Tom Brady was the unchallenged GOAT when he retired from football in February 2023 at the age of 45. But his record of seven Super Bowl victories is already in jeopardy, and the man challenging him, Patrick Mahomes.
Aged 28, Mahomes has already won three Super Bowl rings. On Sunday, he claimed his third triumph over the San Francisco 49ers, the same team he defeated four years ago to capture his first ring.
Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs completed the remarkable achievement of being the first team to win back-to-back championships in the NFL since Mr. Brady and the New England Patriots did this almost twenty years ago during the 2003 and 2004 seasons.
So, whether you like it or not, Brady’s G.O.A.T status isn’t cemented, especially with the trajectory and mindset Mahomes has presented thus far. For example, following the Chief’s Super Bowl LVIII win, instead of letting his ego roll, Mahomes first words were: “We’re not done yet.”
Imagine obtaining the biggest prize in your respective sport; all that comes to mind is the next goal. He’s a special man, once in a generation type of quarterback, and Brady
How to Become the G.O.A.T of the NFL
Some will always argue that a person should be considered the Greatest Of All Time based just on their stats or their total victories; however, there is more to it than that.
A top priority to consider when determining a true G.O.A.T are statistics and titles won, but what about those games and plays that leave you wondering, “How the hell did he just do that?” Another example would be not being shocked to see the same player dominate the rankings year after year. Or, maybe you’re even sick of rooting for teams you dislike just because of that star, who’s deep in the playoffs, is someone you want to lose.
Since being picked in 2017, Patrick Mahomes has fit into all of the above, and he is well aware of it; he has even gone so far as to declare, “I can be that villain for them if they need me to be,” in reference to the fanbases of the clubs he plays against.
G.O.A.T Status by the Numbers
Brady still achieved impressive individual accomplishments, and on singular performances, he’s still the no.1. Brady has earned five Super Bowl MVP titles, while Mahomes has achieved three. The former player also has three regular-season Most Valuable Player awards compared to the Chiefs star’s two.
As mentioned, discussing the greatest of all time (GOAT) is subjective. However, some will argue that Mahomes deserves the designation due to his exceptional effectiveness. Nevertheless, his standing as the greatest of all time can only be solidified by winning championships.
Now, the question arises: is he capable of doing it?
When It Comes to Efficiency, Mahomes Has Brady Beat.
Mahomes is doing more in less time than any other professional American football player.
At 28, he has already won three championships, the same number that Brady had at the same age. At his present age, he has already set records for throwing yards, touchdowns, regular season victories, most valuable player honours, conference championship games, conference championships won, and Super Bowl MVPs.
Mahomes has the potential to reach Brady’s level of success via longevity, even more so when we consider the Chiefs quarterback has been a mainstay on the pitch since his 2017 league debut. Plus, he’s never been sick and has only had one injury, so that’s a bonus in his quest for GOAT status.
However, the Chiefs must ensure they can remain competitive at all times while he’s still on the team. Mahomes re-upped their deal in 2020 for another ten years at $450 million. With him for another six years, obtaining the Super Bowl another four times isn’t unthinkable.
Given Brady’s method of becoming the G.O.A.T, there’s one direct path for Mahomes to settle the argument: winning more championships. Should he compete to the same age as Brady (46), he could have another 15-18 NFL seasons to shift the numbers in his favour.
We can ponder on fully licensed IN sportsbook recommendations from Gambling.com and debate which suits us best. Still, there isn’t much to think about when the Kansas City prop wagers involving Mahomes are available, as he will often hit more times than not.
He’s a sure-fire bet, but aside from the statistics, championships, and achievements, he has it! The aura of invincibility, star quality, and mental fortitude to succeed in any high-pressure situation.
Mahomes Has Something Special
When Patrick Mahomes is in his element, he seems unstoppable. His presence and demeanour keep his team in the game no matter how dire the situation seems. This magnetic presence is a hallmark of the greatest athletes of all time.
It belonged to Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, and now LeBron James. Someone had it with Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter. Even though the Packers gave up a score with under a minute to play in Aaron Rodgers’ heyday, the fans still thought Rodgers would lead them to victory with a single minute remaining on the clock.
Steph Curry’s ability to go hot from beyond the arc will keep the Golden State Warriors in the game, even if they’re down by a large margin in the fourth quarter. You can never give up hope when you have players like the abovementioned ones.
Similar optimism is infused into his team and fandom by Patrick Mahomes, who is that kind of player. Even without all of his other achievements, he is undeniably one of the greatest of all time and his comparisons to Brady will never alter his greatness.
