Brady Details Intense Rivalry With Peyton Manning

Tom Brady has reflected on his legendary rivalry with Peyton Manning, describing it as a defining force that elevated his NFL career. Brady revealed that during their 17 matchups, he deliberately convinced himself that Manning was his enemy and did not respect him, using this mindset to maintain a strong competitive edge. This approach provided Brady with extra motivation, focus, and urgency, helping him push his limits both on and off the field. Although Brady finished with an 11-6 record against Manning, he emphasized that the rivalry was about more than wins and losses, ultimately considering it a 'gift' that helped shape his legacy. At the time, Brady only considered his teammates as true friends, highlighting the intense nature of their competition. He now expresses deep respect and gratitude toward Manning, recognizing the importance of such rivalries in sports.