Peyton Manning elected to Broncos Ring of Fame

In what was presumably one of the easiest votes the selection committee has ever had, Peyton Manning has been elected to the Denver Broncos Ring of Famer, the team announced on Wednesday.

The vote comes on the heels of Manning’s first-ballot election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in February, as he joins Champ Bailey as the only Broncos to receive both honors in the same year.

“It comes as no surprise that Peyton Manning was unanimously elected as the 35th member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame,” said Broncos president and CEO Joe Ellis in a release. “His four seasons in Denver were marked by record-setting individual success and exceptional leadership that helped the Broncos to multiple Super Bowls and one of the winningest periods in team history.”

In a statement released by the Broncos on Wednesday, Manning said he feels “incredibly honored” to be elected to the Ring of Fame, calling it a “special fraternity.”

“From Floyd Little to Karl Mecklenburg to Steve Atwater to many others, I’ve always looked up at the names around the stadium and admired the great players the Broncos have had over the years,” Manning said. “I’m very humbled to now join them as a Ring of Famer.”

Manning credited his teammates, coaches, staff and all of Broncos Country for the “heckuva run” Denver had during his tenure, ensuring his decision to sign with the club was the right one.

“It ended up being a great decision to come here not only to play for the Broncos but to be part of this special community,” Manning said “Denver is a destination city. Our family is proud to call Denver our home and live in this community even after football.

“I’m very appreciative and grateful for my time with the Broncos. It’s a tremendous honor to be named to the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.”

During Manning’s four years in Denver, the Broncos had the most total wins (55) and highest winning percentage (.764) of any team in the NFL during that period.

After joining the Broncos as a free agent in March 2012 following 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Manning led Denver to records of 13-3, 13-3, 12-4 and 12-4 from, becoming the first quarterback in team history to be a part of four consecutive AFC West titles.

During that four-year span, the Broncos made two Super Bowl appearances, coming away with a world championship in Super Bowl 50.

In 2013, Manning had perhaps the most prolific season of any quarterback in NFL history en route to his fifth MVP honors. That year, Manning set single-season NFL records for touchdown passes (55) and passing yards (5,477) at the helm of the highest-scoring offense in league history (37.9 points per game).

“When Peyton arrived in 2012, his impact and standard was felt throughout our team, the entire organization and in the community. Coming back from a serious injury — with a new team in a new city — to not only win MVP but to have one of the greatest single seasons ever by any player was a remarkable feat,” Ellis said.

“Peyton defined greatness as a Bronco. We’re thrilled that he will now join the other Broncos legends as our newest Ring of Famer.”

Along with being a Colorado Sports Hall of Famer, Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer and Tennessee Sports Hall of Famer, Manning was inducted into the Colts Ring of Honor in 2017.

Manning’s induction ceremony into the Broncos Ring of Fame is set Sunday, Oct. 31 when the Broncos take on the Washington Football Team at Empower Field at Mile High.