Tom Brady, one of the most renowned quarterbacks in NFL history, has always considered Peyton Manning to be the 'gold standard' of the position. Recently, as Brady was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, Manning took the stage to honor his long-time rival and friend. Brady reciprocated by acknowledging Manning's profound impact on his career journey.
When Brady began his stint as the Patriots' quarterback, Manning had already taken over the mantle from Brett Favre. Brady's first-ever NFL victory was against Manning's Colts, marking the beginning of a historic rivalry that captivated football fans for over a decade.
Manning's Foxborough Struggles and Humor
With his characteristic humor, Manning joked about his lack of success playing in Foxborough, home of the Patriots. He spoke about his consistent postseason losses there and quipped about being more popular in Foxborough than his brother Eli.
"They liked me here ... because I always lost here," Manning joked. "I'm much more popular than Eli [Manning] here, I promise you that."
The Rivals' Career Stats
Throughout their careers, Brady and Manning faced off 17 times, with Brady emerging victorious in 11 of those matchups. However, in the playoffs, Manning held a slight edge, going 3-2 against Brady-led teams. Manning also boasted a 3-1 record in AFC Championship games against Brady.
Their impressive stats don't stop there. Together, they won a combined nine Super Bowls, 14 conference titles, eight league MVPs, and six Super Bowl MVPs.
Mutual Respect Between Two Legends
The mutual respect between Manning and Brady is undeniable. Brady often states that he couldn't have achieved his level of success without Manning’s influence. "I think that I could never have been the type of player that I was without having someone like Peyton that I aspired to be like," Brady said. "I looked at him as the gold standard for quarterback play, and I still do," he added.
Manning echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the challenge of facing Brady. "You knew when you were playing against a Tom Brady team, you better be at your best, because if you weren't, Tom Brady was going to beat you every time," Manning said. Manning expressed his honor in being part of Brady’s ceremony and pledged to attend Brady's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. "I'm honored to be here tonight," he said. "And I promise I'll be there in a couple of years when he is there in Canton as well."
The bond between Brady and Manning transcends football, showcasing a rivalry that was intense on the field but built on mutual admiration and respect off it. Their careers will forever be interconnected, influencing not just each other, but generations of quarterbacks and fans.
Both legends have left an indelible mark on the sport, with their influence and contributions continuing to be honored and celebrated. As Brady said in reflection, "Their rivalry was significant, and their bond transcends the game." Manning’s acknowledgment of being part of Brady’s memorable night and their promises to support each other in future Hall of Fame ceremonies exemplify their lasting legacy and camaraderie.