When Peyton Manning became a free agent following his release from the Indianapolis Colts in 2012, he had one request for his agent while trying to find a new team: He didn't want to be paid more than Tom Brady.
<cite>Stew Milne/USA TODAY Sports</cite>Longtime rivals Tom Brady and Peyton Manning combine to make $33.3 million in average salary.
Tom Condon, Manning's agent, relayed the story of Manning's free agency in an interview with MMQB.com.
Condon said with a dozen teams interested in Manning's services, he believed he would be able to secure a deal of $25 million per season for the future Hall of Fame quarterback, who would pick the team he would play for before any negotiations ensued.
When Manning decided to sign with the Broncos, he asked Condon: "What does Tom Brady make?"
"$18 million a year," Condon replied, according to MMQB.com.
"Then I don't want to make a penny more than that," Manning said.
The agent told MMQB.com that Manning was 'incensed' at him when he found out the Broncos' offer was for $19.4 million annually, telling his agent, "I told you I didn't want to make more than Brady."
Condon ultimately apologized. He called Manning's wife, who said, "I'll take care of it" and then persuaded Manning to take the deal, according to MMQB.com.
After a disappointing playoff exit in his first season with Denver, Manning won his fifth league MVP award this season, leading the Broncos to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
<cite>Stew Milne/USA TODAY Sports</cite>Longtime rivals Tom Brady and Peyton Manning combine to make $33.3 million in average salary.Tom Condon, Manning's agent, relayed the story of Manning's free agency in an interview with MMQB.com.
Condon said with a dozen teams interested in Manning's services, he believed he would be able to secure a deal of $25 million per season for the future Hall of Fame quarterback, who would pick the team he would play for before any negotiations ensued.
When Manning decided to sign with the Broncos, he asked Condon: "What does Tom Brady make?"
"$18 million a year," Condon replied, according to MMQB.com.
"Then I don't want to make a penny more than that," Manning said.
The agent told MMQB.com that Manning was 'incensed' at him when he found out the Broncos' offer was for $19.4 million annually, telling his agent, "I told you I didn't want to make more than Brady."
Condon ultimately apologized. He called Manning's wife, who said, "I'll take care of it" and then persuaded Manning to take the deal, according to MMQB.com.
After a disappointing playoff exit in his first season with Denver, Manning won his fifth league MVP award this season, leading the Broncos to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
