Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player today by the Associated Press. It was the second straight year Manning was given the award, having shared it last season with Titans signal caller Steve McNair. This year there was no doubt as Manning got 47 of a possible 48 votes. Falcons quarterback Michael Vick somehow managed to snare one vote to prevent a unanimous choice.

Manning had a record shattering season, finishing with 49 touchdown passes and an unprecidented 121.1 quarterback rating. Manning could have added to his touchdown total but sat out amost all of the Colts season finale which was meaningless in the standings.

Peyton was pleased with winning the award but viewed team success as more important. 'Individually, I accomplished a lot in a short period of time,' Manning said. 'But no question, we did not win a Super Bowl in the time I've been here as a quarterback. Just because you played well in Week 2 or Week 10 doesn't mean anything for the playoffs,' Manning said. 'Except that you're capable of doing it.'

Joe Montana, John Unitas, Steve Young and Kurt Warner are the only other quarterbacks to win two MVP awards in their career. Green Bay's Brett Favre is the only one to win three straight which he accomplished in 1995-1997.

Manning's next challenge? To get the Colts past the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots in Foxboro this weekend.