Tom Brady, often considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, has always paid homage to those who came before him. Among them, Peyton Manning stands out as an influence and fierce competitor. In fact, Brady regards Manning as the "gold standard" for quarterbacks. This relationship of mutual respect was evident when Manning honored Brady during his Patriots Hall of Fame induction.
A Historic Rivalry Begins
Peyton Manning had already seized the mantle from Brett Favre as the top quarterback in the league by the time Tom Brady began his career with the New England Patriots. Their very first game marked the beginning of a rivalry for the ages. Remarkably, Brady's first NFL victory came against Manning's Indianapolis Colts, setting the tone for numerous memorable matchups to follow.
Manning's Struggles in Foxborough
One narrative thread that frequently came up in their encounters was Manning’s struggle in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the home of the New England Patriots. Manning himself joked about his lack of success and his consecutive postseason losses in Foxborough. "They liked me here ... because I always lost here," Manning quipped, showing his sense of humor despite the hardships he faced against Brady-led teams. He even jested that he is more popular in Foxborough than his brother Eli, who famously defeated the Patriots in two Super Bowls.
Career Statistics: Head-to-Head
The numbers behind Brady and Manning's rivalry further underscore its intensity and competitiveness. Brady triumphed in 11 of their 17 career matchups, but Manning had the upper hand in the playoffs, winning three out of five encounters. Most notably, Manning held a 3-1 record in AFC Championship games against Brady. Together, these two legendary quarterbacks amassed an astounding resume: nine Super Bowl championships, 14 conference titles, eight league MVPs, and six Super Bowl MVPs.
Mutual Respect Between Two Legends
The mutual respect between Manning and Brady is profound and unmistakable. Brady openly acknowledged that he wouldn't have become the player he was without having Manning to aspire to. "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, calling Manning the gold standard for quarterback play.
Manning, in turn, recognized 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 remarked. Manning expressed his honor in being part of Brady's Hall of Fame induction ceremony, remembering that Brady attended his own Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2021 and pledging to be present when Brady is inducted into Canton.
- "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," Brady added.
- "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.
- "I'm honored to be here tonight," Manning said.
- "And I promise I'll be there in a couple of years when he is there in Canton as well," Manning said.
There is more to their story than just statistics and victories; their bond transcends the game of football. Brady's recognition of Manning’s influence on his career and Manning’s acknowledgment of the challenge Brady presented are sentiments that illustrate the depth of their respect. Both players brought out the best in each other, and their storied competition not only defined an era of NFL football but also showcased a uniquely respectful rivalry.
As Manning humorously reflected on his time in Foxborough, stating "I'm much more popular than Eli [Manning] here, I promise you that," it’s evident that the relationship between these two legends is filled with good-natured respect and camaraderie. Their careers influenced each other profoundly, resulting in a bond that goes beyond the gridiron.
The Brady-Manning rivalry might have ended with their retirements, but their legacies are forever intertwined. Both players have left indelible marks on the NFL, with their battles becoming the stuff of legend. Their mutual respect, professional admiration, and personal friendship continue to define them as two of the greatest to ever play the game.