While there’s no doubt that Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes is among the elite in the NFL, the debate over whether he qualifies as the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.) at this stage in his career is more contentious.
Fresh off his third Super Bowl victory in five years, following a thrilling 25-22 overtime win against the San Francisco 49ers last February, the 28-year-old Chiefs quarterback is tracking closely to the early career achievements of NFL legend Tom Brady, who secured his third championship at age 27.
Recently recognized as one of Time’s 100 most influential people of 2024, Mahomes acknowledges his exceptional start, ranking it “one of the top three starts to a career,” according to the statistics. Yet, the two-time MVP remains humble, stating he is “nowhere near” the level of the all-time greats.
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“You have to build a consistency of a career,” Mahomes explained to Time. “In any sport, it’s about maintaining a high level over many years. I’ve had a great run and done well so far, but what legends like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, or Aaron Rodgers achieved over time sets a high bar. To be in that conversation, you need sustained excellence year after year. It’s not enough just to have done it before. I’ll let others decide my legacy after I retire.”
Mahomes also touched on his potential retirement plans, saying, “I would love to play [until age 45]…but if I feel it’s impacting my family time, that’s when I’ll know it’s time to go.”
Looking ahead to the next NFL season, Mahomes and the Chiefs are poised to make history. They aim to complete a legendary three-peat, a feat not achieved since Brady’s Patriots in 2003 and 2004, during their dynasty-defining era.
Mahomes concluded, “At the end of my time, I just want to be able to say I left nothing on the field. I gave it everything I had. Whatever the expectations are, whatever happens, happens. And I can be satisfied with that.”
