Tom Brady bowed out of the NFL last February at the age of 45, as the undisputed GOAT. But, just one year later, his legacy record of seven Super Bowl titles is inching closer. Patrick Mahomes has won 3 Super Bowls for the Kansas City Chiefs. This feat made them the NFL’s first repeat champions since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots accomplished nearly two decades ago (2003 and 2004 seasons).

When Brady was in charge, the Patriots did amazingly well. However, after he left, the team struggled to find someone good enough to replace him, causing their performance to worsen and leading to some disappointing seasons. Recalling this stark difference in the performance, the recent episode of the “First Things First” podcast dwelled into speculating that Mahomes could lead the Chiefs to sustained success.

The hosts also discussed how specific teams performed well for a couple of seasons and then started declining. That’s when Chris Broussard told the other hosts, Nick Wright and Kevin Wildes, “After the Steelers had that great run in the 70s, they only made the four playoffs four times in the 80s. After the 9ners had that great run in the ’80s and early ’90s. From 1999 to like 2010 they made the playoffs twice okay. And, Dallas we know after they won their Super Bowls, it was about 20 years of mostly mediocre play and a couple of decent seasons.”

The success of the Kansas City Chiefs under Mahomes fueled comparisons to the Patriots’ dynasty era. Mahomes’ exceptional talent and leadership have propelled the Chiefs to multiple playoff appearances and Super Bowl victories. But Chris Broussard warned the Kansas City Chiefs could face a similar situation. He said, “It will happen to Chiefs when Mahomes leaves but it’s about to happen to y’all”.

After Brady’s exit from the Patriots, they made it to the playoffs just once, which came in 2021 when they finished 10-7 and fell to the Buffalo Bills in the wild card. In 2023, they posted a losing record in three of the last 4 seasons. Meanwhile, can Mahomes replicate Brady’s legendary impact? 

Mahomes and Brady are closer than we think

After winning over the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl LVIII, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is inching closer to the playoff success that was unattainable when achieved by the Patriots under Brady’s supervision. They selected him in the sixth round of the 2000 draft out of Michigan. Let’s take a closer look, to see what Mahomes is at when compared to Brady when he was 28.

Super Bowl Victories: Brady 3, Mahomes 3.

Super Bowl MVPs: Brady 2, Mahomes 3.

AFC Championship Games: Brady 3, Mahomes 6.

AFC Championships: Brady 3, Mahomes 4.

NFL MVP Awards: Brady 0, Mahomes 2.

All-Pro Teams: Brady 1, Mahomes 3.

Regular-Season Record: Brady 70-24, Mahomes 72-22.

TD Passes: Brady 167, Mahomes 258.

Interceptions: Brady 87, Mahomes 69.

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During Brady’s tenure with the Patriots, he led them to 17 AFC East titles, six Super Bowl titles, and nine AFC championships. The 46-year-old also earned three MVP awards, four Super Bowl MVPs, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, 14 Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro nods with the Patriots.

Mahomes has been the Chiefs’ starter for six years. Mahomes has been playing in a much more pass-oriented league and operates under the supervision of Andy Reid. Brady had Randy Moss as a dynamic receiver and Rob Gronkowski as the tight end with his team. Whereas, ‘Shotime’ has Tyreek Hill and world-class tight end Travis Kelce on his side.

A year ago, Mahomes dreamed of chasing Brady before Super Bowl LVII. He said, “I’m trying to catch Tom. But Tom’s a long ways away. You can ask me when I’m like 38 years old.” The Kansas City Chiefs, under the dynamic leadership of the QB, have emerged as formidable contenders, poised for dynasty status akin to Brady‘s Patriots.

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