The intense rivalry between NFL legends Peyton Manning and Tom Brady is one of the most storied in football history, extending beyond the field long after Manning hung up his cleats nearly a decade ago. He occasionally ribs his former adversary, displaying the competitive banter hasn’t faded.
Recently, while contributing to NBC’s coverage of the Summer Olympics in Paris, Manning seized a moment to poke fun at Brady during a segment with Mike Tirico. Tirico was reporting on a Canadian soccer coach sent home due to a controversy involving a drone used to spy on practice sessions, reminiscent of previous global sports scandals.
“Canada has already made headlines,” Tirico explained. “Their women’s soccer coach was sent home following a drone-related spying incident, even before the official opening of the Olympics, sparking controversy.”
Manning quickly connected the incident to “Spygate,” the 2007 scandal where Brady’s New England Patriots were penalized for videotaping opposing teams’ coaching signals, violating NFL rules. “A little Spygate in soccer here at the Olympics,” Manning quipped, drawing laughter including from singer Kelly Clarkson, who expressed her amusement with, “Spygate. I love you.”
Years after their professional battles, Manning continues to bring up his rivalry with Brady, showing that some competitive fires never truly go out.
