New England Patriots

Tom Brady: Making 10 AFC title games is beyond 'my wildest dreams'

Published Jan. 18, 2016 11:49 a.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are one win away from a spot in the Super Bowl once again as they'll visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday. It'll mark the 17th time Brady and Peyton Manning have met, and the fourth time in the AFC Championship game.

The history of both quarterbacks can't be overlooked, but it's Brady who's accomplished something 27 other franchises haven't done: play for an AFC title 10 times.

That's right, Sunday will mark the 10th time Brady has reached the conference championship game, which is more than 27 other teams. That's incredible, and something Brady didn't even believe was possible.

He talked about the accomplishment on WEEI Monday morning.

“It’s beyond what I’d ever imagined in my wildest dreams,” Brady said. “I remember the first one I ever participated in, which was in Pittsburgh. We had to fly there on a Friday. I missed Friday of practice so I could do a press conference at the site of the game. It was the first time it really felt like, wow, this is a big deal. Fifteen years later, to be a part of 10 of those, I never imagined that any of this was ever even possible.

"I just knew that I loved the game, and I played with so many great teammates who have, like I said, sacrificed so much. When you play with teammates like I have and you see what they go through over the course of the season, what they deal with in their lives personally, how that reacts to them professionally, kind of the blood, sweat and tears you put into it, you never take it for granted.”

Sunday's matchup between Brady and Manning comes with a Super Bowl berth on the line. And by looking at the numbers right now, it would seem as though Brady and the Patriots have the edge. Brady has three touchdown passes in Denver this season, while Manning has just one, despite playing five more games.

It's only fitting that the two meet with a spot in Super Bowl 50 up for grabs.