NFL Reportedly Admits Peyton Manning's Record-Tying TD Shouldn't Have Counted

Peyton Manning's four touchdown passes in Week 16 against the Houston Texans gave him a total of 51 for the season, setting a new NFL single-season record.

However, according to Texans interim head coach Wade Phillips via CBSSports.com, that may not be the case.

Manning's third touchdown pass of the game—his 50th of the season which equaled Tom Brady's mark set in 2007—was a 20-yard completion to wide receiver Eric Decker in the left corner of the end zone with 6:57 left to play. Every scoring play in the NFL is automatically reviewed, and this one was no different.

After review, the play was upheld and the game continued after an extra point by kicker Matt Prater.

Apparently the play was reviewed yet again. According to Phillips, the league informed the Texans that the touchdown should not have counted, as Decker was juggling the ball as he went out of bounds.

Of course, the game is in the books and the touchdown will stand—even though it shouldn't have originally. Manning will keep his record and move on to face the Oakland Raiders in Week 17.

This news should not be held against Manning or his new record, as one can easily speculate that he will be able to connect on a couple more touchdowns against a lackluster Raiders secondary this coming Sunday.

This is yet another blemish on the record of the NFL's 2013 officiating crews. However, for Manning, it is a moot point in what has been a historical season.

.Gif courtesy of FanSided.com.