USA Today via Reuters
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning waves to the crowd after the AFC Championship football game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on Jan 24, 2016. Mark J. Rebilas — USA Today Sports/Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning waves to the crowd after the AFC Championship football game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on Jan 24, 2016. Mark J. Rebilas — USA Today Sports/Reuters
Peyton Manning is one of the best QBs in the history of the NFL. He lit up the gridiron with his clutch plays and dramatic rivalries. And he had a never-ending competitive streak in him that hasn’t gone even to this day. Manning revealed a compelling reason for him staying in the AFC all throughout his career.
Manning left the Indianapolis Colts after the 2011 season. But despite getting big offers from some NFC teams, he chose to stay in the AFC for one sole reason.
Why did Peyton Manning stay in the AFC?
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Tom Brady retired from the NFL last week after 23 years of playing elite football. He announced his decision through a video message to the fans on Wednesday. The legendary QB invited the likes of Peyton Manning, legendary coach Bill Belichick, Patrick Mahomes, and his mother for his ‘Let’s Go’ podcast.
During the interaction, Manning revealed that Brady was the reason for his staying in the AFC throughout his career. “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,” Manning said on the podcast.
Manning left the Colts after 14 seasons of legendary display in 2011. He won a Super Bowl title while he was there. And by that time, Brady had established himself as his fiercest rival. Manning probably didn’t want to deprive the NFL world of this legendary rivalry.
The NFL world is in awe
The NFL world loves competitive superstars. And they are in awe of Peyton Manning and his will to earn what he won on the field. This fans that the NFL world took the Brady-Manning rivalry for granted.
Two best QBs of all time played each other so many times it became known as the Brady-Manning Bowl. We took that for granted🥲
— NotABurner (@RealSeabiscuit1) February 6, 2023
Another fan wants the NFL world to imagine what would have been a cracker.
Imagine a peyton vs tom superbowl though
— Turby 🏎 (@ScuderiaTurby) February 6, 2023
A fan loves the competitive spirit in Manning.
What a competitor! I love that about Peyton.
— I am Richard. (@SUPERich) February 7, 2023
An Arizona Cardinals fan is a bit hurt by the revelation.
As a Cardinals fan, this kinda stings lol https://t.co/vOiWw27iEU
— Suns Vet Min/TWC Stan (@Aric_Urban15) February 7, 2023
This fan realized that Brady helped the Denver Broncos win the Super Bowl.
@tomgrossicomedy so Tom Brady helped the Broncos win a SB. Think we should tell Perna? https://t.co/5I46iqmcqp
— Eric Armstrong (@Eric_Armstrong4) February 7, 2023
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Another fan is bracing for the post-retirement stories about Brady.
This is kinda crazy lmao the post Brady retirement stories are gonna be insane https://t.co/XArvYZosgn
— Xav (@Calvsburner) February 7, 2023
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Manning played Brady 17 times in his career. But the seven-time Super Bowl champion outclassed him 11 times. Manning’s move to the Broncos bore fruit and he won another Super Bowl title, the second of his career. The Sheriff hates to lose. He showed it again during the 2023 Pro Bowl. But he also doesn’t like easy wins. And the NFL world loves him for that.
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