GOAT Debate: Mahomes vs. Brady

As Patrick Mahomes finishes his fifth Super Bowl in his eight-year career, he is being brought up in conversations as one of the greatest players to ever play the game of football.

But is he THE greatest of all time?

Tom Brady has no doubtedly been given the G.O.A.T. title after his incredible 23-year career, which included 10 Super Bowl appearances.

The former quarterback, who played 20 seasons in New England and three in Tampa Bay, is now being compared head-to-head with Mahomes on which quarterback is the top dog.

Brady has seven Super Bowl rings, which is more than any franchise, in 21 healthy seasons as starter. Mahomes could win his fourth in seven years as starter if he defeats the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Mahomes has a three-to-five ratio in Super Bowl wins to appearances (that have been played).

However, Brady’s fourth ring did not come until he was 37, whereas Mahomes’ could be at age 29.

If you take a look at statistical categories in the playoffs alone, the Chiefs’ quarterback has the current color commentator beat out in almost every one.

Mahomes’ passer rating (105.4), rushing first downs and touchdowns (43), yards per attempt (7.7) and win percentage (85%) all are greater than Brady’s. Longevity is where he has the disadvantage, with Brady’s numbers being greater in fourth-quarter comebacks (9), game-winning drives (14) and sack rate (4%).

It’s also important to note that Mahomes was the fastest player in history to reach both 15,000 and 20,000 passing yards.

Some of the records that Brady holds, including consecutive seasons with 10 or more wins, are ones that Mahomes is unable to compete with since he has not been playing 10 years in the league yet.

When looking at awards won following the conclusion of the season, Mahomes has been named to six Pro Bowls out of his seven years as starter, compared to Brady being named to 15 Pro Bowls out of his 21 years as starter.

Both quarterbacks have won the league MVP and Super Bowl MVP as well. Brady was named league MVP three times and Super Bowl MVP five times, and Mahomes was awarded league MVP twice and Super Bowl MVP three times.

Because Brady has been playing almost three times as long as Mahomes has, it seems almost unfair to compare the two.

But if Mahomes is able to make history by being the first team to three-peat Super Bowl championships, it will be more easily argued that he is the new greatest of all time.

Ashley Mascaro is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email aem6398@psu.edu.