Peyton Wins Record 4th MVP

Peyton Manning today became the first player to win the AP's Most Valuable Player honor four times. The Indianapolis Colts quarterback romped to the NFL award in balloting by 50 sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the league. He got 39 1/2 votes to 7 1/2 for Drew Brees. Manning adds the 2009 honors to the awards he won in 2003, 2004, and 2008, breaking a tie with Brett Favre at three MVPs.

"It's been a different season," said Manning, who guided the Colts to a 14-2 record and a first-round bye in the playoffs. "Like I've said all along, it's been a challenge, it's been a grind at times." He threw for 4,500 yards and 33 touchdowns, and engineered a record seven fourth-quarter comebacks. (More Peyton Manning stories.)