clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Broncos QB Peyton Manning ranked No. 1 in NFL Network's Top 100 Players series

Yet another accolade for Peyton Manning to add to his collection.

By Jon Heath
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off a record-breaking season in which he threw for 55 touchdowns, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has been named the top player in the NFL by his peers.

Must Reads

One month until football

Jon Heath

Summer is winding down and professional football is on the horizon. In less than one month from today on Thursday, August 7, the Denver Broncos will play their first preseason contest of 2014.

Football returns 

One month until football

NFL Network's Top 100 Players of 2014 series wrapped up on Wednesday evening, with Manning coming in at No. 1. The network's Top 100 series has aired annually since the 2011 offseason, claiming to reveal the top players in the NFL, as voted by the players themselves.

Though several players have publicly questioned if voting is actually done by said players, the process is legitimate, but participation is minimal. Last year, the network received 481 votes from NFL players, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Strangely, NFLN only asks players to list their Top 20 players, causing some rankings to be drastically skewed.

Despite the less than satisfactory method of the voting, coming in No. 1 on any list is nothing to scoff at. In the fourth year of the network's series, Manning has made the list for a fourth time (2nd in 2011, 50th in 2012, 2nd in 2013, and 1st in 2014). Manning was the runner-up to Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson last year.

Behind Manning on the list this year is Lions receiver Calvin Johnson (2), Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (3), Peterson (4), and Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (5). The full list can be viewed on NFL.com.

Joining Manning on the list are seven other Broncos.

Last year, Denver was represented by only five Broncos (Manning, Von Miller, Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas, and Champ Bailey). In addition to having eight players on NFL Network's list, seven Broncos were included in ProFootballFocus.com's Top 101 Players list earlier this year.

Broncos snubs for NFLN's ranking include tight end Julius Thomas, defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, cornerback Chris Harris Jr., and left tackle Ryan Clady. All four players are poised to be in the running to make 2015's ranking.

Manning, 38, is about to enter his 17th season in the NFL.

More From Mile High Report