Patrick Mahomes, despite his remarkable achievements in his relatively short career, remains humble about his place in football history. In just six seasons as the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting quarterback, he boasts an impressive resume: three Super Bowl victories, three Super Bowl MVP awards, two NFL MVP titles, and leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns multiple times.
At the age of 28, he acknowledges his substantial accomplishments but refrains from considering himself among the greatest of all time (GOAT).
In an interview with TIME, Mahomes reflects on his career trajectory, acknowledging that while he believes he’s had one of the top starts to a career, he recognizes the legacy of players like Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and Dan Marino.
Comparing his early career stats to those of Brady and Montana, he notes the significant gap in Super Bowl wins and MVP awards. Despite Marino’s lack of Super Bowl victories, his league MVP recognition highlights the different paths to greatness in the NFL.
The shadow of Tom Brady looms large in any discussion of football greatness, with his unparalleled seven Super Bowl rings and longevity in the sport. Mahomes acknowledges that he is still far from matching Brady’s accomplishments and concedes that he is “nowhere near” the status of the GOAT.
He emphasizes the importance of consistency over time, citing Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers as examples of players who maintained a high level of performance throughout their careers.
Mahomes recognizes that building a legacy requires sustained excellence year after year, a feat achieved by the likes of Brady, who had a nine-year gap between his third and fourth Super Bowl titles.
While Mahomes has the potential to surpass Brady’s records, he remains grounded, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of sports and the uncertainties that lie ahead in his career. He defers the debate over his place in football history until after his playing days are over, allowing future generations to evaluate his legacy with the benefit of hindsight.
As Mahomes continues his career, the debate over his GOAT status will inevitably intensify, particularly if he maintains his exceptional level of play and adds to his list of accolades. Ultimately, his place in football history will be determined by his sustained performance and impact on the game, a conversation that will unfold over the course of his career and beyond.
