Christian athlete and future NFL HOF Peyton Manning is approaching a major milestone in his legendary career, as his Denver Broncos are set to battle the Arizona Cardinals on October 5 at the Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.

Manning is one touchdown shy of throwing 500 TD passes in his career, which would place him right behind former Green Bay Packers icon Brett Farve whose record rests at 508.

"When asked about it, obviously just trying to win this football game...I have reflected on the great teammates and coaches that I've been with along the way, who have been a part of that," said Manning to reporters in reference to his upcoming milestone.

"You don't throw that many touchdowns without a lot of help. I guess I think about just how grateful I am to have played with some great teammates at all positions ... excellent coaching. I'll always be grateful for that."

Though not as outspoken as former NFL athlete Tim Tebow regarding his faith, Manning has never been afraid or ashamed to talk about his faith in Jesus Christ; he accepted God into his life at the age of 13 years old.

"I committed my life to Christ, and that faith has been most important to me ever since. Some players get more vocal about it-the Reggie Whites, for example-and some point to Heaven after scoring a touchdown and praise God after games. I have no problem with that. But I don't do it, and don't think it makes me any less a Christian," wrote the former Super Bowl (XLI) Champion in his book titled 'Manning' which he co-wrote with his father, Archie.

"I just want my actions to speak louder, and I don't want to be more of a target for criticism than I already am. Somebody sees you drinking a beer, which I do, and they think, 'Hmmmm, Peyton says he's this, that, or the other, and there he is drinking alcohol. What's that all about?'"

Manning also revealed that he believes he has a stable life because he is strongly committed to God no matter what situation or obstacle that comes his way.

"I use whatever talent I have to the best of my ability. But I don't think God really cares about who wins football games, except as winning might influence the character of some person or group," wrote Manning.

"My faith doesn't make me perfect, it makes me forgiven, and provides me the assurance I looked for half my life ago. But I also think I've been blessed-having so little go wrong in my life, and being given so much. I pray every night, sometimes long prayers about a lot of things and a lot of people, but I don't talk about it or brag about it because that's between God and me, and I'm no better than anybody else in God's sight."

The upcoming game between Manning's Broncos and the Cardinals will begin at 4:05 pm ET and can be watched on TV via the Fox network.