Peyton Manning on Tom Brady: 'It was an honor and a privilege to compete against him'

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Peyton Manning was among those who congratulated Tom Brady on a stellar career on Tuesday following his decision to walk away from the NFL.

Manning and Brady had some battle on the field during their careers with both of them likely preventing the other from winning more rings than they could’ve. Regardless, Manning released a glowing statement commending Brady for an "unbelievable" career.

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Tom Brady of the New England Patriots congratulates Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos after the Broncos defeated the Patriots 26 to 16 during the AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Jan. 19, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

"Congratulations to my friend Tom on an unbelievable football career," Manning said. "To do it as long as he did, at the highest of levels is absolutely incredible. It was an honor and a privilege to compete against him on the field, and I truly appreciate his friendship off the field. I have always admitted & respected his competitiveness, his dedication, his discipline, and his commitment to being the best. I wish him the best in his next chapter. Congratulations again pal!"

Manning was one of the most dominant quarterbacks before Brady broke all of his records. However, he only came away with two Super Bowl titles.

TOM BRADY MAKES IT OFFICIAL, RETIRES FROM NFL AFTER 22 YEARS

Quarterbacks Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos and Tom Brady of the New England Patriots shake hands following the AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Jan. 24, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 20-18.  (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Manning started his playoff rivalry against the Brady and the New England Patriots in the 2003 season when the Patriots beat the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship. The Colts and Manning would lose again in the divisional round the following season. 

He would finally get over the hump and beat Brady during the Colts’ 2007 run to their first Super Bowl title. He would beat New England and Brady twice while he was with the Denver Broncos, one run which led to a Super Bowl title.

Tom Brady completed 26 of 38 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns as he rallied New England from a 10-point deficit. (AP/David J. Phillip)

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Brady is leaving as the league's all-time leader in passing yards (84,520), touchdown passes (624), completions (7,263) and attempts (11,317). He finished second in fourth-quarter comebacks with (42), one behind Manning.