Tom Brady might be considered the GOAT, but he says there is another quarterback whom he considers the NFL position's 'gold standard.' Brady gave that title to former longtime rival, Peyton Manning, who was on hand for Brady's recent induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
The Honor and Homage
Manning was there to honor Brady, but the seven-time Super Bowl champion took a moment to pay homage to Manning and the impact he had on his career. Manning had taken the mantle from Brett Favre as the NFL's premier quarterback when Brady was beginning his legendary run as the Patriots' starting quarterback. In fact, Brady's first career victory in the NFL came against Manning's Colts. That game was the start of a historic rivalry between the era's top-two quarterbacks.
Manning's Foxborough Struggles and Humor
Manning joked during the ceremony, alluding to his lack of success in Foxborough, which included losses in consecutive postseasons. "They liked me here ... because I always lost here," Manning joked. "I'm much more popular than Eli [Manning] here, I promise you that," Manning quipped, referring to his younger brother, also a renowned quarterback.
The Rivals' Career Stats
Brady won 11 of his 17 career matchups against Manning. However, Manning went 3-2 against Brady-led teams in the playoffs and held a 3-1 record in AFC Championship games during his years with the Colts and Broncos. Manning and Brady won a total of nine Super Bowls, 14 conference titles, eight league MVPs, and six Super Bowl MVPs during their illustrious careers.
Mutual Respect Between Two Legends
Despite their intense rivalry, the mutual respect between Manning and Brady is palpable. "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," he added.
Manning has echoed similar 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 said. "I'm honored to be here tonight," he added, emphasizing the respect he holds for Brady.
Hall of Fame Inductions
Brady was one of Manning's guests when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. Manning intends to return the favor when Brady receives his gold jacket and bronze bust. "And I promise I'll be there in a couple of years when he is there in Canton as well," Manning said, promising to be there when Brady is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
This mutual admiration showcases not just the greatness of both these players but also their acknowledgment of each other's profound influence on their careers. The Brady-Manning rivalry was indeed one for the ages, and the bond they share transcends the football field.