In the record books of NFL history, certain matchups transcend mere games-they become emblematic of the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. One such moment occurred on a chilly January night in 2019, when Patrick Mahomes, then a rising star for the Kansas City Chiefs, faced off against the venerable Tom Brady in the AFC Championship Game.
In a recent episode of the “Peter King Podcast,” Mahomes shared an interaction with Brady following that fateful encounter. As the chaos of the game subsided, Brady, the seasoned veteran, took a moment to offer words of encouragement to the young quarterback. “You’re doing it the right way, continue doing it the way you’re doing it,” Brady told Mahomes-a simple yet profound validation of the path Mahomes had chosen
The significance of Brady’s words resonated deeply with Mahomes, who has since ascended to the upper echelons of NFL greatness. Despite the bitter disappointment of that loss, Mahomes went on to secure three Super Bowl rings and three Super Bowl MVP awards, carving out his own legacy alongside Brady, who retired as a seven-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Super Bowl MVP.
The connection between Mahomes and Brady extends beyond their on-field battles. Andy Reid, the head coach of the Chiefs, revealed how Brady once symbolically passed “the keys” of the NFL over to Mahomes-a gesture that underscored the mutual respect between the two quarterbacks.
For Mahomes, Brady’s approval served as a guiding light throughout his career. “That for me was a stamp of approval,” Mahomes reflected. “I’m going to continue to work this hard.” Brady’s acknowledgment of Mahomes’ dedication and development reinforced Mahomes’ resolve to strive for greatness, carrying that mindset with him for the rest of his career.
Yet, amidst the praise and accolades, it’s important to recognize the rarity of Mahomes’ ascent to the upper echelons of NFL greatness at just 28 years old. In a sports landscape often dominated by debates and comparisons, Mahomes’ inclusion in G.O.A.T. conversations speaks volumes about his talent and potential.
