In what is still regarded as one of the best comebacks in all of sports, Peyton Manning led the Indianapolis Colts to victory. The 2007 AFC Championship game was contested between the Colts and the Patriots.

The New England Patriots had won their fourth straight divisional title, coming in with a 12-4 record. They entered the playoffs as the 4 seed under head coach Bill Belichick. After a wild card victory, New England would go clinch a close victory over the San Diego Chargers. Notably, this was the last time the Patriots won a wild card game as of 2020.

This victory set them up for a faceoff against long time rivals Indianapolis Colts in the AFC championship game. The story that emerged from that game would bolster the legacy of Peyton Manning forever.

Peyton Manning: A moment in history.

The Patriots had the Colts trailing at 21-3 after a TD was scored by cornerback Asante Samuel. The MVP QB showed his merit as he began to turn it on as the third quarter arrived. The scores began even out during the sixth play of a one-yard TD by Dan Klecko. Peyton Manning had managed to bring the Colts back to 21-19.

However, the Patriots would hold on to their extension, finishing the quarter 28-21 in their favor.

The game began to heat up in the fourth quarter however the Patriots managed to stay ahead.  New England kicker Stephen Gostkowski made a 28-yard field goal via Brady to give them a three-point lead. The Colts responded with a 36-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri thus going on to tie the game at 31. Indianapolis managed to halt the drive to TE Daniel Graham at their 25-yard line, but a 43-yard field goal gave New England a 34–31 lead with 3:49 left in the game.

Top Stories

Frustrated Aaron Rodgers Clears Retirement Stance, Addresses Absence From Steelers Final Drive vs. Texans

Cowboys’ Rookie Sensation Donovan Ezeiruaku Arrested on Reckless Driving Charge

Chiefs Officially Cut Ties With 7 Players as Patrick Mahomes Pays the Price for Offensive Failures

Jerry Jones Announces Retirement Plans as Dallas Cowboys Owner Makes Triple Decision on Coaching Hiring

Mike Tomlin Announces Stance on Steelers Exit, Confirms Reason for Ditching Aaron Rodgers & Cam Heyward

The 14 time Pro bowler Peyton Manning finally gave the Colts the lead with one minute left in play. A three-yard TD by Joseph Addai came off the 7 play by Manning and with the clock running out, the Colts were on their way to the Super Bowl.

The victory marked the largest deficit ever overcome in an NFL conference championship game.  Peyton Manning and the Colts won Super Bowl XLI two weeks later, beating the Chicago Bears 29–17. Manning was voted Super Bowl MVP.