Tom Brady is widely regarded as the greatest player in NFL history. But when it comes to the most influential sports figures of this generation, where does he rank?
Tom Brady Ranked the 3rd-Most Influential Athlete of the Last Quarter Century
Bleacher Report recently unveiled its “Quarter Century Series,” which kicked off with a list of the top 25 most influential sports figures of the last 25 years. This prestigious list doesn’t just feature athletes — it also includes coaches, executives, agents, and cultural icons who shaped the sporting landscape.
The selection process involved the B/R staff voting on nominees, followed by a smaller panel solidifying the final ranking. This methodology emphasizes each individual’s impact and performance while also considering factors like on-field achievements, cultural relevance, business ventures, and global influence.
This list features superstars such as Shaquille O’Neal, Tony Hawk, Usain Bolt, Shohei Ohtani, and Lionel Messi, but let’s focus on the top three: Brady and the two icons ahead of him.
Brady is ranked third, with Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods claiming the top two spots since their cultural impact and athletic prowess are unmatched. Jordan is widely regarded as the NBA’s GOAT, and his iconic Jordan Brand has solidified him as a global icon. Woods revolutionized golf, attracting a new generation of fans and breaking down racial barriers.
Brady, the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, secures the third spot. His seven Super Bowl championships and countless records solidify his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and his inclusion in such an iconic top three is a testament to his monumental impact on sports.
While other athletes, coaches, and executives made the list, these three stand out as the most influential figures of the past quarter-century. Their impact extends far beyond their respective sports, shaping culture and inspiring generations.
Brady’s accomplishments speak for themselves:
- 7 Super Bowl Championships: This record-breaking accomplishment speaks volumes about Brady’s leadership and ability to perform under pressure.
- 5 Super Bowl MVP Awards: Being named Most Valuable Player in the biggest game showcases his consistent dominance on the grandest stage.
- 3 NFL MVP Awards: He’s been recognized as the league’s best player over a full season three times (2007, 2010, and 2017).
- Record for Most Passing Yards and Touchdowns: These statistics paint a clear picture of Brady’s unparalleled offensive contributions throughout his lengthy career.
Also, the former New England Patriot and Tampa Bay Buccaneer holds the following records:
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- Most games won (251)
- Most championships won (7)
- Most career touchdown passes (649)
- Most regular-season passing yards (89,214)
- Most career passing attempts (12,050)
- Most career completions (7,753)
- Only player to pass for at least 100,000 total yards (102,614)
- Most games started (333)
- Most playoff wins (35)
- Most playoff passing yards (13,400)
- Most playoff passing touchdowns (88)
- Most playoff game-winning drives (14)
- Most passing yards in a playoff game (505)
- Most Super Bowl passing touchdowns (21)
- Most Super Bowl passing yards (3,039)
- Most Super Bowl appearances (10)
- Longest pass (99, tied)
- Thirty-five career playoff wins — 19 more than any other QB (Joe Montana was second with 16)
- Five-time Super Bowl MVP, most in NFL history
- Fifteen-time Pro Bowl selection, most in NFL history
- Three-time NFL MVP (2007, 2010, 2017)
Beyond these numbers, his ability to defy age expectations (23-year NFL career ending at age 45) and lead diverse teams to victory showcases his adaptability and exceptional skill set.
While Brady might not be the undisputed king in Bleacher Report’s ranking, his place within the top three alongside Jordan and Woods solidifies his legendary status. His influence on the NFL, combined with his remarkable career statistics and cultural impact, secures him a well-deserved spot on the Mount Rushmore of 21st-century sports figures.
