The rivalry between NFL superstars Tom Brady and Peyton Manning is set to be the focus of a feature documentary.
Winter State Entertainment is developing Brady vs. Manning, a documentary film based on author Gary Myers’ 2015 New York Times best-selling book of the same name, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Hamid Torabpour and Camille Torabpour are attached to direct the project that will adapt the work that Myers wrote after decades of covering the two elite athletes as a sports journalist.
Brady vs. Manning will include exclusive interviews, archival footage and detailed storytelling to examine the fierce competition and friendship between the two athletes. Among those participating in interviews for the film are teammates, coaches, executives, journalists and other prominent figures who witnessed the epic rivalry firsthand. Additional casting and distribution announcements are expected at a later date.
Producers for Brady vs. Manning include Myers, Chris Cooney, Sam Sokolow, Alec Sokolow, Nic Levis, Willie Roaf, Angela Roaf, Dr. Mark Smith, Nick Hagen and Leroy Butler.
Inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2021, Manning won Super Bowl XLI as quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts, and he later won Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos. Brady is not yet eligible for the Hall of Fame but is considered a shoo-in, having won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and a seventh with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before retiring in 2023. With Manning having been named NFL MVP five times, while Brady landed the honor three times, both are universally regarded as among the best quarterbacks in the history of the sport.
“We’ve always believed that the greatest sports stories are ultimately human stories,” Winter State Entertainment founders Hamid and Camille Torabpour say in a joint statement. “Brady and Manning gave fans unforgettable moments on the field, but what inspired us most is the mutual respect, relentless preparation and pursuit of greatness that defined their rivalry. Gary’s book captures those qualities brilliantly, and we’re honored to bring his extraordinary work to the screen alongside such an accomplished producing team.”
Adds Myers, “Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning is the greatest individual rivalry in the 106-year history of the NFL. The careers of the two of the best QBs to ever do it! And Brady and Manning ran side by side. They faced each other an astounding 17 times — 14 more than [John] Elway vs. [Dan] Marino — and were always in each other’s way to get to the Super Bowl. Their games against each other were must-watch and defined an era. Pro football will never see a rivalry like this again! This documentary by Winter State Entertainment will be compelling.”
