Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes during their Super Bowl meeting.

Former New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe, whose career was famously overshadowed by Tom Brady, believes that Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes is the only current player who could potentially reach Brady’s “greatest of all time” status.

At just 28 years old, Mahomes already boasts three Super Bowl rings, including back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, leading many to anoint him as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game.

However, while Mahomes’ early success is undeniable, Bledsoe points out that one critical factor will determine whether he can truly reach Brady’s legendary level: longevity.

“The amazing thing about Tom and what he was able to do was how long he was able to do it for,” Bledsoe explained in a recent discussion about the 2024 NFL season.

He highlighted the physical and mental demands of playing quarterback, noting that while the position may not be as physically grueling as others, maintaining focus and attention to detail over two decades is a monumental task.

“The fact that Tom was able to maintain his focus and his attention to detail, and he was able to do the little things over and over and over again for 20-something years, that part is impressive,” Bledsoe said.

Mahomes is still in the prime of his career, and if he maintains his current level of play, he could potentially match or even surpass Brady’s achievements.

However, Bledsoe questioned how long Mahomes will want to continue playing at such a high level, particularly as other interests or opportunities arise.

“For Mahomes, it’s going to be interesting to see how long he wants to do it,” Bledsoe noted. “If he keeps doing what he’s doing, and if Andy Reid, [Travis] Kelce, and the rest of the team stay intact, he could end up [alongside Brady].”

Mahomes’ unique skillset

Bledsoe also acknowledged that while Mahomes still has a long way to go in terms of career achievements, the Chiefs’ star possesses a level of talent that even Brady did not.

“He’s been one of one. There’s really never been somebody quite like him that can make the throws that he can make-off balance, on the run,” Bledsoe said.

“He’s building a legacy, but in terms of who he is just in playing the game, I think he’s in rarefied air.”

With the Chiefs aiming for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl title, Mahomes is continuing to build a legacy that could one day rival Brady’s.

While the GOAT debate remains ongoing, Bledsoe-and many others-see Mahomes as a player with the potential to join, or even surpass, the NFL’s all-time greats.