Former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady had some epic battles during their playing days.
And while the two generational passers were bitter rivals on the field, now that they’ve been away from the game for a few years, they seem to have a lot more in common.
During the inaugural episode of “Rushmore on X” — a show hosted by Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and music manager Ben Persky where they debate the all-time GOATs in various categories — both Manning and Brady appeared as guests to discuss their Mount Rushmore of wide receivers.
More NFL: Raiders’ Brock Bowers Gets Devastating Injury Update from Sports Doctor
More NFL: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce in Line for Major ESPN Offer After NFL Retirement
Both quarterbacks played with their fair share of top wideouts in their respective careers, but both players agreed that the best receiver in NFL history was one that neither played with.
“My first one is Jerry Rice,” Manning said. “OK, and really all you have to say — 1,549 receptions, 22,895 yards, 197 touchdowns. All three NFL records. That kind of just answers itself.”
Brady agreed: “Jerry Rice, No. 1. … The consistency, the durability, the dependability, he moments in big-time games, the touchdowns, the yards, he route running, the practice habits, the tone-setting. He’s like, if there was a perfect football player, it’s Jerry Rice.”
More NFL: Eagles Open to Trading Star WR AJ Brown: Report
Rice’s NFL resume is second-to-none.
In addition to being the NFL’s all-time receiving leader, he was also a 13-time Pro Bowler, an 11-time All-Pro selection, a two-time Offensive Player of the Year, and a three-time Super Bowl champion.
Of course, both QBs named arguably the greatest wide receivers they personally played with as their No. 2. Manning chose Colts legend Marvin Harrison, while Brady went with Minnesota Vikings icon and former Patriots wideout Randy Moss.
Manning’s No. 3 and 4 choices were ex-Colts receiver Raymond Berry and Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez.
Brady went with Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald as his No. 3 choice and former teammate Rob Gronkowski as his No. 4.
More NFL: Ex-Browns QB Says Locker Room Prefers Shedeur Sanders Over Dillon Gabriel
