Fansided

Peyton Manning named Sports Illustrated’s 2013 Sportsman of the Year

By Peter Smith

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Dec 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

In between controversies about whether or not he can play in the cold, Peyton Manning has apparently scrounged up enough production to warrant being named Sports Illustrated’s Sportman of the Year.  With two games left to play, Manning has amassed an incredible 4,811 yards passing and 47 touchdowns.  The Denver Broncos are currently 11-3 and playing for seeding in the playoffs at this point.

The Sportsman of the Year seems to be the one accolade Manning has not already won.  He joins other quarterbacks over the past decade including Tom Brady (2005), Brett Favre (2007), and Drew Brees (2010).

The award and feature in Sports Illustrated has existed since 1954 and was first awarded to Roger Bannister, the first person in history to have had a recorded four minute mile.  It has a reputation of going outside the box and being a conversation piece with choices like the 2004 Boston Red Sox, The U.S. Women’s Soccer team in 1999 and Lance Armstrong in 2002.

Manning joins an impressive group of people that have shaped the world of sports over the past several decades.

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