Peyton Manning is leading his team the Denver Broncos on a journey to New York for the Super Bowl after a 26-16 victory over the New England Patriots in the AFC title game on Sunday.

"Being in my 16th season, going to my third Super Bowl, I know how hard it is to get there," said Manning to reporters after the game.

Merely three years ago, he could hardly grip a football as he started the extensive comeback from surgeries that withered his neck and nerve endings. 53 weeks ago, he suffered an overwhelming loss to Baltimore in the divisional playoffs that derailed what seemed to be a Super Bowl voyage in his comeback season.

However, Manning will get his opportunity for a second Super Bowl ring after all. Manning is attempting to become the first starting quarterback to win one with two separate franchises.

"He's been remarkable," said Broncos Head Coach John Fox to reporters after the game. "It's unprecedented what he did."

After putting away his football, Manning sprinted to the 30-yard line to shake hands with Brady after the game. A little later in the home locker room, he celebrated with his dad Archie, and his brothers Cooper and Eli.

The former Indianapolis Colts QB improved his record to 5-10 all-time versus Brady, and is currently 2-1 in AFC title games.

"I have a lot of respect for him," said Brady to reporters following the Patriots loss on Sunday. "Certainly, he's a great player and he played great today."

A victory at MetLife Stadium in two weeks would put him in the same elite QB class that includes his brother Eli, along with John Elway, Roger Staubach, and a select few as 2-time Super Bowl winners.

"We've definitely come a long way in two years," said Manning to reporters after winning the AFC Championship on Sunday. "And bouncing back from last year's playoff loss to put ourselves in this position, it definitely feels very gratifying."