Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are often considered the most prominent quarterback rivalry in NFL history. It was apt that Brady’s inaugural NFL start in 2001, during Week 3 of the season, was against Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.
Initially divisional rivals for a year (the Colts were previously in the AFC East), the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts frequently faced off due to clinching division championships and advancing deep into the playoffs almost every season. Brady and Manning competed against each other 17 times, with Brady holding an 11-6 record against Manning.
During the regular season, Brady prevailed 9-3, whereas Manning held a 3-2 edge against Brady in postseason encounters (Manning also spent his final four years with the Denver Broncos). Together, the two quarterbacks amassed nine Super Bowl appearances and eight league MVP awards.
What made Brady and Manning exceptional? Manning disclosed during Brady’s jersey retirement ceremony that the duo actually trained together during the offseason.
“I said, ‘Tom, let’s meet up, keep it low-key, don’t let anyone know,'” Manning revealed as a surprise guest at Brady’s retirement event, as reported by the Indianapolis Star. “Tom flew in on Mr. Kraft’s plane. We hit the gym together, threw passes with some high school receivers, and made them surrender their phones.
“We warned them, ‘If you breathe a word about Tom Brady and me working out together, and being pals, we’ll make you regret it.'”
Peyton Manning came out to surprise @TomBrady at his Patriots HOF ceremony ❤️
(via @Patriots)pic.twitter.com/YP5gbpnWPk
— NFL (@NFL) June 13, 2024
As they shared laughs during the celebration, both quarterbacks reminisced about their playing days. Brady tops the all-time passing touchdowns list with 649, while Manning ranks third with 539. Brady also leads in passing yards with 89,214, whereas Manning holds the third spot with 71,940. In fourth-quarter comebacks, Brady sits at the top with 46, closely followed by Manning with 43.
Despite initially keeping their friendship under wraps during their playing careers, Brady and Manning have maintained a deep bond over the years. Without their camaraderie, the quarterback rivalry wouldn’t have been as legendary.
