Tom Brady took to the mic during Sunday afternoon’s one-sided matchup between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys, where the Lions cruised to a dominant 47-9 victory. With the game already out of hand by the fourth quarter, Brady found a humorous way to spice things up, using the blowout as an opportunity to poke fun at his longtime rival, Peyton Manning.
The Lions had built a commanding 37-9 lead and were poised to add to their total with the ball on the Cowboys’ goal line. However, back-to-back penalties negated two potential touchdowns, forcing Detroit to settle for a field goal.
One of the flags came on a “pick play”—a maneuver where a receiver deliberately runs into a defender to free up a teammate. This prompted Brady to make a lighthearted, yet pointed, remark about Manning’s record-breaking 2013 Denver Broncos offense.
“Over the years they’ve gotten really tight on calling those pick plays,” Brady commented. “Any remote contact draws a flag. I saw Peyton Manning when he threw 55 touchdowns, there were more pick plays in that offense than in the history of NFL football. Since then they’ve been cracking down.”
The playful jab was delivered with Brady’s trademark humor, referencing Manning’s iconic 2013 season when the former Broncos quarterback set the NFL record for most passing touchdowns in a single season with 55. Manning’s offense was known for its precision, but also, as Brady joked, for utilizing “pick plays” to free up receivers—a strategy that has become increasingly scrutinized by officials in recent years.
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While the comment was funny and lighthearted, it also carried a bit of competitive history. Brady and Manning, two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, have faced off in numerous high-stakes games, none more memorable than the 2013 AFC Championship Game.
That year, Manning’s Broncos knocked out Brady’s New England Patriots with a 26-16 victory, earning a trip to Super Bowl XLVIII. Although Manning had a phenomenal season, it ended on a sour note, as the Broncos were soundly defeated by the Seattle Seahawks in a 43-8 blowout in the Super Bowl.
Brady’s comment may have been in jest, but it also hinted at some lingering frustration from that AFC Championship loss. As one of the most competitive players in NFL history, Brady hasn’t forgotten the games that slipped through his fingers, particularly those against a longtime rival like Manning. Brady and the Patriots were always neck-and-neck with Manning’s teams, creating one of the most iconic rivalries in NFL history.
Though Manning’s 55-touchdown season remains a historic feat, Brady’s comments offered a reminder that the two legends never missed a chance to compete—on or off the field. Despite the rivalry, both quarterbacks have often shown mutual respect for each other, though the occasional playful shot has always been part of their dynamic.
As the Lions continued their domination over the Cowboys, Brady’s quip added a bit of levity to the broadcast. It also served as a nostalgic throwback for football fans, reminding everyone of the fierce competition between two all-time greats who helped define an era of NFL football.
Even in retirement, Brady’s competitive spirit remains alive, and his quick-witted remark shows that the rivalry with Manning still simmers, at least when it comes to trading jokes from the commentary booth.
While Brady now enjoys life after football in the broadcast booth, his brief dig at Manning shows he hasn’t forgotten the battles they waged on the field. And for NFL fans, moments like this are a reminder that even though both legends have retired, their competitive spark remains.
