Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas caught the pass, marking the second time Thomas was directly involved in crafting a historic moment for Manning. In 2013, Thomas caught Manning’s record-setting 51st touchdown pass of the season. Sometimes lightning really does strike twice.
Manning didn’t stop at his 500th career touchdown pass, he also ticked off numbers 501, 502, and 503. Favre’s record stands at 508, totally within reach.
Fun Facts:
– Manning threw his very first NFL touchdown pass on September 6, 1998. Yes, Manning’s first TD pass came against the man who held the touchdown record at the time, Dan Marino. The Indianapolis Colts lost that game to the Miami Dolphins.
– To reach 500 touchdowns, Patriots QB Tom Brady would have to maintain his 32.4 touchdowns per year average through 2018.
– It took Manning 49 fewer games than it took Favre to reach this milestone.
– Manning has as many TD passes in his career as the Cleveland Browns do since 1983. That’s 16 years vs. 31 years. Yikes, Cleveland Browns.
Needless to say, Manning’s most recent feat is a big deal. Check out the fireworks and the crowd’s infectious enthusiasm captured by this fan video!
The 38-year-old football star remained humble and thanked those who have aided him throughout his storied career. The man is a class act and has definitely cemented his position as one of the greatest football players of all time. The best part, his career is nowhere close to being over.
Congrats, Mr. Manning.
