Tom Brady's admiration for Peyton Manning runs deep, with the legendary quarterback going so far as to call Manning the 'gold standard' of his position in the NFL. Manning honored Brady during his Patriots Hall of Fame induction, a gesture of respect that was reciprocated by Brady, who acknowledged Manning's significant impact on his storied career.
When Brady began his tenure with the New England Patriots, Manning had already established himself, having taken the mantle of elite quarterback from Brett Favre. Interestingly, Brady's first NFL victory came against Manning's Indianapolis Colts, igniting a rivalry that would become one of the most storied in NFL history.
Manning's Foxborough Struggles and Humor
Manning took the opportunity at Brady's induction to joke about his own lack of success in Foxborough. He light-heartedly brought up his consecutive postseason losses at the venue, mentioning that despite these setbacks, he is likely more popular there than his brother, Eli Manning.
The Rivals' Career Stats
Brady and Manning's on-field rivalry was fiercely competitive, with Brady winning 11 of their 17 career matchups. In playoff games, however, Manning held a 3-2 edge against Brady-led teams and maintained a 3-1 record in AFC Championship games. Combined, the two quarterbacks secured nine Super Bowl titles, 14 conference championships, eight league MVP awards, and six Super Bowl MVP titles. These accolades underscore their dominance and influence in professional football.
Mutual Respect Between Two Legends
The mutual respect between Manning and Brady is evident. Brady has openly stated that he could not have reached the heights of his career without striving to be like Manning. He lauded Manning's quarterback play as the benchmark, acknowledging the motivation derived from competing against him.
Manning, in turn, recognized the challenge and honor of playing against Brady. He admitted that facing Brady required bringing his absolute best, otherwise, defeat was inevitable. Manning expressed his honor in participating in Brady's ceremony and pledged to be present at Brady's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction, a full-circle moment given Brady's attendance at Manning's induction in 2021.
Throughout their careers, Brady and Manning pushed each other to excel, becoming better players as a result. Their rivalry was significant on the field, but their bond extends beyond football, encapsulating a legacy of mutual admiration and respect.
Quotes from the Night
"They liked me here ... because I always lost here," Manning joked, referencing his tough battles in Foxborough. He added with a smile, "I'm much more popular than Eli [Manning] here, I promise you that."
Brady was effusive in his praise for Manning, stating, "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 emphasized Manning's role as a model for success, saying, "I looked at him as the gold standard for quarterback play, and I still do."
Reciprocating the respect, Manning remarked on the necessity of being at peak performance 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," he said.
Manning closed his speech with heartfelt appreciation, saying, "I'm honored to be here tonight," and vowed his future support, stating, "And I promise I'll be there in a couple of years when he is there in Canton as well."
The careers of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are forever intertwined. Their battles on the gridiron laid the foundation for a profound respect that transcends the sport. These two icons of the game have not only cemented their legacies but have also set a benchmark for future generations of players, showcasing how rivalry can evolve into mutual admiration and enduring friendship.