Rodney Peete Breaks Down Greatness: Steph, Mahomes, LeBron & the NFL-NBA GOAT Parallel

Rodney Peete knows a thing or two about navigating greatness. A seasoned NFL quarterback whose professional career spanned over a decade and a half, Peete has watched generational talents emerge, evolve, and redefine how we view leadership, clutch performance, and star power across professional sports. Now, with the benefit of hindsight and perspective, Peete’s observations carry weight—not just because of what he did on the field, but because of his understanding of how greatness echoes across sports lines.

In a recent appearance on Scoop B Radio, Peete offered up some sharp insights on the players who are carrying the torch in today’s era of dominance. From the football field to the basketball court, he sees distinct parallels between today’s brightest stars—and he’s not afraid to draw comparisons between them. And while fans often debate GOATs and styles of play within one league, Peete comfortably crosses the streams.

We spoke about three powerful dynamics in the modern sports conversation: who in the NFL has the Steph Curry-like flair, whether Patrick Mahomes deserves the LeBron James comparison, and who in the NBA truly represents the Tom Brady archetype. Peete’s answers were thoughtful, direct, and laced with the insight of someone who’s both competed at a high level and studied greatness for decades.

These aren’t just fan takes—they’re field-level observations from a man who’s shared huddles, locker rooms, and post game battles with legends. Peete’s perspective bridges the generational divide between ‘80s and ‘90s grit and today’s highlight-driven superstars. He recognizes patterns that others may miss, especially when it comes to understanding what makes an athlete not just talented, but transformational.

Below is our conversation, with Peete offering his candid takes on Mahomes, LeBron, Steph, and MJ—and the links that bind them in today’s evolving landscape of elite athleticism.

A portion from our dialogue on Scoop B Radio below: 

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Rodney, what’s been going on? 

Rodney Peete:  Mannnn…. Nothin’! I mean I should say not nothin’. This is a great night. Great event, Pump Brothers Harold and Carole Pump Foundation it’s always a blast and always for a great cause obviously, and I’m happy to be here, bro!

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Who in the NFL today reminds you of Steph Curry in terms of flair and likability?

Rodney Peete: Who in the NFL has the Steph Curry flair? Oh that’s easy. Patrick Mahomes. Yeah. Patrick Mahomes. Because he’s likable, right? And I think that he came in not with the fanfare like some of the other people that are first round number #1 picks in the Draft. Patrick Mahomes was at the end of the first or early second round; had to sit for a year still very humble — likable. Likable cats that work their way through to get where they are and become the best at what they do. So I would say it’s a very close comparison between Steph Curry and Patrick Mahomes. And they’re both light-skinned!  

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Do you think the comparisons between Patrick Mahomes and LeBron James in their respective sports are fair?

Rodney Peete: Well… Yeah! Because a lot of people consider LeBron to be the GOAT, right? So, and already [Tom] Brady has been retired for a couple years now and people are already saying that Mahomes is a GOAT. Especially if he wins again and he gets to win three in a row, then yeah so, we’ll see. 

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: “In your eyes, who’s the NBA equivalent of Tom Brady?

Rodney Peete:  Who’s the NBA’s Tom Brady? Michael Jordan. That’s it. Because in my opinion, Michael Jordan is the GOAT! 

Rodney Peete’s breakdowns do more than just compare stars—they trace the lineage of influence, style, and leadership from one era to the next. His take on Mahomes and Curry as kindred spirits reveals something deeper than just highlights or jersey sales. It’s about how athletes change the way their games are played and how fans relate to them.

Peete sees Mahomes not only as a player with flair but as a symbol of evolution—just like Steph. They both introduced new playbooks, literally and metaphorically, and stayed true to their personalities while doing it. Peete’s admiration for that type of journey—earnest, grounded, then elite—speaks volumes.

When it comes to the Mahomes–LeBron comparison, Peete acknowledges it with a balanced mix of respect and caution. Mahomes still has ground to cover, but the dominance, expectations, and leadership qualities are there. Should Mahomes continue stacking rings and rewriting playoff history, he may very well cement a dual legacy: both a Steph-like revolutionary and a LeBron-level ruler.

And finally, Peete’s declaration that Michael Jordan is the NBA’s Tom Brady solidifies his viewpoint: sustained excellence, championship pedigree, and iconic stature are non-negotiable. It’s not about one viral moment or a single season—it’s about repeated brilliance and the ability to rise when it matters most.

From field to hardwood, from Mahomes to Jordan, Rodney Peete connects the dots of greatness with clarity and conviction. He reminds us that whether it’s the flair, the climb, or the crown—true legends leave footprints that echo across every arena.