Peyton Manning's career hasn't always been a smooth ride. And especially not at the beginning. In 1998, for his first NFL campaign, the quarterback selected first by the Colts threw more interceptions than touchdowns.
28 interceptions in total. It was a record for a rookie, and it still is.
Even the move to 17 games per season didn't help Manning lose that dismal record. But he doesn't lose hope.
“My rookie season wasn't a very fun year. We know how many interceptions I threw. If one of these rookies wants to break my interception record, that's fine with me. I don't want it to be Bo Nix, but I'd like it off my resume. You would think with 17 games they would have done it. It's 28. It shouldn't be that hard. But it doesn't matter, I got over it. »
The reference to Bo Nix is obviously because Manning is a former Broncos, and he would not wish harm on the franchise that introduced him into its Ring of Fame.
Peyton Manning's unbeatable record?
Perhaps what's most incredible is that Manning seems almost untouchable when it comes to interceptions in a rookie season. Behind him in this ranking are DeShone Kizer (22), Geno Smith (21), Mark Sanchez (20) and Matthew Stafford (20), who are relatively far behind.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, JJ McCarthy or Bo Nix therefore do not seem particularly in danger of beating Manning.
“Experience is the best way”
If one of them started throwing that many interceptions, he'd probably be benched. Which is not necessarily Peyton Manning's preferred option.
The Hall of Famer is not in the camp of those who think a rookie should watch from the bench during his first year.
“I think experience is the best way to learn. It's a marathon, not a sprint. I finished my rookie season with 3 wins and 13 losses and I didn't play well. We finished with 13 wins and 3 losses the following year. This couldn't have happened if I hadn't played and gone through those struggles and thrown those interceptions. It made me realize, “Okay, I can't do that, these guys are fast. » We record. »
Peyton Manning brings up his NFL rookie-interception record: “I mean, if any one of these rookies wanted to break my interception record, I'd be for it. I don't want Bo (Nix) to break it, but I'd like to get that one off my resume. You'd think with 17 games …” pic.twitter.com/wDLJLMTSLx
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) May 23, 2024
