Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce drops bold Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady take

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 10/26/23

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce believes future Hall of Famer Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback ever. However, he also hinted teammate Patrick Mahomes could surpass him.

"Obviously, I got all the respect for Tom Brady," Kelce said on a Wednesday episode of the "I Am Athlete" podcast. "He's the GOAT and the best to ever do it, but I think the rate Pat is at, how he's doing it, I think it's a little more all on Pat than Brady."

Through his first five seasons as a starter, Mahomes had more MVPs (two), Pro Bowl nods (five), passing yards (23,957) and passing TDs (192) than Brady in his first five years starting. This season, he leads the NFL in QBR (76.9) and is the MVP favorite (+275), per OddsChecker.

Tom Brady vs Patrick Mahomes in their 1st 5 seasons

(via @SportsCenter) pic.twitter.com/H2KarucYO2
— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) February 19, 2023

Brady, who retired after the 2022 season, recently acknowledged Mahomes is a superstar and could challenge his legacy.

"I mean, I think when I'm looking at guys in pro football, Patrick is the one that really stands out," Brady said on a Tuesday episode of "The Let's Go!" podcast. "They've done a great job since he's really taken over."

Yet Brady, who starred for the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 23 seasons, won an NFL-record seven Super Bowls. Even Kelce admitted matching that total will be a massive challenge for Mahomes.

"So I think [Mahomes] will catch [Brady] in all the accolades," Kelce said. "But I think the biggest thing is always going to be those Super Bowls. That's a lot of Super Bowls."

Whether he tops Brady or not, Mahomes is the best QB in the league right now, and the Chiefs have a strong chance to become the first team to repeat as champions since the Patriots in 2003 and 2004. OddsChecker gives Kansas City the best Super Bowl odds (+450).

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