Where Did NFL Legend Peyton Manning Go To College?

It’s obvious that the NFL builds up future pro-football stars. Although, it’s rather rare to see a star cementing the NFL legacy in his tenure. One is the legendary QB, Peyton Manning, who shaped the League in his illustrious career. While fans may be aware of his experience in the NFL, few are aware of his success in college. But where did the icon finish his education?

Peyton hails from a family which has deep roots in the gridiron. His father, Archie Manning, had a solid career in the National Football League, most notably as the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. Cooper Manning, the eldest Manning brother, served as a guide to his younger siblings and succeeded as a wide receiver in high school. He also became an All-State by his senior year. Eli, Peyton’s younger brother, also was an NFL quarterback and captained the New York Giants.

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Peyton Manning was by far the most highly trumpeted quarterback in the country at that time. Many expected him to follow his father and brother, Eli, to Ole Miss, the University of Mississippi. It was a prestigious football school with a proven track record of turning elite high school athletes into top NFL draft picks.

However, Peyton deviated from his father’s route and enrolled at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He opted for a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication.

Tennessee became the ideal venue for Manning to exhibit his inherent abilities. Manning’s game strengthened under the tutelage of coach Phillip Fulmer, as did his aptitude for leadership effectiveness.

Manning had earned sufficient college credits to qualify by his sophomore year. His excellent stats as an All-American garnered the attention of the NFL. He had 11,201 passing yards, 863 complete passes, and 89 touchdowns.

Again defying expectations, he opted to remain at the University of Tennessee for his senior year rather than enter the 1997 NFL draft, sacrificing a potential first-round pick and a guaranteed signing bonus. Instead, he went off campus to enjoy his last year, where he formed connections he treasures to this very day.

Peyton Manning continues to defy expectations

Manning founded Omaha Productions. For now, he is capitalizing on the success of his ESPN+/NFL Films program ‘Peyton’s Places.’ Based on the presentation, he will next design programs for other well-known athletes. He will return for another season of ESPN+’s NFL film. He continues to make media appearances and has been flourishing immensely, being one of the most popular figures in sports media.

Even though Peyton is now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he examines everything before deciding what would be a great replacement or moving on to somewhere else. His most recent project can be a winner. Now, time will tell.

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