Throwing touchdown passes is what Peyton Manning has done well for a long time. (
The sports world paused to congratulate Peyton Manning on Sunday.
The Denver Broncos quarterback broke Brett Favre’s mark when he threw the 509th scoring pass of his career in the second quarter Sunday night in the Broncos’ 42-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers, an 8-yarder to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. In the third quarter, Manning added his 510th on a 40-yard connection with Thomas.
The Broncos compiled congratulatory messages from current and former NFL luminaries:
Brett Favre, the former record-holder
“I want to say congratulations for breaking the touchdown record — I’m not surprised. You’ve been a wonderful player and I’ve enjoyed watching you play, I’ve enjoyed competing against you. I wish you a great success for the rest of the season and the rest of your career. But again, congratulations.”
Dan Marino, Hall of Fame quarterback
“Peyton, congratulations on breaking the touchdown record. You deserve it, you’re a true pro. Congratulations and enjoy.”
Fran Tarkenton, Hall of Fame quarterback
“Well, Peyton, it’s official. Your ducks have crossed the end zone more than anybody else’s. But really, congratulations, nobody has ever played the quarterback position better than you have. It’s been a pleasure to sit back every Sunday and watch you play. People love to debate, ‘Who is the greatest quarterback, the greatest player?’ It’s impossible to compare across all the generations and eras. But I know this, nobody can ever leave Peyton Manning out of that discussion about who is the greatest quarterback. Congratulations, Peyton.”
Y.A. Tittle, Hall of Fame quarterback
“I’m congratulating you on breaking the record, 509 touchdown passes. That’s a lot. … I’m sure happy a Southern boy still holds the record.”
Sonny Jurgensen, Hall of Fame quarterback
“This is Sonny Jurgensen. Peyton, I’d just like to congratulate you on your 509th touchdown pass. That’s quite an accomplishment.”
John Elway, Hall of Fame quarterback and Broncos general manager
“Five hundred and nine touchdown passes is a tribute to what Peyton Manning is all about and what he’s been through his whole career. It’s just an unbelievable feat, but the one thing I would think is I’m planning on him having a lot more touchdown passes. So we’re not just going to be happy with his 509, but it truly is a tremendous feat that Peyton has accomplished.”
Tom Brady, New England Patriots quarterback
“Congratulations, Peyton, on your touchdown record, a great achievement. We’ll see you in a few weeks.”
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints quarterback
“Hey, Peyton, just wanted to congratulate you on breaking the career touchdown mark. You continue to set the bar for the rest of us and you optimize what it means to be a quarterback and a leader in this league and we thank you for that.”
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers quarterback
“Peyton congratulations for breaking the all-time touchdown record. It’s an incredible feat. The way you conduct yourself on and off the field speaks volumes about the amount of respect you have among the fans, your teammates, your coaches, and your peers, like myself. I’m proud to know you, I’m proud to compete against you, and it’s an incredible record, buddy. Congrats.”
Tony Dungy, Manning’s former coach with the Indianapolis Colts
“Congratulations, Peyton, on breaking the all-time record for touchdown passes. I couldn’t be more proud of you. Still think back to 12 years ago the first one that I saw live, a quick short pass to Qadry Ismail. I remember saying, ‘Boy this is going to be a lot of fun” and little did I know at that time that you’d throw 397 more and break this record, but I know it’s not over. I hope you throw a couple hundred more touchdown passes as a Bronco. Keep it going, congratulations, and God bless.”
Brandon Stokley, former Broncos receiver
“Congratulations, Peyton. It’s a great honor, and it was a great privilege to play with you. I’m glad I played a little part in it and I’m glad I got to spend a lot of time as your teammate and more importantly as your friend. It was awesome to be a part of it. Congrats, couldn’t happen to a better person and a better teammate.”
Jeff Saturday, Manning’s former center with the Indianapolis Colts
“Congratulations on setting the record, what an incredible accomplishment! It was an honor to play with you and be a part of some of those touchdowns. Not only are you a great football player, but an even better friend. The Saturday family cheers for you each and every Sunday and we’re looking forward to many more touchdowns.”
Among other reaction on Twitter:
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers forward
Congrats on the GREAT Peyton Manning on breaking the All-Time TD record!! #Legend #OneOfTheGreats
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder forward
Congrats to the great Peyton Manning! We take him for granted because he’s so consistent but we are witnessing a living legend!
Emmitt Smith, Hall of Fame running back
Congratulations to Peyton Manning on 509 what a great career.
