Brady vs. Manning

October 15, 2015

The rivalry between quarterbacks Tom Brady (New England Patriots) and Peyton Manning (Denver Broncos) has defined the NFL; each year their teams vie as Super Bowl contenders, and each year they face-off at least once on the field, often with championship implications. Sportswriter Myers (New York Daily News) compares the rivalry to Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson in basketball and Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier in boxing but misses the obvious football parallel of Bart Starr vs. Johnny Unitas in the 1960s. Essentially, this is a joint biography of the two principals, covering the distinct contrasts in their family backgrounds, college experiences, emergence as NFL stars, and their respective playing styles. Manning has been a statistical phenomenon for five coaches on two teams over 17 years but has won just one championship, while Brady has been with one coach on one team for 16 years and has won four Super Bowls shrouded in the controversies of the Tuck Rule Game, Spygate and Deflategate. Myers relies on extensive interviews with Brady and Manning, as well as their fathers, coaches, teammates, and opponents to portray the unique relationship of the two greatest quarterbacks of recent years as one of fierce competition yet respectful friendship. VERDICT Myers is a thorough professional with impeccable contacts to successfully tell this account, which will be of interest to all football fans.

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