Tom Brady considers Peyton Manning the NFL quarterback position's "gold standard." This mutual admiration was on full display during Brady's Patriots Hall of Fame induction, where Manning paid homage to the man he had frequently faced in career-defining moments.
Brady, in turn, credited Manning's impact on his career, noting how Manning had assumed the mantle from Brett Favre as the NFL's preeminent quarterback when Brady began his tenure as the Patriots' quarterback.
Brady’s first NFL victory, notably, came against Manning’s Colts, marking the beginning of a historic rivalry that would define both their careers.
Manning's Foxborough Struggles and Humor
Manning took the opportunity to humorously acknowledge his challenging experiences in Foxborough, mentioning his struggles and consecutive postseason losses against Brady’s team. Manning even jested about being more popular in Foxborough than his brother Eli, a dig that drew laughs and lightened the evening’s celebratory air.
The Rivals' Career Stats
Throughout their illustrious careers, Brady and Manning faced off 17 times, with Brady winning 11 of those encounters. However, in the playoffs, Manning held a slight edge with a 3-2 record against Brady-led teams, including a 3-1 record in AFC Championship games.
Collectively, these two legends amassed a staggering list of achievements: nine Super Bowl victories, 14 conference titles, eight league MVPs, and six Super Bowl MVPs. Such is the impact of their rivalry that it has significantly shaped the modern era of football.
Mutual Respect Between Two Legends
The deep mutual respect between Manning and Brady is unquestionable. Brady openly stated that he could not have reached the heights he did without aspiring to the standard set by Manning. He recognized Manning as the epitome of quarterback prowess and credited him for constantly pushing him to be better.
Likewise, Manning acknowledged the formidable challenge that playing against Brady represented. "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 during the induction ceremony.
Such sentiments were reciprocated when Brady attended Manning’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2021. Manning expressed his intent to honor Brady in the same way when Brady is inevitably inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Quotes
Manning's humor was on full display during his speech. "They liked me here ... because I always lost here," he quipped, eliciting laughter and underlining the light-hearted nature of the event.
He added, "I'm much more popular than Eli [Manning] here, I promise you that," reinforcing his good-natured approach to a ceremony filled with high regard and mutual respect.
Brady, reflecting on his relationship with Manning, said, "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." He continued, "I looked at him as the gold standard for quarterback play, and I still do."
Manning's respect for Brady was equally apparent. "I'm honored to be here tonight," he said during the ceremony, appreciating the camaraderie and deep connection the two share. He concluded, "And I promise I'll be there in a couple of years when he is there in Canton as well," signifying his commitment to honor Brady's future achievements.
In sum, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning's storied rivalry and subsequent bond transcend the gridiron, encapsulating a unique mutual admiration that has influenced their illustrious careers. Their encounters, both challenging and celebratory, have significantly impacted the history of the NFL, making their rivalry one of the most compelling narratives in sports.