Peyton Manning was the number 1 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft.
The Top Pick of 1998
On April 18, 1998, the Indianapolis Colts selected quarterback Peyton Manning as the first player off the board in the annual NFL Draft. Manning, a highly touted prospect from the University of Tennessee, was widely considered one of the most promising talents in his draft class. His selection at the top spot by the Colts marked the beginning of an era that would significantly impact the franchise and the league.
Manning's Impact and Legacy
Being chosen as the first overall pick carries immense expectations, and Manning not only met but consistently exceeded them throughout his illustrious career. His tenure with the Colts saw him lead the team to multiple playoff appearances, two Super Bowl berths, and one Super Bowl victory. Later in his career, he would add another Super Bowl title with the Denver Broncos.
Manning's career achievements include:
- Two Super Bowl victories (XLI with Colts, 50 with Broncos)
- Five NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, the most by any player in NFL history
- Four NFL passing touchdown leader titles
- Three NFL passing yardage leader titles
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021
His exceptional intelligence, preparation, and leadership qualities made him a generational talent, validating his top draft status.
1998 NFL Draft Top 5 Picks
The 1998 NFL Draft class featured several notable players, but Manning stood out as the undisputed first choice. Here's a look at the top five picks from that draft class:
| Pick No. | Player | Position | Team | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peyton Manning | QB | Indianapolis Colts | Tennessee |
| 2 | Ryan Leaf | QB | San Diego Chargers | Washington State |
| 3 | Andre Wadsworth | DE | Arizona Cardinals | Florida State |
| 4 | Charles Woodson | CB | Oakland Raiders | Michigan |
| 5 | Fred Taylor | RB | Jacksonville Jaguars | Florida |
This draft is famously remembered for the "Manning vs. Leaf" debate, where two quarterbacks were considered for the first pick, with the Colts ultimately choosing Manning, a decision that proved pivotal for their franchise's future. For more details on the 1998 NFL Draft, you can visit Pro-Football-Reference.com.
