Fun With Numbers – Manning’s Income Versus On-field Production

March 20 2012; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen (left) and quarterback Peyton Manning (center) and executive vice president for football operations John Elway pose for a photo during a press conference at Broncos headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Prior to the 2012 season, John Elway knew he wanted a typical pro quarterback to lead the Denver Bronco offense.  That philosophy brought Peyton Manning to the Broncos and sent Tim Tebow packing.  Not saying Manning is a typical professional quarterback by any means, but he definitely had the skills, if not more, than what Elway needed in Denver.  Although the playoffs the last two years have ended in heart breaking losses, causing some to say the seasons weren’t successful, Manning was the primary reason the Broncos reached the levels of success they did.  Is Manning worth the money?  Everyone will answer that differently, but I took a fun look at Manning’s regular season stats for the last two years and did the math to determine how much he earned per category or item.  Remember, this was for fun only.  In reality, Manning’s salary is guaranteed, so the Broncos are going to pad Manning’s bank account despite what he does on the field.

2012 stats:

• Salary: $18,000,000
• Attempts: 583 ($30,874 per attempt)
• Completions: 400 ($45,007 per completion)
• Completion Percentage: 68.6
• Yards: 4659 ($3,864 per passing yard)
• Passing touchdowns: 37 ($486,565 per touchdown pass)
• Interceptions: 11
• Rushing yards: 7 (naaahhh)
• Record: 13-3 ($1,384,841 per victory or $1,125,183 per game)

2013 stats:

• Salary: $20,000,000
• Attempts: 659 ($30,349 per attempt)
• Completions: 450 ($44,444 per completion)
• Completion Percentage: 68.3
• Yards: 5477 ($3,651 per passing yard)
• Passing touchdowns: 55 ($363,636 per touchdown pass)
• Interceptions: 10
• Rushing yards: -31 (It’s obvious the Broncos don’t pay Manning for his running ability)
• Record: 13-3 ($1,538,461 per victory or $1,250,000 per game)

2012 & 2013 combined:

• Salary: $38,000,000
• Attempts: 1242 ($30,595 per attempt)
• Completions: 850 ($44,705 per completion)
• Completion Percentage: 68.4
• Yards: 10136 ($3,749 per passing yard)
• Passing touchdowns: 92 ($413,043 per touchdown pass)
• Interceptions: 21
• Rushing yards: -24 (see comments above)
• Record: 26-6 ($1,461,538 per victory or $1,187,500 per game)

Two years ago, Elway took a risk when he signed Peyton Manning to a multi-year contract.  Was the money well spent?  The answer, one day, from all Bronco fans could be yes, but that will only occur if a third Lombardi Trophy is added to the trophy case at Dove Valley.

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