The Indianapolis Colts had players both past and present make CBS Sports’ list of “best players to wear each jersey number in the NFL,” with three of them coming at the quarterback position.
The list goes through each jersey number to unveil the best player to wear said jersey number. Whether they were career-long Colts or simply had a stint with the team, the Colts had nine total players make the list.
Here’s what CBS Sports had to say about the three quarterbacks who made the list:
No. 17: Philip Rivers, QB
Teams: San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis ColtsRivers was the No. 4 overall selection in the 2004 NFL Draft. Before venturing off to Indianapolis this season, he starred for the Chargers. The N.C. State product has gone to eight Pro Bowls. He has thrown for 59,271 yards and 397 touchdowns in his career. His career passing total should exceed 60,000 yards in 2020.
No. 18: Peyton Manning, QB
Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos“The Sheriff” was selected with the No. 1 overall selection in the 1998 NFL Draft. He won one Super Bowl with each Denver and Indianapolis. A fruitful marriage to the Colts ended when a neck injury threatened his career. The Broncos eagerly welcomed him in his twilight years. Manning was named to the Pro Bowl in 14 of his 18 seasons. He was also a 10-time All-Pro selection and a five-time NFL MVP. The ex-Volunteer threw for 71,940 yards and 539 touchdowns in his Hall of Fame career.
No. 19: Johnny Unitas, QB
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Colts, San Diego ChargersUnitas was initially drafted by Pittsburgh but was released before ever playing a down. He found a soft landing in Baltimore, where his Hall of Fame career took flight. He won one Super Bowl and three NFL championships during his 18 playing seasons. He was named to ten Pro Bowls and was an eight-time All-Pro. Over the course of his career, he threw for 40,239 yards and 290 touchdowns.
Others appearing on the list include running back Eric Dickerson (No. 29), cornerback Eugene Daniel (No. 38), wide receiver Raymond Barry (No. 82), wide receiver Reggie Wayne (No. 87), defensive end Ted Hendricks (No. 83) and defensive end Richard Dent (No. 95).
