There are several reports and speculations as to why Tom Brady decided to leave the New England Patriots after 20 seasons and six Super Bowl titles. The full story can never come to light until Brady decides to expand his exit. However, one motivating factor revealed this week is the return of Brady’s rival Peyton Manning.
Buccaneers quarterback coach Clyde Christensen believes one of the reasons Brady left New England fits in with something only Manning has achieved: be the starting quarterback for two Super Bowl franchises.
“He said one of the things that seemed very fun and challenging to him was what Peyton did in Denver,” Christensen told CBS Sports Radio’s The Zach Yellow Show on Wednesday. “There was something about the challenge that (Brady) got right.” Hey, I’m going to see if I can do it somewhere else again. ‘
“I do think the challenge was a big deal for him. Twenty-one years (the length of Brady’s career) is long. Sometimes there is time for change. He has mentioned several times that he was impressed with it and what seemed fun and challenging to him. ‘
After entering the free agency for the first time in his career, Brady signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quickly brought them to the Promised Land after handling the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.
Manning became the first QB to win a Super Bowl title for two franchises after lifting the Lombardi trophy alongside the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50. Nine years earlier, Manning had won Super Bowl XLI with the Indianapolis Colts. Manning, who is due to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021, retired after the 2015 season with his second Super Bowl victory. by Brady and Drew Brees).
Christensen, who knows Manning well after spending ten seasons in Indianapolis as an assistant and was the attacking coordinator in 2010, believes the 43-year-old is looking for more.
“I do not see an end in sight and he certainly does not act as if there is an end in sight,” Christensen concluded. “He is so confident in his routine and whatever he does physically, he will be for a while.”
Brady continued his desire to play until the age of 45 after his seventh Super Bowl title, which is easily the best a player has ever won. Bucs boss Jason Licht recently said he hopes Brady will advance his unprecedented career by mentioning the Bucs’ interest in extending the contract.
One of the accomplishments Manning can stand on his own is the five NFL Most Valuable Player Awards he has won in a 17-season career. Brady just it three league MVPs, but his five Super Bowl MVPs are equally impressive, if not more so.
Perhaps the next goal for Brady as he enters his 22nd NFL season is to become Manning by becoming the only first QB to ever win multiple Super Bowl titles for two franchises. It may be just another small chapter in one of the biggest QB contests in NFL history, but often the need is to constantly chase a competitor. Especially for someone who is performing better than anyone else.