Brady vs Manning - Gary Myers

If you are a diehard NFL football fan, or a sports fan in general, then you've heard about one of the biggest rivalries of all time - Brady vs. Manning. 

We're in the middle of the NFL playoffs and a day and some hours away from watching Tom and Peyton go at it again for a chance in Super Bowl 50.

I grew up watching Peyton. My father, a diehard Manning fan and career-long supporter, introduced me to the game when I was 8-years-old. We would sit around together in our Indianapolis Colts jerseys watching Manning play every Sunday or Monday night. These are cherished memories of my childhood. It came as no surprise to those that knew me that I followed Peyton when he became the Denver Broncos Quarterback. With my support of Peyton since his start in Indianapolis came the natural instinct to hate Tom Brady. I didn't care to know him or watch him play unless he was an opponent of Peyton's. I gave into the media's instigated rivalry hype. 

Getting a chance to read this book changed my understanding of Brady, quarterbacks and the game, for the better. Gary Myers told stories old and new of the two quarterbacks and their journeys to becoming two of the best NFL players to ever join the league. We hear their sides of stories discussed cruelly by the media, reactions and opinions each quarterback had towards various games and interactions with each other and, of course, their splender of impressive statistics. Myers turns a typical compilation of stats, play-by-plays and quotes into an unique and enjoyable narrative. He isn't one-sided, which is my favorite aspect of Myer's writing style. I didn't feel too much attention was given to one or the other. If you, like me, are a bigger fan of one quarterback you will still enjoy the read. 

"Brady vs. Manning has been great for the NFL. It's been great for Brady and Manning. They have pushed each other to the very top of the heap of the all-time best quarterbacks." (Pg. 248)

Books like this are important. We need more than just 1,000 word articles with a bias attitude and cruel assumptions. Myers went directly to the sources, Brady and Manning, and gave us a chance to get to know our favorite players a little better. 

I'm anxiously awaiting Sunday, Jan. 24th to see the Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots one more time! Of course, I'll be cheering for Manning, but it is sure to add another glorious chapter to the Brady vs. Manning story. 

4.5/5 

Happy Reading! 

Breanna