Tom Brady, Peyton Manning Are Not 'Generational' Talents, Says Former NFL Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Ward | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 9:56 PM ET

Throughout the history of the NFL, numerous iconic quarterbacks have passed through the league, including Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, John Elway, Brett Favre, Drew Brees and Dan Marino. Although those six players are undisputed legends, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning elevated the position to an even higher level during their playing careers.

Manning put his stamp on the game, winning a Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos while setting NFL records along the way. Then there's Brady, whom many believe is the best player in league history, having won a record seven titles during his time with the New England Patriots and then finishing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Although the two legends are highly regarded as players who are arguably in the top five or higher among the greatest quarterbacks of all time, some have a different take on these NFL icons.

During a heated debate on ESPN's "First Take," former NFL player Ryan Clark had a bold statement about generational quarterbacks. The former-safety-turned-NFL-analyst played most of his 13-year NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers but also spent time with the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins.

"I don't think Tom Brady, I don't think Drew Brees, I don't think Peyton Manning are generational talents," Clark argues.

"I don't think Tom Brady, I don't think Drew Brees, I don't think Peyton Manning are generational talents." - Ryan Clark pic.twitter.com/sTgNQXxfBY
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 4, 2025

In terms of athleticism, Brady and Peyton Manning are far from being in the same category of players like Steve Young, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, but to claim that the two Hall of Famers aren't generational is a stretch, to say the least.

Tom Brady and Peyton Manning: Undoubtedly Generational Quarterbacks

There will never be another quarterback like Tom Brady, and the same can be said for Peyton Manning. They defined a generation in the NFL and had wildly successful careers as a result, with nine Super Bowls and eight NFL MVP awards between them.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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