Tom Brady on Peyton Manning: 'I certainly hope he's back'

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said he hopes Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning returns next season, according to Lindsay Jones of USA Today.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said he hopes Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning returns next season, according to Lindsay Jones of USA Today.

Brady and Manning squared off in several memorable playoff matchups when Manning was a member of the Indianapolis Colts. The two signal callers also matched up in last year's AFC Championship game.

Brady added that the league "will miss" Manning if he doesn't come back.

A reportearlier this month said Manning wants to continue playing with the Broncos but that he won't make a final decision until undergoing a physical examination. Manning, who will turn 39 in March, just completed his 17th season in the NFL and his third in Denver.

He has two seasons remaining on the $96 million deal he signed with the team in 2012.

The Broncos went 12-4 this season, finishing first in the AFC West before falling to the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round of the playoffs. Denver recently hired former Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak to replace John Fox, with whom the team agreed to mutually part ways earlier this month.

Kubiak has said that he has already spoken with Manning. "It's easy to build a playbook for [Manning]. He's been the master for many, many years," Kubiaksaid this week, according to the Post.

And, of course, Manning has this to offer.

- Chris Johnson