FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Some quick hits from Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's news conference on Wednesday morning:

On another contest against Peyton Manning: "He's a friend of mine, so we don't talk much during the season, but I think he's someone that I've always looked up to and admired, and I respect the way he plays the position, and the way he works, the way he leads. He's been a phenomenal player. We played against him for a long time against the Colts, it seemed like every year. You see a lot of those games, and obviously I've learned a lot from him."

On former Patriots center Dan Koppen likely starting for the Broncos on Sunday: "He's one my best pals. I'm happy he has the opportunity. He's a great friend of mine. We've had a lot of battles together. I miss having him around here. But that's part of this business. He moved on, and he has an opportunity. Hopefully we play well against him."

On his post-football life: "It's a great sport. I love coming to work every day. I love the challenge that the weeks bring, the mental challenge, the physical challenge. I love the training. I love being around my teammates. It's just not much else out there, other than my family. I think that's like the abyss. There's nothing else."