New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is hopeful that his great rival Peyton Manning will not choose to end his career.
The 38-year-old struggled immensely in the Denver Broncos' defeat in the playoffs to the Indianapolis Colts, while reports suggested that Manning was suffering from a torn quadriceps injury.
Manning refused to confirm that he would return for the 2015 season, but Brady has admitted that he wants to see him again in the next campaign.
"What a great player he's been for this league," Brady told reporters. "He's a great competitor, and I've been fortunate to play against him a bunch of times.
"I certainly hope he comes back, because the league will miss him if he doesn't. But those decisions are up to him. I'm sure it's up to whether he's mentally and physically – that's what he wants to do. But I certainly hope he's back."
Manning threw for 4,727 yards along with 39 touchdowns to 15 interceptions for the Broncos in the 2014 campaign.
Simon Sinclair
