Tom Brady, often regarded as the greatest of all time (GOAT), recently praised his longtime rival Peyton Manning as the ‘gold standard’ of quarterback play in the NFL. Manning attended Brady’s induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame and Brady took the opportunity to express his admiration for Manning and the influence he had on his own career. Brady credited Manning as the player he aspired to be like, highlighting Manning’s exceptional quarterback skills.
The historic rivalry between Brady and Manning began when Brady secured his first NFL victory against Manning’s Colts, marking the start of a series of memorable matchups between the two legendary quarterbacks. Despite Manning’s struggles against Brady in Foxborough, both players went on to achieve remarkable success in their careers. Brady emerged victorious in 11 out of their 17 meetings, while Manning had a 3-2 record against Brady in playoff games, including an impressive 3-1 record in AFC Championship games.
Together, Brady and Manning amassed an impressive collection of accomplishments, including a total of nine Super Bowl victories, 14 conference titles, eight league MVP awards, and six Super Bowl MVP titles. Despite their fierce on-field rivalry, the mutual respect between Brady and Manning is evident, with both players attending each other’s Hall of Fame ceremonies. Manning was present at Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction and expressed his intention to return the favor when Brady is honored with a gold jacket and a bronze bust in Canton in the future.
The bond between Brady and Manning extends beyond football, showcasing a deep-rooted respect and admiration for each other’s talents and contributions to the sport. As two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Brady and Manning’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans alike. Their enduring friendship and shared experiences serve as a testament to the camaraderie and sportsmanship that transcend rivalries and competition in the world of professional football.