Former Chiefs Star Breaks Silence on Patrick Mahomes vs. Tom Brady Debate — His Take Might Surprise You
The debate over who deserves the title of the NFL’s greatest quarterback of all time—Patrick Mahomes or Tom Brady—continues to intensify as Mahomes’ career reaches new heights. Recently, former Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu, who played alongside Mahomes for three seasons, offered his perspective on the matter, providing insight rooted in both respect and experience.
Mathieu’s Take: Respect for Mahomes, But Brady Still the GOAT
During a recent appearance on “Up & Adams,” Mathieu was asked whether Mahomes had done enough to surpass Brady as the greatest quarterback ever. While he praised Mahomes’ remarkable talent and leadership, Mathieu was clear that the GOAT title still belongs to Tom Brady—for now.
“I would say he’s a great quarterback, but greatest of all time, I think that’s still reserved for (Tom) Brady,” Mathieu said. “And I think with Brady, that’s just longevity. That’s respect. That’s just playing against this guy on the biggest stages. He was one of the most competitive (and) accurate. He just had a single mindset to win—win by any means necessary. He was always a challenge to go up against. Being the greatest of all time, I don’t think it’s like an eight, nine, 10-year thing.”
Brady vs. Mahomes: The Ongoing Debate
The Mahomes-Brady debate reached a fever pitch earlier this year when Mahomes led the Chiefs to their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance. Kansas City sought to achieve a rare “three-peat”—something Brady’s New England Patriots never accomplished during their two-decade reign of dominance. However, the Chiefs fell short against the Philadelphia Eagles, keeping the elusive feat out of reach.
Despite the loss, Mahomes’ resume remains impressive. He has already won three Super Bowl rings before turning 30, a pace that puts him ahead of where Brady was at the same age. Yet, Brady’s career totals are unmatched: seven Super Bowl victories, the most for any player in NFL history.
Head-to-Head History
Brady and Mahomes have faced off twice in the playoffs. Brady’s teams emerged victorious both times—first in the 2018 AFC Championship Game and again in Super Bowl LV, where Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated Mahomes’ Chiefs.
These pivotal matchups have further fueled the debate, with Brady’s head-to-head edge serving as a key talking point for those who keep him atop the GOAT hierarchy.
The Path Ahead
While Mahomes’ trajectory suggests he could one day equal or even surpass Brady’s accomplishments, Mathieu believes that greatness on the scale of Brady’s is defined by sustained excellence over a long career.
“It’s still possible Mahomes wins seven championships,” Mathieu acknowledged. “But for now, I’m keeping the GOAT label for Brady.”
Conclusion
As Mahomes continues to build his legacy, the conversation around the greatest quarterback of all time will undoubtedly persist. For now, according to one of his former teammates, the crown still rests with Tom Brady—thanks to his longevity, competitiveness, and unmatched record on football’s biggest stages. But with Mahomes’ career still unfolding, the final chapter in this debate has yet to be written.
