There’s no rivalry more enamouring than Tom Brady vs Peyton Manning. Two quarterbacks who represented the NFL for an entire generation; one follows the other into retirement. Six years after Manning announced his retirement, Brady announced his retirement on Tuesday. The former Broncos QB issued a statement regarding Brady’s retirement.

Peyton Manning with a sweet message to Tom Brady

There are tons of reasons the rivalry between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning will go down as one of the greatest in sports history. First, Brady holds the record for the most Super Bowl wins by an individual with seven. Manning holds the record for the most MVP awards by an individual in NFL history.

Brady won the Super Bowl six times with the Patriots and once with the Buccaneers. Manning won the Super Bowl with two teams as well; Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. In his retirement season, he led the Broncos to the promised land against Cam Newton’s Carolina Panthers.

Via Adam Schefter, Brady’s greatest rival issued a touching statement upon his retirement. “Congratulations to my friend Tom on an unbelievable playing career. To do it as long as he did, at the highest of levels, is absolutely incredible. It was an honor and a privilege to compete against him on the field, and I truly appreciate his friendship off the field.”

“I have always admired and respected his competitiveness, his dedication, his discipline, and his commitment to be the best. I wish him the best in his next chapter. Congratulations again, pal!”

Rivalries like Manning and Brady’s are scarce. Aside from maybe Nadal vs Federer, Ronaldo vs Messi and Ali vs Frazier, none come close to touching the greatness achieved by the NFL’s greatest icons. Will there ever be another rivalry like this in the NFL? Stay tuned to know more.

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