Colts to unveil Peyton Manning statue, retire No. 18 in October

Peyton Manning is a lock for the Hall of Fame after putting together a remarkable career with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. Before he’s enshrined in Canton, though, he’ll be immortalized with the Colts in October.

The team announced on Tuesday that a statue for Manning will be unveiled outside of Lucas Oil Stadium on Oct. 7. The next day, his No. 18 jersey will be retired during halftime of the Colts’ Week 5 game against the 49ers.

“Peyton will always be a Colt,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said. “This will be an event our city, state and Colts fans around the world can celebrate and be proud of.”

Manning is the first player in the Colts’ Indianapolis era to have his jersey retired. Seven other Colts players – from the Baltimore days – have also had their numbers retired.

In his 13 years with the Colts, Manning amassed 399 touchdown passes and 54,828 yards. He holds every major franchise passing record, including yards, touchdowns, completion percentage and passer rating. His record with the Colts was 141-67, winning one Super Bowl in Indianapolis as well as four MVP awards.

If there's a player who deserves a statue in front of a stadium, it's Manning.