Peyton Manning - Photo by : www.mateophoto.com

Peyton Manning on Saturday became the first player to win the Associated Press NFL most valuable player honor four times. He received 39 1/2 votes to 7 1/2 for Drew Brees of New Orleans. Only four players — all quarterbacks — earned votes. The other two were Philip Rivers of San Diego (2) and Brett Favre of Minnesota (1).

Manning also won in 2003, 2004 and 2008, breaking a tie with Favre at three MVP awards.

“I’m very humbled and grateful to be honored with this award, and I really feel like it is a reflection of our team,” said Manning, who guided the Colts to a 14-0 record before they rested starters in the second half of two games and finished 14-2.

The Colts play in the divisional round next week and have home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

Manning threw for 4,500 yards and 33 touchdowns this season.