Tom Brady still hasn't managed to shake off his rivalry with Eli Manning, even in retirement

The rivalry between Tom Brady and Eli Manning stands out as one of the most riveting narratives in NFL history. Even with Brady's illustrious career and his stack of Super Bowl trophies, Manning managed to steal the spotlight in two pivotal showdowns that seemed to leave a lasting impression on Brady.

Years after retiring, the shadow of those Super Bowl duels still looms large. At a recent jersey signing event, the tension flared up again when Brady was handed Eli Manning's number 10 jersey. Brady's reaction was unmistakable-he clearly struggled to hide his irritation. But what really took everyone by surprise was his unexpected response with a deeply persona message instead of simply autographing the jersey.

It was evident that the intense rivalry of over the years had left its mark on Brady. Yet, Eli Manning responded with an entirely different demeanor, handling the moment with notable grace and a calm that contrasted sharply with Brady's visible discomfort.

In the comments, fans couldn't help but wonder why Eli Manning skipped Tom Brady's roast. Manning later joked in an interview that he didn't want to roast Brady for a third time, turning this quip into a favorite among the "frenemies."

Eli Manning became Tom Brady's greatest adversary

When the New England Patriots boasted a perfect season and seemed destined for football immortality, no one anticipated that their biggest obstacle would come in the form of Eli Manning and the New York Giants. Super Bowl XLII in 2008 was set to be a coronation for Tom Brady and his Patriots, but Manning had other plans.

But if you thought that was the end of the saga, think again. The rivalry heated up again in Super Bowl XLVI, four years later. In a repeat performance of high drama, Manning led the Giants to another victory over Brady's Patriots. This second Super Bowl triumph not only solidified Manning's status as a clutch performer but also fueled a narrative that fans and analysts would debate for years to come.

Even now, years after their retirement, the echoes of those dramatic Super Bowl battles still resonate. The tale of Eli Manning, the man who twice shattered Brady's Super Bowl dreams, has become a legendary chapter in NFL history.

It's clear that Brady still hasn't let it go-he can't bring himself to sign his rival's jersey, even for the fans. Instead, he leaves a message that Eli surely won't forget, adding yet another layer to their unforgettable rivalry.