Tom Brady considers Peyton Manning the NFL position's 'gold standard.' Peyton Manning honored Brady at his Patriots Hall of Fame induction, and Brady took the opportunity to pay homage to Manning's impact on his own illustrious career. This mutual admiration dates back to when Manning had taken the mantle from Brett Favre, right as Brady began his journey as the Patriots' quarterback.
Interestingly, Brady's first NFL victory came against Manning's Colts, marking the beginning of a historic rivalry that would go on to define an era of the NFL. Their first game was a prelude to what many fans now consider football’s most electrifying quarterback duel.
Manning's Foxborough Struggles and Humor
Manning's career may be filled with numerous accolades, but a point of humor for him remains his struggles at Foxborough. Manning joked about his lack of success there, specifically mentioning his consecutive postseason losses. Amid the light-hearted banter, Manning claimed he is more popular in Foxborough than his brother Eli, showcasing his affable nature.
The Rivals' Career Stats
When it comes to head-to-head matchups, Brady leads with 11 victories out of 17 meetings against Manning. However, Manning holds his own in the playoffs, boasting a 3-2 record against Brady-led teams and a 3-1 advantage in AFC Championship games. Together, these two quarterbacks have an astounding collection of accolades, including nine Super Bowl wins, 14 conference titles, eight league MVPs, and six Super Bowl MVPs.
Mutual Respect Between Two Legends
The mutual respect between Manning and Brady is palpable. Brady openly acknowledged that he couldn't have been the player he was without Manning. He emphasized that he always aspired to be like Manning, whom he considers the gold standard for quarterback play. Manning, in turn, knew that playing against Brady required nothing short of his best effort, given Brady's knack for seizing victory.
Both legends have expressed the honor they felt in being part of each other’s ceremonial milestones. Brady was a guest at Manning's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2021, and Manning has vowed to attend Brady's own Hall of Fame induction when the time comes. This commitment underscores the bond they share, a connection that transcends the gridiron.
A Rivalry Transcending Football
The careers and influences of Brady and Manning on one another are well acknowledged. Their rivalry was nothing short of significant for NFL history, but their relationship extends far beyond mere competition. The mutual admiration they exhibit speaks volumes about their characters, showcasing how excellence and respect can coexist in the world of sports.
Quotes
Manning's humor shines through in his remarks: "They liked me here ... because I always lost here," he joked, adding, "I'm much more popular than Eli [Manning] here, I promise you that."
On the flip side, Brady has been equally forthcoming with praise. "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," said Brady. "I looked at him as the gold standard for quarterback play, and I still do," he added.
Manning reciprocated the respect, saying, "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." He concluded, "I'm honored to be here tonight," and affirmed his future presence at Brady's Canton induction with, "And I promise I'll be there in a couple of years when he is there in Canton as well."
The rivalry between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning may have started on the football field, but it grew into a camaraderie that exemplifies the very essence of sportsmanship. Their legacies are intertwined, each pushing the other to greater heights and making a lasting impact on the game of football. As they transition into the next stages of their lives, the respect and admiration they hold for each other will forever remain a testament to two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.