Not Joe Montana or Dan Marino: Tom Brady reveals who truly inspired him to be a better player during his NFL career

There’s no doubt the history of the NFL has been shaped by dozens of era-defining players—especially legendary quarterbacks like Dan Marino and Joe Montana. However, Tom Brady is widely regarded as the greatest of all time, and the story of his iconic career traces back to one specific source of inspiration.

It’s often said that for an athlete to truly reach their full potential, they need a nemesis—someone who pushes them to new heights. That was exactly the case for New England Patriots legend, who, in a recent piece, named Peyton Manning as the player who inspired him to improve every single day.

In his newsletter titled ‘Every Champion Needs a Rival,’ the multiple-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots and Buccaneers made a special mention of the former Broncos quarterback, who shared the NFL stage with Brady for many years.

“Peyton Manning was a gift to my NFL career,” TB12 wrote. “I maybe didn’t fully know it at the time, but I needed someone to look up to, who inspired me to be better, and who gave me a target to aim for.”

“Now when I see him, the only thing I can say is thank you,” Brady also added. “Thank you for challenging me to be the best I could be, to dig deep in March and April and May when nobody was watching, and to have expectations for myself that were above and beyond what others thought was possible.”

Two careers filled with glory

Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are undeniably two of the greatest quarterbacks in modern NFL history, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Brady, known for his incredible longevity and clutch performances, led the New England Patriots to an unprecedented six Super Bowl titles and added a seventh with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, cementing his legacy as the most decorated player ever.

Peyton Manning, on the other hand, was celebrated for his unparalleled pre-snap intelligence and record-setting passing prowess. He earned five MVP awards, more than any other player, and guided both the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos to Super Bowl championships, showcasing his ability to elevate multiple franchises.

While Brady’s career was defined by consistent winning and numerous championships, Manning’s was characterized by groundbreaking statistical achievements and a revolutionary command of the offense. Their legendary rivalry provided some of the most compelling matchups in league history, forever linking two of football’s true icons.