Mahomes Poised to Join Brady as GOAT, But Longevity a Key Factor

Drew Bledsoe believes Patrick Mahomes has the talent to reach Tom Brady's status, but maintaining focus and health over an extended period will determine his legacy.

New England Patriots legend Drew Bledsoe believes Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes is the only active player who can join Tom Brady in the pantheon of greatest-of-all-time quarterbacks. At 28 years old, Mahomes has already amassed three Super Bowl rings, including back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.

Many experts believe Mahomes is already among the greatest quarterbacks in the game's history. However, Brady remains the undisputed GOAT, boasting seven Super Bowl titles and a Hall of Fame resume.

Mahomes Poised to Join Brady as GOAT, But Longevity a Key Factor

While Bledsoe acknowledges Mahomes's immense talent, he emphasizes the importance of longevity in solidifying his legacy.

"The amazing thing about Tom and what he was able to do was how long he was able to do it for," Bledsoe said. "The physical demands on a quarterback – compare like Brady and [NBA superstar] LeBron [James] going that long with what they’re doing. They’re very different things from a physical standpoint. Playing quarterback, physically, is not that demanding."

Mahomes Poised to Join Brady as GOAT, But Longevity a Key Factor

Bledsoe highlights Brady's ability to maintain his focus and attention to detail over two decades, overcoming the potential monotony of the game.

"Tom was able to keep pushing that entire time," Bledsoe said. "Because no matter what you do in life, how exciting it is, once you’ve done it long enough, it can get kinda monotonous."

Mahomes Poised to Join Brady as GOAT, But Longevity a Key Factor

Mahomes is still in his prime, but Bledsoe wonders how long he will continue playing quarterback.

"For Mahomes, it’s going to be interesting to see how long he wants to do it," Bledsoe said. "Whether he wants to go do something else. If he keeps doing what he’s doing... he could end up [alongside Brady]."

Mahomes Poised to Join Brady as GOAT, But Longevity a Key Factor

Despite the longevity question, Bledsoe believes Mahomes possesses a unique magic that even Brady did not have.

"He’s been one of one. There’s really never been somebody quite like him that can make the throws that he can make – off balance, on the run," Bledsoe said. "He’s building a legacy, but in terms of who he is just in playing the game, I think he’s in rarefied air in terms of what he’s able to do on a football field."

While Brady has an unmatched seven Super Bowl titles, Mahomes and the Chiefs are aiming to achieve an unprecedented feat: three consecutive championships.

In the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers, Mahomes showcased his clutch play, leading a game-winning touchdown drive in overtime.

"It was Mahomes' 16th game-winning drive of his career, but he has a long way to go to catch Brady, who leads the NFL all-time with 58," the article notes.

Fans may compare Mahomes's career stats to Brady's, but Bledsoe emphasizes that Brady has an advantage due to his extended career.

"However, in terms of elite talent and winning championships, Mahomes is on his way to joining the greatest to ever play under center," the article states.

Whether Mahomes surpasses Brady's legacy remains to be seen, but Bledsoe and many others believe he has the potential.

Bledsoe is excited to watch Mahomes and other NFL stars in action this season, thanks to the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube and YouTube TV, available through a special offer with FanDuel.

Fans who place a wager on the NFL through FanDuel will receive a three-week free trial for NFL Sunday Ticket, allowing them to watch every game across the league.

"It’s a simple interface and works great," Bledsoe said of the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube and YouTube TV.