Title/Author:
“Brady vs. Manning: The Untold Story of the Rivalry That Transformed the NFL” by Gary
Myers
Tags:
Football (American),
Patriots, Colts, Broncos
Publish date:
September 22, 2015
Length:
272 pages
Rating:
5 of 5 stars (outstanding)
Review:
Tom Brady and Peyton
Manning are the two biggest names in professional football today. They have matched up in some memorable games
over the years, are fierce rivals on the field and have the utmost respect for
each other. Their careers took different
paths. Manning, after a stellar college
career at Tennessee, was the first draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts and
immediately was a professional starting quarterback. Tom Brady, on the other hand, had limited
time as a starting quarterback at Michigan, was a sixth round draft pick of the
New England Patriots, and began his professional career as a backup to All-Pro
quarterback Drew Bledsoe.
What happened before and
afterward to both of these men is the subject of this excellent book written by
well-respected football reporter Gary Myers.
Utilizing not only his access to Brady and Manning, but also his
connections around the game, Myers covers the story of both men as only someone
who knows football as well as he does.
Not only are the
individual achievements and recaps of their NFL careers covered, both men are
shown to have a playful side as their interactions with their family members
and teammates reveal the true people both of them are. It helps the reader to see their personalities
beyond the accomplishments Brady and Manning have achieved.
Another aspect of the
book that shows Myers’ knowledge and talent for writing is how well the book
covers other issues that affected the two quarterbacks. Whether it is talking to former Michigan
coach Lloyd Carr on why Brady was not the starter during his entire time at
Michigan, Colts owner Jim Irsay on the somber departure of Manning to the
Denver Broncos, or the saga on how Manning could have been the quarterback of
the New York Jets had he left Tennessee a year earlier, Myers writes in a
manner that is both intelligent for hard-core football fans, yet simple enough
so that non-fans or casual fans can easily understand what was happening.
The Brady-Manning era of
football is compared to other eras in other sports where two legends would be
rivals, such as Larry Bird – Magic Johnson, Joe Frazier – Muhammad Ali and Ted
Williams – Joe DiMaggio. Myers is
careful not to tip his hand as to his opinion of who he believes is better and
instead lets others talk up the one they prefer. Seeing this balanced coverage and praise for
both quarterbacks made the book an excellent source of information on both men
and is one that I would highly recommend for any football fan, no matter his or
her level of interest in the game.
I wish to thank publisher for providing an advance review copy of the book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Pace of the book:
It was a quick read, as
it wasn’t too much about the intricacies of the game and read like a collection
of stories that illustrated both men in a positive manner.
Do I recommend?
This book would be enjoyed by readers who enjoy football as the two most
recognizable players in the game are both portrayed in a manner that is easy to
read and entertaining.
Book Format Read:
E-book (Kindle)
Buying links (pre-order
at time of review):
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