509 is a big number this week. Manning etched his name on
another page of the history books as he passed Brett Favre’s career TD passing
record. The media has been appropriately slack-jawed. Some brief stats for the
math nerds among us:
Average
passing TD per team per game last season: 1.54
Therefore,
average passing TDs per 16-game season: 24.6
Number of
seasons you would need to play to hit 509 throwing the average: 21.2
Average
years a QB plays in the NFL: 4.4 (a far cry from 21.2)
Number of
NFL players who have played more than 20 seasons: 6
Number of
those players who were not a kicker or punter: 0 (although one was a QB and a
kicker, not sure how that happens)
In other words, statistically it’s highly improbable to get
anywhere close to 500 touchdown passes. Favre had to come out of retirement
about 7 times to reach that milestone. And Manning isn’t done yet.
But the stats tell only half the story. What’s amazing to me
is that Manning has done this year in and year out, no matter who his receivers
are or who the opponent is, and it’s because of his work ethic. He’s notorious
for being the one who spends the most time preparing, watching film, studying
the playbook, coaching the receivers, practicing and practicing and practicing.
He’s respectful, intelligent, humble, and generous. In a world where million
dollar fines for childish behavior are routine, Peyton’s been fined all of once
for a grand total of $8628. Instead, his millions go to support the communities
that have supported him, helping underprivileged kids through the PeyBack
Foundation.
I believe it’s why he makes everyone around him a better
player, why Elway made such a gamble on the unknown, and why the Broncos are
now America’s
favorite team. Who knows where the touchdown record will finally stand, or how
many other records Manning will pass on his road to Canton. He has the numbers to pave the way,
but his legacy will be much more than that, and for good reason.
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