LAS VEGAS — Patrick Mahomes is already the NFL‘s best player and would make the Pro Football Hall of Fame if he retired today. But how close is the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback to eclipsing Tom Brady as the NFL’s GOAT?
Mahomes still has a ways to go before he catches Brady, both in terms of individual accomplishments and Super Bowl victories. Speaking Monday evening at Super Bowl Opening Night, Mahomes shed some light on his historical status and how long he plays to play.
Patrick Mahomes’ Path To Becoming the Next Tom Brady
Brady’s records seem unbreakable, but if any QB might be able to match his level of success, it’s Mahomes.
The discussion starts with longevity. Brady played 23 seasons between the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, offering an unprecedented run of health and productivity.
Mahomes might need to keep playing for the next 10-15 years to catch Brady — something he intends to do.
“You wanna play as long as they’ll let you play. It takes a lot of work outside of the building. It takes taking care of your body. It takes eating healthy, trying to get rid of his ‘Dad Bod’ that I got. Try to do whatever you can just to be healthy, go out there, and be the best player that you can be. My hope is to take it year in and year out.
“But I want to play as long as they’ll let me play. Fifteen years seems like a long time. Brady did it, some other guys have done it, so I’m gonna strive to see if I can do it as well.”
Brady owns seven Super Bowl titles. Mahomes will win his third in six seasons as a starter if the Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
“I could have never foreseen what’s happened at the start of my career. Obviously, you want to get to the Super Bowl. That’s your ultimate goal.
“And to be able to be at my fourth one, it truly is surreal. I just try to appreciate it every single time. You never know if this will be your last. I’ve been blessed to be in a great organization with a lot of great players around me.”
MORE: Mahomes Embraces ‘Villain’ Role
Brady only won three MVP awards, while Mahomes already has two at age 28. Brady earned 15 Pro Bowl nods and three first-team All-Pro berths; Mahomes has six Pro Bowls and three All-Pros.
Asked if he could overtake Brady as the NFL’s greatest player, Mahomes largely demurred.
“I mean that’s for other people to decide. If we can go out there and win this game, we can put our stamp on the NFL history (by) being back-to-back champions.
“My career goals will always be the same — to not have any regrets. No matter what I do, I’ll give everything I have to the game. I’m gonna work my tail off, work out, film room, whatever it is … How many Super Bowl rings that is, however many wins that is, whatever that is, I’ll know that I gave everything I had.”
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!