The gloves have come off in the ‘Hollywood Derby.’ Or maybe it’s the rings?
On Friday, former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning commented on a tweet by Welsh football club Wrexham, which was announcing the two-time Super Bowl winner had joined its fanbase, by saying: “Now I can beat @TomBrady in football and in fútbol!”
With Wrexham set to face Birmingham City on Monday, this was a playful poke at former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who happens to own 3.3 per cent of the League One team. Both of Manning’s Super Bowl wins came at the expense of Brady’s Patriots, in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI.
Not to be outdone, Brady responded with a short video where he says, “So I’ve been working on a little response video to Eli, and I’ve been looking around the house, and I can’t find the other six of these,” while holding up the Pete Rozelle Trophy, awarded to the MVP of the Super Bowl.
Brady is famous for his seven Super Bowl titles, having appeared in the NFL’s showpiece game 10 times. But of his three losses, two were against Manning and the Giants.
Wrexham and Birmingham City both play in English football’s League One, which is essentially the third division in that country. Wrexham, famously co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has been promoted twice since being taken over by the pair in November of 2020 and is currently tied for the top spot in the table with four wins, a draw and no losses, good for 13 points.
Birmingham City sits in sixth with 10 points, with three wins, a draw and no losses through six games. But the Blues’ fortunes are on a different path than those of the Dragons, having been relegated from the Championship (or second division) last season.
Wrexham has leveraged its Hollywood connections extensively since the new ownership took over, with famous actors such as Hugh Jackman, Will Farrell and Paul Rudd all having attended matches.
In a recent interview, Tom Brady shared his thoughts on Eli Manning’s retirement and expressed his admiration for the former New York Giants quarterback. The two-time Super Bowl MVP, who announced his retirement earlier this year, received praise from Brady ahead of the Wrexham vs Birmingham City match.
Brady, who is known for his competitive spirit and drive to succeed, spoke highly of Manning’s career and the impact he had on the game of football. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback commended Manning for his leadership, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure.
“I have a lot of respect for Eli and everything he accomplished during his career,” Brady said. “He was a great competitor and always gave his best on the field. I have a lot of admiration for him and what he was able to achieve in the NFL.”
Brady’s comments come as no surprise, as the two quarterbacks have faced off multiple times throughout their careers, including in two Super Bowls. Despite being on rival teams, Brady and Manning have always shared a mutual respect for each other and have often been seen exchanging pleasantries before and after games.
As Brady prepares to face off against Birmingham City in the upcoming match, his words of praise for Manning serve as a reminder of the camaraderie and sportsmanship that exists among athletes, even in the midst of fierce competition. The quarterback’s comments also highlight the impact that Manning had on the game and the legacy he leaves behind as he transitions into retirement.
Overall, Brady’s response to Manning’s retirement showcases the mutual respect and admiration that exists among athletes in the NFL, and serves as a testament to the bond that can be formed between competitors on and off the field.