“It’s not wanting to win that makes you a winner; it’s refusing to fail.” In a league where every snap is a high-stakes scene straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster, NFL legend Peyton Manning whose 18-year career with the Colts and Broncos saw him compile what might be considered modest numbers—266 games played, 6,125 completions out of 9,380 attempts, a 65.3% completion percentage, 71,940 passing yards, 539 TDs, and 251 INTs, not to mention a quarterback rating of 96.5—has never been one to shy away from giving back.

He recently weighed in with some compelling advice for two of today’s brightest quarterbacks—Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. With rivalries hotter than a summer blockbuster and moments that leave fans quoting lines like “I feel the need—the need for speed,” Manning’s words resonate like a classic underdog tale, filled with humor, and a dash of that unmistakable Sheriff swagger.

Manning’s advice to Josh Allen & Lamar Jackson

“Yeah. Look. I left Josh a message, the other day. I just told Josh as a look. How much I enjoy watching him play and how he competed his butt off, against the Chiefs the other night. And, look, I’ve been there.”  Like a seasoned mentor from an ’80s sports flick, Manning draws from his own battles—complete with his trademark wit and an ability to break down the pressure like a scene from Hoosiers—reminding his proteges that hard work and heart go a long way.

Continuing his heartfelt spiel, Manning reflects, “I have lived that world. There’s always a little bit of a yeah, but attached to the description or the article written about you. Yeah, but he hadn’t. And, look, he’s doing it. Lamar’s doing it.”  In a league where numbers matter but passion and perseverance rule, he underscores the fact that both Josh Allen—nicknamed “JA17” with his dynamic mix of raw power and precision (111 games played, 2296 completions out of 3628 attempts, 26,434 passing yards, 195 TDs, 84 INTs, a passer rating of 93.4, and even some gritty rushing stats)

& Lamar Jackson, known as “LJ8” with his electrifying dual-threat ability (103 games played, 1678 completions out of 2586 attempts, 20,059 passing yards, 166 TDs, 49 INTs, a passer rating of 102.0, plus 6,173 rushing yards), are in the midst of carving out their own legends.  He doesn’t hold back: “They’re owning it. They’re not shying away from it. They are, you know, very honest in their desire that they would like to get the, yeah, butt off, and they’d like to win.”

Manning, whose career is also punctuated by memorable achievements like Super Bowl triumphs with the Colts and Broncos, reminds them that losing to teams that eventually win the Super Bowl isn’t a mark of failure—it’s a badge of honor.  As if echoing lines from Rocky Balboa where every loss fuels the comeback, he tells them that the sting of defeat is just another step toward greatness.

Wrapping up his message with the calm confidence of a seasoned NFL star, Manning advises, “You can go sit in the corner and softball off-season, or you can go keep working hard and try to take it one step further the next year. I think both of those guys will do it. That was my advice to them.  They’re already doing it. But, I mean, but you gotta own it. Right? I mean, you accept all the nice things people say, and you accept the the the facts also. And I think they’ll own it. I think they’ll both do something about it. I think good things will both come their way.” This message leaves no doubt that the road to NFL immortality is paved with relentless self-belief and a refusal to back down.

Allen’s message to Patrick Mahomes

In the heat of postseason drama that could rival any Fast & Furious chase scene, Bills QB Josh Allen wasn’t just content with a hard-fought win; he had a message for the Kansas City Chiefs star, Patrick Mahomes. After an AFC Championship showdown that left fans buzzing louder than a Quentin Tarantino finale, Allen famously told Mahomes, “Go get another one.” This terse, no-nonsense line is as memorable as any classic movie catchphrase, a call to arms that embodies the never-say-die spirit of modern NFL rivalries.

The rivalry between Allen and Mahomes has become the stuff of legend—like an epic showdown between Batman and Superman, each bringing his unique arsenal to the gridiron. Allen has been a revelation for the Bills with his knack for turning pressure into highlight-reel moments (in the 2024 season alone, he posted stats like 3,731 passing yards, 28 TDs, and a passer rating of 101.4), stands as a testament to resilience and raw determination.

His challenge to Mahomes isn’t just about reclaiming glory; it’s a dare to push the limits, reminiscent of the rallying cry in Remember the Titans: “I don’t care if you’re black, white, green, blue, or purple—go get another one!” Mahomes, affectionately known by nicknames such as Showtime, Magic Man, and The Gunslinger, has impressive credentials—a 2024 season featuring 3,928 passing yards, 26 TDs, 11 INT, and a passer rating of 93.5.

Over their careers, the two have faced each other 8 times, with Mahomes leading the series 4-0 (in the playoff session), and Allen leading the regular season (4-1), As Mahomes demonstrates his proficiency under pressure time and again during the postseason games and the especially in their way to their potential third-peat (29-32). And despite Al giving out a standout performance with 237 YDs, 2 TDs, and a rating of 104.7 to his dismay couldn’t make the Bills shine alone. “It sucks. Just sitting here thinking about everything that you could’ve done differently”

Yet as the season moves forward and these legends continue to clash on the gridiron, one thing’s for sure: NFL fans return season after season because each game includes legendary matchups that create victories, defeats, and unforgettable moments within an expansive narrative, in Mahomes’ words to Bills star “Hell of a year, man.”