Peyton Manning’s NFL career has been marked by Super Bowl victories with the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos.
However, Manning’s success extended to his college football days, where his standout performance as a high school quarterback made him highly sought after.
The question arises: Did the retired NFL star secure the Heisman Trophy during his college career?
No, Peyton Manning has never won the Heisman trophy. But he came close in 1997 while playing for the Tennessee Volunteers. He compiled a massive 3,819 passing yards and delivered 36 touchdown passes. However, Charles Woodson won that year with 1,815 points, while Manning came second with 1,543 points.
Has Peyton Manning Ever Won the Coveted Heisman Trophy?
Peyton Manning stands as an iconic figure in the realm of American football. Born on March 24, 1976, in cozy New Orleans, Louisiana, Manning is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the storied history of the National Football League (NFL).
Manning’s illustrious career includes triumphant Super Bowl victories, notably as the quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts (2007) and the Denver Broncos (2016).
However, there exists an intriguing chapter in his football journey where he narrowly missed the Heisman Trophy during his collegiate tenure with the Tennessee Volunteers.
Arriving at the University of Tennessee as a freshman in 1994, Manning quickly made waves in the world of college football. In his initial Heisman campaign, he earned a respectable sixth-place finish in the 1995 Heisman voting, signaling his emergence as a formidable talent.
The following year, Manning maintained his Heisman aspirations, securing an eighth-place finish, demonstrating his consistent excellence.
The pinnacle of Manning’s collegiate career materialized during the 1997 season when he came tantalizingly close to being crowned the nation’s best player.
This remarkable season witnessed Manning leading the Tennessee Volunteers to an impressive 11-1 regular-season record, a defining moment culminating in a dramatic 30-29 victory over Auburn in the SEC championship game.
Manning’s tenure as a starter culminated with a stellar 39-6 record, a testament to his leadership and prowess. His 1997 performance was nothing short of extraordinary.
The two-time Super Bowl champion compiled an impressive 3,819 passing yards and delivered 36 touchdown passes, propelling his team to claim the coveted SEC Championship with an impressive overall record of 11-2.
These accomplishments firmly positioned him as a prime candidate for the Heisman Trophy alongside prominent contenders such as Charles Woodson of Michigan, Randy Moss from Marshall, and Ryan Leaf representing Washington State.
In a historic twist, Charles Woodson made Heisman history by becoming the first primary defensive player to secure the prestigious award, amassing a substantial 1,815 points.
Peyton Manning, despite his remarkable season and overwhelming support, had to settle for the runner-up position with 1,543 points, a decision that continues to stir strong emotions among Volunteers fans.
The outcry against what they perceived as a snub against Manning was so substantial that it prompted passionate protests in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Then-Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer told ESPN in 2022:
“I haven’t paid attention to [the Heisman] or really cared about it since that night in New York City. It’s nothing against [Woodson], either. He was a great player. But as you look back, there were all kinds of dynamics that went into it.”
He further explained and said:
“ABC and ESPN weren’t carrying the SEC back then. They were carrying the Big Ten. The bottom line is the best player in college football didn’t win it that year, and nobody in Tennessee has forgotten or ever will forget.”
However, Manning’s indomitable spirit persevered. He propelled his career to the NFL, etching his name in the annals of football history. His enduring legacy shines brightly in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Notably, Manning’s impact on the University of Tennessee’s football program remains evergreen, as he still holds the excellent record for all-time passing touchdowns and yards.
Though marked by a Heisman near-miss, his journey stands as a testament to his enduring greatness in the realm of football.
What do you think of that unforgettable result in favor of Charles Woodson in 1997? Do you think it was fair?
Let us know your opinions in the comments below.
Source: ESPN
1 Comment
Peyton didn’t win the Heisman, but he’s still a legend.