Drew Brees had a bold claim about the two legends...
NFL Great Makes Bold Statement Against Tom Brady, Peyton Manning originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were arguably the two greatest quarterbacks of their generation, combining for nine Super Bowl wins and eight NFL MVP awards.
While they dominated the NFL spotlight for much of their careers, other legendary quarterbacks also left their mark, including former New Orleans Saints star Drew Brees.
Brees may not match Brady and Manning’s accolades, with one Super Bowl title and one MVP award, but he still believes he could beat both in one category to this day.
Brees Had Words For Brady and Manning
On Friday, Brees made a guest appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show." When discussing the longest run of his NFL career (23 yards), Brees, who was not known for his mobility, made a point to mention that he preferred throwing.
"Hey, move the chains, get your team into the end zone," Brees said. "I'd much rather throw it to the guys who know what they're doing."
Then, Brees was asked if he could outrun Manning, who also lacked speed.
"Absolutely," Brees said. "Smoke him. Crush him. He's got short legs. He's all torso."
Brees was then asked the same question about Brady.
"Oh, Brady," Brees added. "Brady would be at the 25-yard line when I cross the 40."
Then, Brees met his match when asked if he could beat Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
"No," Brees said. "He would be at the 40, I would be at the (25)."
Drew Brees says he'd crush Peyton Manning and @TomBrady in a foot race 🤣
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) August 8, 2025
"I'd smoke [Manning], crush him... Brady would be at the 25 yard line when I cross the 40." pic.twitter.com/RopdPGcYQU
Who Was The Better Runner in the NFL?
Brady, Manning and Brees were certainly not known for their rushing ability, but their passing is what made them special. But who was the best?
During Brady's 22-year career with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he managed to run the ball 693 times for 1,123 yards and 28 touchdowns, an average of 1.6 yards per carry and 3.4 per game. He also ran a 5.17-second 40-yard dash in the 2000 NFL combine.
Manning, who ran a 4.80-second 40-yard dash, played four fewer seasons than Brady. He finished his career with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos with 431 rushes for 667 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 1.5 yards per carry and 2.5 per game.
Brees, in his 20 seasons (including the San Diego Chargers), managed 498 carries for 752 yards and 25 touchdowns, finishing with a 1.5 yards per carry average and 2.6 per game. His 40-yard dash was just short of Manning's at 4.83 seconds.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
