Jim Irsay omits Peyton Manning from list of top 5 all-time NFL players

Jim Irsay got a front-row seat to watch Peyton Manning record 13 seasons of the quarterback’s eventual Hall of Fame career. He even watched as Manning brought home a Super Bowl title to Irsay’s Indianapolis Colts organization.

However, that was not enough for Irsay to list Manning on his list of the top 5 players in the history of the NFL. Following the passing of Jim Brown, Irsay put out his list of the best all-time players in the NFL with Brown at the top.

Following Brown, Irsay included Tom Brady, John Elway, Deacon Jones and Reggie White as his greatest players of all time.

On my list of Top 5 Greatest NFL Players of All Time,in our 103 year History… I have Top 5 as 1)Jim Brown 2)Tom Brady 3)John Elway 4)Deacon Jones 5)Reggie White.?

— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) May 19, 2023

Some of Irsay’s list is understandable but the omission of Peyton Manning — and other all-time greats — generated some buzz on social media. Irsay clarified that Manning — with Barry Sanders and Jerry Rice — would be in his top 10 but emphasized the worthiness of Elway on his list over other players, in particular.

No doubt…Peyton,Barry Sanders and Jerry Rice in Top 10… it’s just that Elway didn’t have great offensive players around him til the end,when he won 2 in a row and his feet we’re remarkable,from baseball talents…?

— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) May 19, 2023

At the end of the day, it is surprising that Irsay didn’t give a nod to Manning, considering his accomplishments and impact on the Colts’ organization. Manning was the No. 1 overall pick for the franchise in 1998 before producing over 54,000 passing yards, 198 passing touchdowns and 4 MVP awards as a member of the Colts.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.