National Football League

Peyton did not want to make more than Brady, agent says

Published Mar. 27, 2014 12:06 p.m. ET

foxsports

Peyton Manning had only one demand when he hit the open market in 2012: He didn’t want to make more money than Tom Brady.

After deciding to sign with the Denver Broncos, Manning asked his agent, Tom Condon, how much money the New England Patriots quarterback made, Condon told 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.”

Manning was “incensed” when he found out the Broncos offered him $19.4 million annually. Condon had to call Manning’s wife to convince the future Hall of Famer to sign the deal in Denver.

Condon thought Manning would sign a $25 million-per-year deal after the Indianapolis Colts released the signal-caller.

Manning’s modesty and refusal to negotiate with more than one team ruined any chances of a record-breaking contract.