If there is anyone who knows how to be a thorn in Tom Brady’s side when he tries to win a Super Bowl, it is Eli Manning. The former Giants defender prevented Brady from adding two more Super Bowl rings to his six already record holders, including that infamous Patriots turn in Super Bowl XLII that prevented New England from a perfect 19-0. Although Manning could certainly show off his two rings and boast “The GOAT”, he doesn’t pull those arrows out of the quiver. That said, these games appear from time to time whenever the defenders meet, but it is TB12 that initiates this conversation.
“It’s one of those things, it’s not something I say or think about,” said Manning The New York Post on Tuesday. “I have been with Tom several times and I never mentioned a Super Bowl or our games against them. He really mentions that. It still bothers him a little bit, especially in 2007, when they had the chance to be considered the greatest team of all time. But I have no right to brag about Tom. This is his tenth Super Bowl, and I am very impressed with his entire career. “
As crazy as it may seem, two titles lost thanks to Manning are a drop in the ocean for Brady, who, as he noted, is heading for the 10th Super Bowl of his career and is looking for his seventh title. If he were able to lead his new Buccaneers club over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl LV, Brady would then have more Super Bowl titles than any other franchise in the league’s history.
“It’s really impressive what Tom has been able to do,” said Manning. “Just the fact, changing teams after 20 years, with a team where you were so successful and moving to a new team, new city, new state during a pandemic, where you have a reduced off-season and different rules and like to get the same results. Going back to the Super Bowl, at 43, is so impressive. It was hard to think that it would be possible. He obviously has a special demeanor and a special ability to get the guys to gather around him. “
Brady maintaining that historic level of success at the end of his career is absolutely crazy when you put it in this context: Since the age of 35, Brady has had more playoff wins (17) than any other defender in NFL history. With 33 total playoff wins and six titles, he may already have two separate careers in the Hall of Fame, which is probably – in part – because Manning is not quick to criticize Brady about the two defeats for the Giants.
However, falling a little short of immortality and an immaculate record to add to your resume during that 2007 season, as Manning noted, unsurprisingly keeps Brady awake at night – even though he is full of other Lombardi trophies.