Oct 7, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) shakes hands with Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) following the game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
When Peyton Manning was released off of the Indianapolis Colts roster, he had a ton of different options in which he could head toward and the money was going to be flowing in from one of the teams. Peyton may have been coming from a busted neck, but teams were willing to take their chance on him.
While Peyton was on the hunt for a new job, he told his agent Tom Condon that he didn’t want to make more money than Tom Brady.
Here is some quotes, per NESN:
"Manning asked his agent, Tom Condon, how much money the New England Patriots quarterback made, Condon told themmqb’s Andrew Brandt on Friday. When Condon informed Manning that Brady made $18 million per year, Manning said, “Then I don’t want to make a penny more than that.”"
Why in the world would Manning ask his agent that? Is it out of respect for Tom? Is it because he knows the salary cap would be shot if he made any more than that? Why in the world was that on his mind?
After it was all said and done, Manning still made more money than Tom and Peyton was not a happy camper:
"The Broncos’ opening offer was $19.4 million a year. Condon phoned to tell Manning, who was incensed:“I told you I didn’t want to make more than Brady!”Condon apologized, hung up and called Manning’s wife, who responded, “I’ll take care of it,” and coaxed Manning to accept the Broncos’ offer."
I am sure wifey calmed him down real quick and she could find a way to take care of that extra million that he was making more than Tom.