DENVER - Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and swimmer Missy Franklin have another reason to be thankful this year.

Manning and Franklin have been nominated for Sports Illustrated's Most Inspiring Performer of 2012. The athletes are two of 15 candidates selected by Sports Illustrated's editors.

The award will be decided by an online fan votes on SI's facebook page. The voting ballot is open until Nov. 28.

The winner will be featured in the Dec. 17 issue of the magazine.

Franklin, 17, won four gold medals and one bronze medal during the London Olympics. The Regis Jesuit swimming star was named the female athlete of the year and won the top relay performance for her participation in the 4x100 medley gold medal in world-record time by the Golden Goggles.

After missing all of last season due to a neck injury, Manning has thrown for 2,975 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. In his first year with the Broncos, Manning has led the team to a 7-3 record with a three-game lead in the AFC West Division.