“Mahomes Is the Greatest I’ve Ever Seen”: Analyst Challenges Tom Brady’s Spot on All-2000s Team

Few debates in sports are as passionate or as persistent as the one that rages around the title of “greatest quarterback of the 21st century.” Since the turn of the millennium, the NFL has seen a parade of elite signal-callers, but two names rise above the rest: Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. Together, they have won the Super Bowl in 40% of the seasons since 2000, a staggering statistic that underscores their dominance.

But which of these generational talents deserves the honor of being named the quarterback of the All-2000s team? The question is more complicated than it seems.

The Case for Tom Brady: The Ultimate Winner

For most observers, the answer is simple: Tom Brady. The numbers alone are overwhelming. Over a two-decade career, Brady has rewritten the NFL record books. He owns more Super Bowl rings than any other player in history—seven, to be precise. He’s passed for over 89,000 yards, thrown more than 650 touchdowns, and delivered in countless high-pressure moments. His name is synonymous with postseason success, clutch performances, and a relentless drive to win.

Yahoo! Sports writer Frank Schwab is among those who see Brady as the obvious choice. In a recent discussion about the All-2000s team, Schwab didn’t mince words. “It’s an easy one,” he said, pointing to Brady’s career totals and his unmatched trophy case.

Brady’s legacy is built not just on statistics, but on an ability to elevate his team when it matters most. From the “Tuck Rule” game to his improbable comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, Brady has made a career out of doing the impossible. For many, that makes him the gold standard.

The Mahomes Factor: The Greatest Talent We’ve Ever Seen?

But not everyone agrees that the conversation ends with Brady. Jason Fitz, Schwab’s colleague at Yahoo! Sports, offered a spirited counterpoint on their “Inside Coverage” podcast. For Fitz, the best quarterback of the 2000s isn’t just about career stats—it’s about the eye test, about the sheer brilliance and innovation a player brings to the field.

“A buddy of mine always says, ‘Tom Brady is the best quarterback of all time. Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback I’ve ever seen play the game of football,’” Fitz said. “The way Mahomes plays the game at times, I just feel like it’s superhuman.”

Fitz’s argument is rooted in the way Mahomes has transformed the position since becoming the Chiefs’ starter in 2018. In just a handful of seasons, Mahomes has already claimed three Super Bowl titles, two regular-season MVPs, and has led his team to the AFC Championship Game every year as a starter. His arm strength, creativity, and improvisational skills have redefined what’s possible for a quarterback. No-look passes, left-handed throws, and improbable comebacks have become routine.

Mahomes’ statistical pace is unprecedented. He reached 100 career wins faster than any quarterback in history and has shattered records for passing yards and touchdowns in his first several seasons. If he continues on this trajectory, he could eventually surpass even Brady’s lofty numbers.

The Aaron Rodgers X-Factor: The Most Talented Arm?

But as the debate heated up, Schwab threw a curveball. While he acknowledged Mahomes’ greatness, he argued that the most “superhuman” quarterback he’s ever seen wasn’t Mahomes—it was Aaron Rodgers.

“I’m not denigrating Mahomes. Like, Mahomes is unbelievable, right? But go back and watch Aaron Rodgers. Some of the throws he made when he was at the peak of his athleticism, it’s legitimately unbelievable. Like, how does a human being throw a football like that?” Schwab said. “His 2011 season, I’ve said, is the best a quarterback can ever play. It was absolute perfection.”

Rodgers’ 2011 campaign is the stuff of legend: 68.3% completion rate, 4,643 yards, 45 touchdowns to just six interceptions, and the highest single-season passer rating in NFL history at 122.5. Nine years later, Rodgers posted the second-highest single-season rating (121.5) and won another MVP. His ability to make jaw-dropping throws from any angle, with any arm slot, still leaves fans and analysts in awe.

Yet, for all Rodgers’ talent, there’s a ceiling to his place in these debates. With only one Super Bowl win, his postseason résumé pales in comparison to both Brady and Mahomes. In the NFL, greatness is often measured by championships, and it’s here that Rodgers falls short.

The Weight of Rings and the Power of Perception

Ultimately, the debate comes down to what you value most. If championships are the ultimate measure, Brady’s seven rings make him the clear choice. His longevity, consistency, and leadership have set a standard that may never be matched. He is, in many ways, the ultimate winner.

But if you prioritize raw talent, innovation, and the ability to do things no one else can, Mahomes has a compelling case. He’s the engine behind a new NFL dynasty, and his highlight reel is already among the most impressive in history. As Fitz argued, “the way Mahomes plays the game at times, I just feel like it’s superhuman.”

Rodgers, meanwhile, represents the purest form of quarterback artistry. His mechanics, arm talent, and football IQ are second to none, even if his postseason results haven’t matched his regular-season brilliance.

The Verdict: For Now, the Throne Belongs to Brady

For now, consensus still leans toward Brady. As Schwab put it, “It’s entirely possible that Mahomes eventually surpasses Brady statistically. Topping Tom Terrific in Super Bowl titles feels more improbable. But until he does, Brady… is the clear answer.”

But the story isn’t finished. Mahomes is still in his prime, with years of greatness likely ahead. If he continues to win at his current pace, the debate will only intensify. Rodgers, too, remains a reference point for what’s possible at the position.

A Golden Age of Quarterbacks

What’s clear is that NFL fans have been privileged to witness a golden age of quarterback play. Whether you prefer the ice-cold execution of Brady, the magic of Mahomes, or the wizardry of Rodgers, there’s never been a better time to appreciate the artistry and athleticism of the game’s most important position.

As the next generation of quarterbacks emerges, the debate over the greatest of the 2000s will continue to evolve. For now, it’s a testament to the extraordinary talent and competitive fire of Brady, Mahomes, and Rodgers—and a reminder that greatness comes in many forms.