Tom Brady and Peyton Manning developed one of the greatest individual rivalries in NFL history in the 2000s and 2010s, establishing a strong bond in the process.

Apparently, Manning even had a subtle influence on Brady's free agency decision last spring.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen explained on Wednesday's edition of “The Zach Gelb Show” the now seven-time Super Bowl champion wanted to emulate Manning's path of achieving success with two different organizations:

“[Brady] said one of the things that looked really fun and challenging to him is what Peyton did in Denver,” Christensen said, via USA TODAY. “There was something about that challenge that hit (Brady) right. ‘Hey, I’m going to go see if I can do this again somewhere else.' “

Manning had a legendary career with the Indianapolis Colts, including frequent battles with Brady and the AFC's Patriots. But with Indy earning the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft—and the rights to Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck—and Manning coming off another neck surgery, a split was evident.

“The Sheriff” dominated in Denver, earning first-team All-Pro honors in both 2012 and 2013. He broke the single-season records for both passing yards (5,477) and touchdown passes (55) in 2013, leading the Broncos to a pair of Super Bowl appearances and winning his second Lombardi Trophy in 2015, despite a pair of AFC Championship Game run-ins with Tom Brady and the Pats.

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Similarly, Brady has one of the greatest runs ever as the New England Patriots' signal-caller. But cultural and philosophical differences prompted him to seek a new team. It took the 43-year-old even less time to achieve immediate success in Tampa Bay, as Brady helped lead the Bucs to a Super Bowl title in his first year with the organization.

The Bucs have Manning to thank for providing Tom Brady with some inspiration.