Tom Brady considers Peyton Manning the NFL position's 'gold standard.' Manning honored Brady at his recent Patriots Hall of Fame induction, highlighting the deep respect and admiration between these two legendary quarterbacks. Brady, in turn, paid homage to Manning's considerable impact on his career. Their mutual admiration serves as a testament to their incredible journeys and the rivalry that defined an era of NFL football.
A Storied Rivalry Begins
When Brady began his tenure as the Patriots' quarterback, Peyton Manning had already taken the mantle from Brett Favre as the league's premier signal-caller. In an auspicious start, Brady's first NFL victory came against Manning's Colts, sparking a historic rivalry that would captivate football fans for years.
Manning's Foxborough Struggles and Humor
Manning has often joked about his lack of success in Foxborough, mentioning his consecutive postseason losses there. With his trademark humor, he quipped that he is actually more popular in Foxborough than his brother Eli.
The Rivals' Career Stats
Brady emerged victorious in 11 of their 17 career matchups, but Manning held his own, especially in critical postseason battles. Manning went 3-2 against Brady-led teams in the playoffs and boasted a 3-1 record in AFC Championship games. Together, they amassed nine Super Bowl victories, 14 conference titles, eight league MVPs, and six Super Bowl MVPs.
Mutual Respect Between Two Legends
The mutual respect between Manning and Brady is evident. Brady has openly stated that he couldn't have been the player he was without Manning. "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."
Manning, for his part, recognized the challenge of playing 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.
Celebrating Each Other's Achievements
Manning made it a point to honor Brady's career by attending his Patriots Hall of Fame induction, expressing his admiration and respect. "I'm honored to be here tonight," Manning said, acknowledging the significance of the occasion. Brady, similarly, was a guest at Manning's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2021. Manning has already committed to attending Brady's induction in Canton.
The Unyielding Bond
While their rivalry was fierce on the field, their bond off the field transcends the sport. Brady and Manning's careers and their influence on each other have been well-documented. Their battles were legendary, but the respect they share is something that will be remembered long after their last pass was thrown.
Their rivalry not only defined a generation but also set a benchmark for what it means to be a great quarterback in the NFL. As time passes, the bond between these two giants of the game seems to grow stronger, a testament to their enduring legacies both on and off the field.
Quotes
"They liked me here ... because I always lost here," Manning joked.
"I'm much more popular than Eli [Manning] here, I promise you that," he quipped further.
"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," he stated during the ceremony.
"And I promise I'll be there in a couple of years when he [Brady] is there in Canton as well," Manning concluded.