Tom Brady announced his retirement from the NFL - again - on Wednesday.
Brady previously retired last year, but that only lasted 40 days before the accomplished quarterback decided to unretire for the 2022 season. Brady says he is now retiring for good.
After the QB announced his retirement, Peyton Manning, Brady's big on-field rival and off-field friend, released the following statement on Wednesday evening:
"Congratulations to my friend Tom on an unbelievable football career," Manning said in a statement on his Instagram page. "To do it as long as he did, at the highest of levels is absolutely incredible. It was an honor and a privilege to compete against him on the field, and I truly appreciate his friendship off the field.
"I have always admired and respected his competitiveness, his dedication, his discipline, and his commitment to being the best. I wish him the best in his next chapter. Congratulations again, pal!"
If that statement sounds familiar, it's because Manning recycled his exact same comment from when Brady retired last year. Manning even used the same graphic that his production company posted in 2022.
Last year, Manning joked that he wanted Brady to send back his retirement gift - a letter and bottle of wine - after the QB unretired. No word yet on if Manning will send another gift this time.
Manning went 3-2 against Brady in the playoffs during their playing careers, including a pair of AFC title game victories with the Denver Broncos. Brady seemingly dominated every team he faced - except the Broncos.
Story originally appeared on Broncos Wire
