Peyton Manning outlines how he could have stopped Tom Brady-Bill Belichick dynasty in its tracks
Peyton Manning was one of the best NFL quarterbacks of his generation. Manning's arch-nemesis, Tom Brady, is the only other person during their playing days to perhaps eclipse his greatness. However, the two-time Super Bowl champion highlighted a scenario where he could've outshined the iconic Brady.
On Tuesday, the former Denver Broncos superstar appeared on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast. Manning spoke about his college days in Tennessee. He attributed his NFL success to playing all four years at UT.
The 14-time Pro Bowler also discussed his scenario to topple Brady. Had he declared early for the NFL draft, Manning would’ve been up for grabs in 1997 instead of 1998. With legendary college performances, the five-time NFL MVP would’ve likely gone first overall in 97. However, it wouldn’t have been to the Indianapolis Colts.
“I probably would have been the first pick as a junior," said Manning. “The Jets had the first pick—interesting to think how things would have turned out. Parcells was the head coach, and Belichick was the D-coordinator. Does he end up coaching the Patriots and Brady?” [01:16:06]
The hosts agreed with Manning's theory, suggesting that the NFL Hall of Famer would have paved a different path for the New York Jets and its then-defensive coordinator Bill Belichick. This could have stopped him from leaving New York to take the top job with the New England Patriots.
Peyton Manning highlights the toughest coach he faced
The duo of Belichick and Brady gave Manning all he could handle during his time with the Colts and Denver Broncos. However, Belichick isn’t the coach Peyton Manning named as his most formidable challenge.
“Rex Ryan was tough, you know," Manning said on the podcast. "He just did things that didn't make sense to me. I'm like, 'There's no way he can bring that guy,' and he would bring him.”
Manning revealed on the podcast that former Jets and Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan gave him the most problems. Ryan started in the NFL a year later than Manning and worked his entire career in the AFC. The veteran sideline general was a regular fixture in Manning's playoff bracket.