Manning leads Hall of Fame class
Peyton Manning, whose career highlight was breaking through with a Super Bowl victory over the Bears, was one of eight people selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Manning is the star of a loaded class that includes former defensive back Charles Woodson and wide receiver Calvin Johnson.
Manning is third all-time in touchdown passes (539) and yards passing (71,940) and made the Pro Bowl 14 times in 17 years. After a stellar run with the Colts, capped by winning Super Bowl XLI, he had two All-Pro seasons and won a Super Bowl with the Broncos.
Woodson is tied for fifth with 65 career interceptions. After beating out Manning for the 1997 Heisman Trophy, he was a four-time All-Pro cornerback for the Packers and Raiders before shifting to safety late in his career.
Johnson was nicknamed “Megatron” because he was so unstoppable and made the Hall of Fame despite retiring after just nine seasons. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and piled up 731 receptions, 11,619 yards and 83 TD catches.
They will be joined by former Buccaneers safety John Lynch, Cowboys wide receiver Drew Pearson, Steelers guard Alan Faneca, Raiders coach Tom Flores and journalist/scout Bill Nunn.
The Hall of Fame pushed its 2020 ceremony back a year and will enshrine both classes in separate events this summer.
The Hall of Famers were revealed at the NFL Honors, where the Associated Press’ awards are announced. Aaron Rodgers won his third MVP, Titans running back Derrick Henry won Offensive Player of the Year, Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald won Defensive Player of the Year, the Browns’ Kevin Stefanski won Coach of the Year and Russell Wilson won Walter Payton Man of the Year.