With Sunday's high-profile matchup between the future Hall of Famers Tom Brady and Peyton Manning on tap, the 37-year-old New England Patriots quarterback acknowledged Monday that as he has aged, he's allowed himself to reflect on the rivalry with his 38-year-old Denver Broncos counterpart.

Tom Brady says he's "been fortunate to share a field" with Peyton Manning as the two quarterbacks get ready to renew a "special" rivalry. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

"Five, six years ago you don't think about those things," Brady said in a radio interview with WEEI in Boston. "But as you mature a little bit and realize this could always be the last one, then you do. It's pretty special.

"[Manning has] been one of the greatest players to ever play. I've been fortunate to share a field with one of the best players that has ever played the game. And every time we play a Peyton Manning-led team, it comes down to the wire. Everything is usually at stake."

Four weeks ago, Brady was coming off a tough performance against the Kansas City Chiefs and Manning was continuing where he left off in 2013. Now, as Week 9 approaches, Brady is back with an offense that looks like a finely tuned machine.

"We brought in some great players to our offense over the last few years, and we are trying to do the best we can do," Brady said. "And other teams are doing that, too."