Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are two of the best quarterbacks in NFL history and maintained a rivalry for more than a decade that shaped the AFC and Super Bowls. As they now enjoy retirement, the two all-time greats had a chance to reflect on their legendary careers.
Following Brady’s retirement, he hosted Manning, Bill Belichick and Rob Gronkowski on Sirius XM’s Let’s Go to reflect on the all-time great’s legendary journey through the NFL. While Belichick provided insight on what made Brady the best quarterback ever, Manning offered perspective on one of the greatest competitive player rivalries in the history of pro sports.
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The two-time Super Bowl champion and five-time NFL MVP talked about what it was like competing against Brady for so many years and what their battles meant to him. He also revealed that his decision in free agency after being released by the Indianapolis Colts in 2012 was shaped by his desire to keep facing Brady.
Appearing on the Let’s Go podcast, Manning said he chose to stay in the AFC when he evaluated where he wanted to play next because he wanted to keep competing against Brady.
“I easily could’ve gone to a couple of NFC teams. I played against Tom a bunch and I knew eventually you’re gonna have to play them. Let me at least try to earn it.”
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After facing Brady 12 times in the Colts vs New England Patriots rivalry, with Brady going 8-4, the quarterbacks got what they wanted after Manning landed in Denver. While New England came out on top most often in the regular-season matchups, the Broncos held the edge in the playoffs.
Facing Brady’s Patriots in the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 19, 2014, Manning outdueled his rival and came out ahead in a 26-16 victory. The win sent Denver to Super Bowl XLVIII, where they lost 43-6 to the Seattle Seahawks.
- Tom Brady stats (AFC Championship Game, 2014) – 277 pass yards, 1 TD, 93.9 QB rating
- Peyton Manning stats (AFC Championship Game, ’14) – 400 yards, 2 TD, 118.4 QB rating
A year later, Manning and Brady went head-to-head for the last time in the playoffs. Denver won 20-18. In that final meeting, Brady threw two interceptions with four sacks and finished with a 56.4 QB rating opposed to Manning’s two touchdowns and 90.1 QB rating. The Broncos went on to win the Super Bowl, allowing Manning to end his career on a high note.
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The two friends have enjoyed trolling one another in recent years, including before they took their rivalry into golf with The Match in 2020. As they both enjoy retirement, with Brady poised to work for Fox Sports in 2024 and Manning leading the ManningCast, it seems this friendly rivalry will continue for years to come.