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Peyton Manning believes this could be the year one of his longtime records falls. In fact, he’s hoping it is.
The former NFL signal caller went into detail on the forgettable mark, which dates back to his rookie season.
Manning entered the league back in 1998 following a storied career at Tennessee. The No. 1 overall pick, he joined an Indianapolis Colts squad that won just three games the year prior.
Unfortunately, Manning’s presence wouldn’t do much to change results the following season.
The Colts again went 3-13 in that ’98 campaign, and their starting quarterback led the NFL in interceptions. Manning threw 28 picks to be exact though he would finish runner-up for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
That set a rookie record, and it still ranks 15th all-time amongst all NFL passers.
On Tuesday, he spoke about the mark during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. Here’s what he had to say.
“If any of these rookie QBs throw 29 interceptions it’s not the worst thing in the world” 😂😂 ~ Peyton Manning #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/iTIOLmXidT
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 2, 2023
“With the draft just the other day, I was thinking back to my rookie in ’98,” Manning began. “I was not very good that year, Pat. I threw 28 interceptions, which is still a record that I would like to get broken. I feel like this might be the year.”
Manning looks at Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and Anthony Richardson, all of whom were selected in the first four pick, to break his record. He even went as far as to encourage coaches to play their new starting quarterbacks early and often.
“My advice to these coaches is to play Young, play Stroud, and play Richardson. Let ’em learn, but if they throw 29 picks, that’s not the worst thing in the world.”
Fans were quick to chime in on the hilarious comments from Peyton Manning on social media.
One person responded, “Peyton is a beauty,” along with the laughing emoji. Another follower commented, “I agree… Teams give up on a young QBs too early sometimes.”
Manning would turn things around quickly on his way to a Hall of Fame career. Just two short seasons later, he’d lead the league in both passing yards and touchdowns.
Manning doesn’t regret playing as much as he did as a rookie. In fact, he called it one of the best learning experiences of his professional career.
Still, he’d be happy to see the interception record fall.