Peyton Manning revealed the legendary NFL owner who Bill Belichick absolutely hated
Peyton Manning never played for Bill Belichick, but he might have some knowledge about the legendary coach that other people don't.
He was a star quarterback who spent his entire legendary career (which resulted in a Hall of Fame berth) in the AFC, but he never played for the Patriots. Instead, he was often their biggest rival.
The Hall of Fame quarterback recently said he knew which NFL owner the Patriots coach hated more than anyone else. Manning revealed this on the ManningCast during the New England Patriots win over the Arizona Cardinals:
"I played for Belichick one time in a Pro Bowl and they were telling stories about the times that he was the head coach of the Pro Bowl. One time, he picked Peter Boulware because he knew Art Modell would have to pay Boulware a $1 million bonus if Boulware made the Pro Bowl. Belichick hated Modell."
Peyton Manning says Bill Belichick hated Art Modell so much that he added @pboulware to the Pro Bowl roster just to force Modell to pay Boulware's $1 million Pro Bowl bonus. https://t.co/4QjQvtH8LP
The former Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts quarterback revealed that Belichick was somewhat petty in his feelings towards legendary owner Art Modell. Modell owned the Baltimore Ravens for nine years after establishing them and owned the Cleveland Browns prior to that.
As a Pro Bowl head coach, Belichick was able to pick the players and he picked a player solely so that Modell would have to pay him a bonus. The legendary quarterback did not reveal why Belichick hated Modell, just that he did and had evidence of the disdain.
It potentially has something to do with the relocation of the Browns franchise to Baltimore. Belichick was the Browns' head coach and had been advised his position was safe, only to be fired shortly after. The franchise infamously moved to Baltimore, where they became the Ravens.
Is Peyton Manning going to own a team?
Despite his role as an iconic part-time NFL broadcaster, the retired quarterback might have loftier goals. He is rumored to be in the running to be the next Colts head coach.
However, his brother once revealed that Manning has his eyes on being an NFL owner. It's possible that he'll be a part of an ownership group one day.
With the Washington Commanders about to potentially be sold, there's a chance the former quarterback can get in on an ownership group and fulfill his dreams.
However, if he doesn't with the Commanders, it may be a while before he gets another opportunity. We will see what transpires with the passing of time.