(Reuters) - Peyton Manning edged Tom Brady and the New England Patriots for perhaps the final time on Sunday, possibly getting the last word on a rivalry that has defined his career.
The Patriots have long been a roadblock in the way of Manning’s path to the Super Bowl, but in their latest AFC championship clash the wily quarterback and the Denver Broncos outlasted the Patriots 20-18.
Manning, who at 39 becomes the oldest quarterback to reach the Super Bowl, choked back emotion before he greeted Brady and longtime nemesis New England coach Bill Belichick for lengthy post-game handshakes.