Tom Brady considers Peyton Manning the NFL position's "gold standard." Brady’s admiration for Manning was evident during his Patriots Hall of Fame induction, where Manning paid homage to Brady's illustrious career. The mutual respect between these two NFL legends is clear and speaks volumes about their impactful careers.
The Beginning of a Historic Rivalry
When Tom Brady took the field as the quarterback for the New England Patriots, Peyton Manning was already considered a top-tier quarterback, having taken the mantle from Brett Favre. Fittingly, Brady's first NFL victory came against Manning's Colts. This game marked the beginning of one of the most storied rivalries in sports history.
Manning's Foxborough Struggles and Humor
During the induction ceremony, Manning lightened the mood by joking about his repeated frustrations playing in Foxborough. "They liked me here ... because I always lost here," Manning quipped, referring to his consecutive postseason losses at Gillette Stadium. He humorously noted that he’s more popular in Foxborough than his brother Eli, who defeated the Patriots twice in the Super Bowl. "I'm much more popular than Eli [Manning] here, I promise you that," Manning joked.
The Rivals' Career Stats
Throughout their careers, Brady and Manning faced off 17 times, with Brady winning 11 of those matchups. In the playoffs, Manning held his own, achieving a 3-2 record against Brady-led teams. In AFC Championship games, Manning edged out Brady with a 3-1 record. Together, these two quarterbacks won nine Super Bowls, 14 conference titles, eight league MVPs, and six Super Bowl MVPs. Their accomplishments are a testament to their skill and determination.
Mutual Respect Between Two Legends
The mutual respect between Brady and Manning is profound. Brady admitted that he couldn't have been the player he was without having someone like Manning to aspire to be like. "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. He regards Manning as the gold standard for quarterback play, emphasizing that admiration by adding, "I looked at him as the gold standard for quarterback play, and I still do."
Manning, for his part, acknowledged the challenge of competing against 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. Despite their fierce rivalry, Brady and Manning have always recognized each other's greatness. Manning expressed his honor at being part of Brady's Hall of Fame ceremony, illustrating their bond that transcends football.
Brady reciprocated this respect when he attended Manning's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2021. Manning has promised to attend Brady's induction in Canton in the future. This mutual support underscores the deep respect and admiration they have for one another. "I'm honored to be here tonight," Manning said, adding, "And I promise I'll be there in a couple of years when he is there in Canton as well."
A Rivalry Beyond the Gridiron
Brady and Manning’s careers and influence on each other are widely acknowledged. Their rivalry is significant in NFL history, but their bond and mutual respect reveal a relationship that extends beyond the field. Known for their competitive nature and relentless pursuit of excellence, both Brady and Manning pushed each other to reach new heights. Their matchups were legendary, and their contributions to the game are immeasurable.
During the ceremony, the respect and camaraderie between the two legends were palpable. These moments of reflection and celebration highlight the impact they have had not only on each other's careers but on the sport of football as a whole. As icons of the game, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning will forever be remembered not just for their skills and accolades but for their profound respect and admiration for each other.
In summary, the rivalry and friendship between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning offer a compelling narrative of two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Their mutual respect and the way they have influenced each other’s careers are a testament to their excellence and enduring legacy in the sport.