Tom Brady considers Peyton Manning the NFL quarterback position's 'gold standard.' This sentiment was notably evident as Manning honored Brady during his Patriots Hall of Fame induction, a gesture that was reciprocated by Brady, who acknowledged Manning's significant impact on his career.
Manning had taken the mantle from Brett Favre by the time Brady began his tenure as the Patriots' quarterback. Intriguingly, Brady's first NFL victory came against Manning's Colts, igniting a historic rivalry between the two greats.
Manning's Foxborough Struggles and Humor
During the ceremony, Manning lightened the mood with jokes about his lack of success in Foxborough. He highlighted his consecutive postseason losses there and humorously noted that he is more popular in Foxborough than his brother Eli.
The Rivals' Career Stats
The rivalry between Brady and Manning was epic. Brady triumphed in 11 of their 17 career matchups, while Manning held the upper hand in the playoffs with a 3-2 record against Brady-led teams. Manning also held a 3-1 record in AFC Championship games against Brady.
Combined, Brady and Manning's careers are nothing short of stellar. They collectively won nine Super Bowls, 14 conference titles, eight league MVP awards, and six Super Bowl MVPs.
Mutual Respect Between Two Legends
The mutual respect between Manning and Brady is evident. Brady is unequivocal about Manning's influence on his career, stating that he could not have been the player he was without someone like Manning to aspire to. Brady regards Manning as the gold standard for quarterback play.
Manning reciprocates this respect, acknowledging that playing against Brady required being at his absolute best. He was honored to be part of Brady's ceremony, a gesture that reflects their continual bond that transcends football. Brady was also a guest when Manning was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021, and Manning has pledged to attend Brady's future induction.
Their storied rivalry and the respect they hold for each other have left an indelible mark on football, a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. Their careers and influence on one another have been monumental, shaping the essence of what it means to be a true competitor.
Quotes
"They liked me here ... because I always lost here," Manning joked during his speech.
"I'm much more popular than Eli [Manning] here, I promise you that," he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
"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, reflecting on Manning's impact on his career.
"I looked at him as the gold standard for quarterback play, and I still do," Brady added, solidifying his sentiments.
"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 acknowledged.
"I'm honored to be here tonight," Manning said, expressing his gratitude.
"And I promise I'll be there in a couple of years when he is there in Canton as well," Manning said, committing to attend Brady's induction into the Hall of Fame.
In summary, the relationship between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning is one of mutual admiration and shared history. Their rivalry on the field was fierce, but it forged a friendship built on respect and reverence. As they celebrate each other's accomplishments, they remind us why their careers are etched in the annals of football history.