Tom Brady considers Peyton Manning the NFL position's 'gold standard.' Manning, reciprocating the respect, honored Brady at his Patriots Hall of Fame induction. This gesture was not just a nod to Brady's remarkable career but also a tribute to the profound impact Manning had on him.
Brady has often acknowledged Manning's role in shaping his career. When Brady started as the Patriots' quarterback, Manning had already taken the mantle from Brett Favre. Notably, Brady's first NFL victory came against Manning's Colts, marking the beginning of one of the most historic rivalries in sports.
Manning's Foxborough Struggles and Humor
During the Patriots Hall of Fame ceremony, Manning humorously alluded to his lack of success in Foxborough. He mentioned his consecutive postseason losses there and joked, "They liked me here ... because I always lost here." Manning also quipped that he is more popular in Foxborough than his brother Eli, saying, "I'm much more popular than Eli [Manning] here, I promise you that."
The Rivals' Career Stats
The statistics from their careers highlight the intensity and competitiveness of their rivalry. Brady won 11 out of 17 career matchups against Manning while Manning went 3-2 against Brady-led teams in the playoffs. More notably, Manning held a 3-1 record in AFC Championship games against Brady. Collectively, they have achieved extraordinary success with nine Super Bowl victories, 14 conference titles, eight league MVP awards, and six Super Bowl MVPs.
Mutual Respect Between Two Legends
Brady and Manning's mutual respect is apparent in their words and actions. Brady expressed that he couldn't have been the player he was without aspiring to be like 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 stated. He further added, "I looked at him as the gold standard for quarterback play, and I still do."
On the other hand, Manning acknowledged the high standards required when 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 said. Manning was honored to be a part of Brady's ceremony and promised his presence at Brady's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in Canton. "I'm honored to be here tonight. And I promise I'll be there in a couple of years when he is there in Canton as well," Manning said.
Their careers and the influence they had on each other are well acknowledged. Brady and Manning's rivalry was significant, and their bond transcends football. It is a testament to their greatness and the legacy they have built in the NFL. The fact that Brady attended Manning's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2021 and Manning plans to return the favor speaks volumes about their admiration for each other.
As they move into the next phase of their lives, their storied rivalry and the mutual respect they share will remain a significant chapter in NFL history. Their influence stretched far beyond the field, setting a benchmark for future quarterbacks and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.