That may be the initial reaction, but when you look in at this Kobe-Lebron vs. Brady-Manning comparison, interestingly enough, it isn't that off.
Kobe Bryant is to Tom Brady as LeBron James is to Peyton Manning.
Let's take a look at some of the similarities:
1)Kobe Bryant and Lebron James are two of the most iconic players representing the NBA.
Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are two of the most iconic players representing the NFL.
2)
Kobe Bryant had some draft day drama of being traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Tom Brady had his own version of draft day drama by falling to the sixth round and being picked 199 overall.
3)
LeBron James was a highly touted prospect prior to entering the NBA and was picked number 1 overall. Also, there was plenty of talk of LeBron or one other player, Carmelo Anthony.
Peyton Manning was also a highly touted prospect prior to entering the NFL and was also picked number 1 overall. There was also strong debate about whether the top pick should be Manning or one other player, Ryan Leaf.
4)
Kobe Bryant has played his entire career on one team, winning numerous championships (5), and losing twice on the grandest stage in the NBA.
Tom Brady has also played his entire career on one team, winning numerous championships (3), and losing twice on the grandest stage in the NFL.
5)
LeBron James has played on two different teams in his career, taking both to championship games (2007 with Cleveland Cavaliers, 2010-2014 with Miami Heat).
Peyton Manning has also played for two different teams in his career, also taking both to championship games (2006 and 2009 with Indianapolis Colts, 2013 with Denver Broncos).
6)
Kobe Bryant is currently playing on a roster devoid of too much superstar talent, and one of his biggest weapons was just lost for the season to injury in Julius Randle.
Tom Brady is also playing on a roster that many consider to be devoid of a lot of superstar talent, and he too lost a key weapon for the year to injury in Stevan Ridley.
7)
LeBron James has played with a plethora of weapons in his career (Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, etc) and has a star-studded roster right now as well (Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving, etc).
Peyton Manning has also played with a plethora of weapons throughout his career (Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, etc) and has a star-studded roster right now as well (Demaryius Thomas, Emannuel Sanders, etc)
8)
Kobe Bryant played a good portion of his career with a legendary coach in Phil Jackson, and won all of his rings with him.
Tom Brady has played his entire career with a legendary coach in Bill Belichick and also won all of his championship rings with him.
9)
LeBron James has played for five different head coaches and won his rings with a coach on the rise (Erik Spoelstra).
Peyton Manning has played for four different head coaches and won his lone ring with a rising head coach at the time (Tony Dungy).
10)
Kobe Bryant has been widely documented to looking up to, and copying, the player considered to be the greatest ever at his position in Michael Jordan. Most people say Kobe is "the closest thing to Jordan." Along with that, Kobe is currently one ring shy of matching Jordan (6).
Tom Brady's childhood idol was Joe Montana, and Montana is widely considered the greatest quarterback to ever play. Brady is also currently one ring shy of matching Joe Montana's total (4).
11)
LeBron James gets somewhat criticized for showing up relatively small in big games, even though he has won a championship.
Peyton Manning gets faulted for showing up small in the playoffs and Super Bowls and he too has won a ring.
12)
Kobe Bryant is known for showing up big in big moments, such as the playoffs and the Finals.
Tom Brady is known for his big-game performances, including the playoffs and Super Bowls.
13)
LeBron James leads Kobe Bryant by three regular season MVPs (4-1).
Peyton Manning leads Tom Brady by three regular season MVPs (5-2).
14)
Kobe Bryant is considered to have that extreme killer instinct inside of him that comes out on the court, unmatched by anybody in his sport.
Tom Brady is also considered to have a ruthless killer instinct that is on display on the field, unmatched by anybody in his sport.
15)
LeBron James is playing his sport at the highest level of anybody currently in the NBA.
Peyton Manning is playing the quarterback position at the highest level of anybody in the NFL.
16)
Kobe Bryant is considered to have a better, more legendary career compared to LeBron James as of now.
Tom Brady is considered to have a better, more legendary career compared to Peyton Manning as of now.
It's always fun to compare greatness amongst the greatest in the game, but it's pretty interesting to compare athletes in two sports and see so many similarities! At the end of the day, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady are all the best at what they do and we are blessed to be able to witness it.
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