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There are many great quarterbacks in the NFL. Most people automatically think of similarities between great quarterbacks, but this paper will look at their differences. Let us take a look two of the best, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Although Tom Brady and Peyton Manning seem similar on the surface, their college career, pro career, and civic contributions are quite different. We are going to take a walk through two storied careers and see what we can see. While you are reading, try to look beyond the stats at the man and the motivation.

Tom Brady and Peyton Manning had very different college football careers. During his first two years at University of Michigan, Tom Brady was a backup quarterback for Brian Griese and Scott Driesbach. Frustrated by his lack of play, Tom Brady worked hard and stuck it out, and in his junior year, 1998, he earned the starting quarterback position. However in his senior year, Tom Brady was challenged again when he was forced to share the starting spot with freshman Drew Henson. In Tom Brady's four years in Michigan, he acquired the school records for most attempts and completions. ("Tom Brady Biography", (2012)). In contrast Peyton Manning rode the bench the first part of his freshman year, but quickly became the starter with fellow freshman Brandon Stewart after a series of injuries to the team’s starters. After Brandon Stewart transferred to Texas A & M, Peyton Manning was left as the sole starter for the University of Tennessee. During his four years as a Volunteer, Manning amassed 33 passing records. The differences in these two field generals is further accentuated by the NFL draft. During the 2000 NFL draft Tom Brady was chosen 199th overall, whereas Peyton Manning was the number one pick in the 1998 NFL draft according to "Peyton Manning Biography" ((2012)). Tom Brady’s overall low draft choice was caused by a lack of confidence in his abilities by NFL coaches. Whereas Peyton Manning shocked many people by...