Why Tom Brady reached out to former rival Peyton Manning for advice

As the legendary former Patriots QB gears up for a 10-year gig as one of Fox Sports' leading analysts, he reached out to Manning for broadcast tips.

Peyton Manning greets Tom Brady after the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 15, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won the game 35-34. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

By Faith Pinnow

March 13, 2024

1 minute to read

It’s time to turn the channel on the Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady rivalry that dominated headlines for much for the early 2000s.

It’s been eight years since the two quarterbacks took to the gridiron opposite each other, and in just a few short months they’ll share the NFL airwaves.

“Monday Night Football with Peyton & Eli,” a.k.a. ManningCast, is ESPN’s simulcast – a live simulation and analysis show which Manning and his brother (also a former professional quarterback) host alongside each other. As they gear up for the fourth season, Manning has become a seasoned broadcaster, though he denies it, according to the Athletic’s Andrew Marchand.

Brady, meanwhile, is preparing to make his debut as Fox Sports’ lead game analyst. The 2024 NFL season will mark his first of many – the former Patriots quarterback agreed to a 10-year, $375 million deal for the gig.

Manning revealed that Brady – who has become a friend of his over the years – reached out to him recently asking for advice.

“I said, ‘Tom, I watch football from my neighbor’s garage on Monday nights. I’m not sure I’m worthy of being called for advice for what you’re about to do,’” Manning said.

While Manning has never called an NFL game live from the booth, he does have an added advantage of behind-the-scenes expertise. The double-threat is the GM of Omaha Productions, a production company he founded in 2020.

Omaha Productions has made headlines recently in connection with another New Englander: Bill Belichick.

Last week, the Athletic reported that Manning was attempting to recruit the former Patriots coach to join his broadcast team.

“If it comes to fruition, I think fans will be excited to see how incredibly brilliant Bill Belichick is when talking about football and how witty and funny he is,” Manning said.

The legendary coach has yet to comment on the proposed collaboration, though ESPN (who works closely with Omaha Productions) has reportedly expressed interest in him.