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 Manning's eight-yard pass was caught in the end zone by wide
receiver Demaryius Thomas to eclipse the record of 508 regular
season touchdowns Brett Favre set in 2010 while playing for the
Minnesota Vikings.
Manning acknowledged rapturous applause from the home crowd, who
rose as one to salute the 38-year-old as his team-mates briefly
played keepaway to keep the record football from Manning before
finally handing the ball to the future Hall of Famer.
Favre needed 302 games to set the previous record, while Manning
broke the mark in 246 -- 208 with the Indianapolis Colts and 38 with
Denver.
Manning, who added a 510th touchdown before leaving the game early
as the Broncos demolished the 49ers 42-17, typically downplayed his
accomplishment and said he planned to place a telephone call to
Favre in the next day or so.
"I’ve always been a fan of quarterbacks, whether it’s Brett Favre,
or Dan Marino, or John Elway, so I’m very honored and humbled to
join a pretty unique club," he told reporters.
"Brett’s always one of my favorite players. He played the position
with so much passion, great toughness and great productivity. I just
want to tell him thanks, and I’m honored to join this club with
him."
Manning was happy he set the record at home -- and in a winning
effort.
"I was glad it was here in Denver. The fact we won the game
certainly allows you to celebrate with your team. The touchdowns
I’ve thrown have helped us win a lot of games. That’s the only
reason (the record is) somewhat special."
Even as the game was in half-time, Favre was already congratulating
Manning on his Twitter page.
"Well deserved Peyton," he tweeted. "Congratulations on breaking my
record. Onto600."
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NBA players LeBron James and Kevin Durant also offered their
congratulations.
"Legend. OneOfTheGreats," tweeted James.
"We take him for granted because he's so consistent but we are
witnessing a living legend!" added Durant.
Manning missed the entire 2011 season with a serious, potentially
career-ending neck injury that required multiple surgeries.
Manning started Sunday's game needing three touchdowns to overtake
Favre.
He wasted little time making his mark, notching touchdowns in the
first quarter, firstly to Emmanuel Sanders and then to Wes Welker to
tie Favre's record.
(Reporting By Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Greg
Stutchbury/Amlan Chakraborty)
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