn Angley said, “I knew he was going to end up breaking the record during that game. He really is a great player and I have been watching him play since I was little. I am happy for him. ”
The Broncos went on to win the game 42-17, bringing their record to 5-1.
That game was Manning’s 246th regular season start.
“I’m very humbled, I’m very honored,” said Manning after his achievement. “I certainly think about how grateful I am for all the teammates and coaches that I’ve played with and played throughout my career, not only in Denver–in Indianapolis and all the people who have helped me along the way.”
Brett Farve was the previous title holder with 508 touchdowns.
Farve played for the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings where he set the bar high.
After his record was broken, Farve tweeted to Manning, “Well deserved Peyton. Congratulations on breaking my record. #Onto600.”
Manning is not the only one in his family connected to the NFL. His brother, Eli Manning, is the quarterback for the New York Giants.
“You never play for individual rewards and records and that type of stuff, but that’s pretty special, the touchdown record,” Eli said. “I think it has an opportunity to stick around for a long, long time.”
This is obviously not Manning’s first time in the spotlight.
Last season, Manning led the Broncos to the Super Bowl after defeating the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. However, the Broncos lost 43-8 to the Seattle Seahawks.
Manning played for the University of Tennessee where he became Tennessee’s all time leading passer, and broke the SEC record for career wins.
He was the first overall draft pick in 1998 to play for the Colts. Even as a rookie, Manning set five rookie records.
He played for the Colts from 1998 to 2011 where he lead them to two Super Bowls.
The 38-year-old quarterback played most of his career for the Indianapolis Colts, but went to Denver in 2012 following a neck injury.
Junior Rico Viani said, “I do not think people expected him to come back as good as he did. I think he is playing even better now then before his injury with the Colts.”
Over his career, Manning has a total of 5,681 completed passes and has a 97.7 percent success rate for passing.
Manning still has 10 games to set the record even higher with more touchdown passes.
What quarterback would you like to see break the record for most career passing touchdowns next?