Peyton Manning never played in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl during his all-American career as a quarterback at Tennessee. But he will still be part of the game’s distinguished history.

On Thursday, Memphis’ postseason football game announced that Manning will receive its Distinguished Citizen Award during ceremonies on June 7. The award seeks to honor individuals from all walks of life who have made notable contributions, both in their chosen field and away from it.

“The AutoZone Liberty Bowl has a long history of excellence and is one of the most tradition-rich college football games in America,” Manning said in a statement. “To be recognized with the 2020 Distinguished Citizen Award by such an organization is a tremendous honor.”

In football terms, it’s hard to surpass what Manning has accomplished. He is the only five-time Most Valuable Player in NFL history and ranks among the leaders in every passing category. In 2016, he guided Denver to a 24-10 victory over Carolina in Super Bowl 50, making him the only starting quarterback to win the game with two different teams.

He has also received numerous honors for his philanthropic work, being named the Walton Payton NFL Man of the Year and winning the Byron “Whizzer” White Humanitarian Award in 2005, the Bart Starr Award in 2015 and the Lincoln Medal in 2017. 

In 1999, Manning and his wife Ashley established the PeyBack Foundation, which has provided more than $14 million in grants to help disadvantaged youth. He is also an ambassador, advocate and fundraiser for the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent in Indianapolis.

“His Tennessee career, his NFL career, the good things he’s done even before he retired … we’re overjoyed to honor Peyton,” said AutoZone Liberty Bowl executive director Steve Ehrhart during Thursday’s announcement. “And of course in this part of the country, Peyton’s going to be a huge draw.”

Manning joins his father, Archie, as the only father-son Distinguished Citizen winners in AutoZone Liberty Bowl history. His former coach with the Indianapolis Colts, Tony Dungy, has also been recognized by the game.

Other notable winners include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital founder Danny Thomas, FedEx founder Fred Smith, Bear Bryant, Bobby Bowden and Dick Vitale.

Manning will be honored during a dinner on at the Hilton Memphis Hotel. Tickets are $150 or $1,500 for a table of 10 and can be purchased by calling 901-795-7700. The event will also include live and silent auctions, with all proceeds going to St. Jude’s.

The 26th AutoZone Liberty Bowl Golf Classic will take place June 8 at TPC Southwind.