NFL Legends Gather at Super Bowl LX

Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Joe Montana among icons honored at championship game

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Super Bowl LX featured a special gathering of NFL legends, including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Joe Montana, who were honored before the game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. This convergence of iconic quarterbacks highlights the league's growing focus on celebrating its rich history and leveraging former players as brand ambassadors.

Why it matters

The NFL's emphasis on honoring its past greats is part of a broader strategy to connect with audiences on an emotional level, tapping into nostalgia and respect for the game's most celebrated figures. This trend is likely to continue, with more elaborate pre-game ceremonies and increased involvement of former players in promotional activities.

The details

Super Bowl LX featured a special pre-game ceremony that brought together some of the NFL's most legendary quarterbacks, including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Joe Montana. Brady and Manning, whose head-to-head rivalry captivated fans for years, were recognized for their combined eight Super Bowl MVP awards and 10 championship wins. The league's focus on celebrating its history underscores the growing importance of former players in the NFL's ongoing narrative.

  • Super Bowl LX was held on February 8, 2026 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The players

Tom Brady

A seven-time Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Peyton Manning

A two-time Super Bowl champion and one of the most prolific passers in NFL history.

Joe Montana

A four-time Super Bowl champion and widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks of all time.

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What they’re saying

“It was an honor to be on the field with so many of the game's legends. The NFL has done a great job of celebrating its history and connecting with fans through these special moments.”

— Tom Brady (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The NFL is likely to continue exploring new ways to integrate its history into future events, leveraging the star power of former players to build excitement and connect with fans.

The takeaway

The NFL's focus on honoring its past greats underscores the league's understanding of the value of its legacy. By bringing together iconic figures like Brady, Manning, and Montana, the league is tapping into nostalgia and respect for the game's most celebrated players, a strategy that is likely to shape the league's promotional efforts in the years to come.