Rare Photos of Peyton Manning

Did anyone ever think that Peyton Manning's time in Indianapolis would end like this? The longtime face of the Colts franchise was released by the team on Wednesday, one day before he would've been paid a $28 million roster bonus. As Manning explores his free agent options, SI takes a look back at some rare photos of the prolific passer, who won a Super Bowl and four MVP awards and helped build a new stadium while with the Colts. In this photo, Peyton takes some cuts against his brother, Cooper, as father Archie plays catch.

Peyton Manning strikes a relaxed pose during a 1996 photo shoot. A printout of his dad Archie's 1970 SI cover is in the background.

Peyton Manning gives some tips to backup quarterback Tee Martin during his Tennessee days. Manning turned the downtrodden Colts into a perennial Super Bowl contender during his days in Indy, leading the team to eight division championships and three AFC championship games.

Manning getting jacked at a 1997 workout.

Manning receives his diploma at Tennessee's 1997 commencement ceremony. Manning was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society while at Tennessee.

Peyton talks with father Archie, himself a longtime NFL quarterback, immediately before announcing his decision to stay for his senior year at Tennessee. Manning was projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft.

Manning, Charles Woodson (left) and Ryan Leaf (center) toss a ball around prior to the 1998 NFL draft. Manning, who controversially lost out on the 1997 Heisman Trophy to Woodson, was the first selection of the draft, with Leaf going second to the Chargers.

Manning helps Edgerrin James' mother Julie fit the running back for a suit in 1999.

Manning gives passing instructions during a Pro Bowl Special Olympics Event in 2000. Manning has been named to 11 Pro Bowls during his career.

Manning and Yao Ming slap hands at a 2003 Gatorade commercial shoot. Manning, who will turn 36 later this month, started 208 consecutive games before missing all of 2011 due to injuries.

Manning and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady shake hands after New England's 20-3 victory over the Colts in the 2005 Divisional Playoffs. The two best quarterbacks of their generation, Manning and Brady met in the playoffs three times while Manning was a Colt.

Manning (center, pointing) takes in a Tennessee Lady Vols basketball game in 2005. Manning was 39-6 in four years at Tennessee.

Manning and Connie Payton hold the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year trophy at a 2006 press conference.

Manning spends some time with Broncos legend John Elway before the 2006 Pro Bowl skills challenge. Manning is expected to sign with another NFL team within the next week.

Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison walk together during a 2006 game. The Manning-Harrison connection was the most prolific in NFL history, with the pair holding a number of QB/WR records, including the most career completions/receptions, passing/receiving yards and passing/receiving touchdowns.

Manning chats with Colts owner Jim Irsay during Media Day prior to Super Bowl XLI. Manning was the MVP of the game, leading the Colts to a decisive victory over the Bears. Both Irsay and Manning will be at Wednesday's press conference to announce the Colts decision to cut Manning.

Peyton Manning sports a fake moustache in a Sprint commercial, one of many television spots he's been in over the years.

Manning holds the Lombardi Trophy aloft while former coach Tony Dungy looks on after the Colts beat the Bears in Super Bowl XLI.

Manning laughs with wide receivers Reggie Wayne (left) and Marvin Harrison during Colts training camp in 2007. Harrison -- who retired after the 2008 season -- and Wayne -- a potential free agent who could sign with Manning this offseason -- were Manning's two favorite targets in Indianapolis.

Peyton and little brother Eli talk while filming a DirecTV commercial. Though Peyton's stats are undeniably better, Eli has one more Super Bowl championship than his older brother.

Peyton and Archie Manning hug in the moments after the Colts dramatic comeback victory over the rival New England Patriots in the 2007 AFC Championship Game.

Two guys who eat their Wheaties every morning: Manning and basketball star Kevin Garnett check out a promotional video at an event in Indianapolis.

Peyton Manning shares a laugh with Tiger Woods in 2009. Manning will end his Colts career with nearly all of the franchise's passing records.