Gronk settles Mahomes vs. Brady GOAT debate.
Patrick Mahomes continues to dominate in the NFL. He’s now on the verge of his third straight Super Bowl win and leads most statistical categories for quarterbacks under 30. But is he close to surpassing Tom Brady as the greatest of all time (GOAT)? Rob Gronkowski doesn’t think so. The former Patriots and Buccaneers tight end, who won four Super Bowls with Brady, weighed in on the debate.
Rob Gronkowski says Mahomes has a long road ahead
Gronkowski respects Mahomes but still gives Brady the edge. Mahomes may be the best in the league right now, but Gronk believes the head-to-head record matters.
“In order for Patrick Mahomes to dethrone (Brady), it’s gonna be tough because Tom beat him twice in playoff football. We absolutely demolished Patrick Mahomes,” Gronk said, referencing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 31-9 win over the Chiefs in Super Bowl 55.
Brady also bested Mahomes in the 2018 AFC Championship Game. Although Mahomes threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns, a crucial offside call on Dee Ford saved Brady from a game-sealing interception.
The case for Mahomes: Dominance at a young age
Despite those playoff losses, Mahomes’ career trajectory is impressive. By 29, he has two NFL MVPs, three Super Bowl MVPs, six Pro Bowls, and two First-Team All-Pro selections. His early success outshines Brady’s first few seasons. Critics often note that Brady’s first three championships leaned on elite Patriots defenses, while Mahomes has carried the Chiefs with his offense.
Victor Cruz also acknowledged Mahomes’ growing case for GOAT status. “To me, I can’t put him above [Tom] Brady just yet, but he’s right there. He’s 1A, 1B for me,” Cruz told Fox News. If Mahomes secures more titles and keeps his team relevant year after year, the debate could intensify.
Gronk remains loyal to Brady’s dynasty
Gronkowski, however, isn’t convinced that even a three-peat will put Mahomes ahead of Brady. He explained on The Tonight Show that his loyalty to Brady stems from their success together. “Patrick Mahomes is definitely the greatest player in the NFL currently playing right now. But… I played with Tom Brady, and I think he’s the greatest player of all time.”
For Gronk, Brady’s two-decade reign, with seven Super Bowl rings, sets an unmatched standard. Mahomes would need at least five or six titles to seriously challenge Brady’s legacy.
The dynasty comparison: Chiefs vs. Patriots
Gronk acknowledged the Chiefs’ dominance over the past decade, especially if they complete a three-peat. “If they win the three-peat… that’s the best dynasty for one decade I would say. But we had the dynasty for two decades,” he said with a laugh. Brady’s longevity is part of why many still view him as the GOAT.
Mahomes, however, continues to rewrite the record books. He won a Super Bowl after losing Tyreek Hill and led another championship run despite coaching changes. Even without another title this year, his résumé remains unmatched for a player under 30.
Mahomes may not yet have Brady’s playoff dominance, but his influence on the game is undeniable. The Chiefs will face the Philadelphia Eagles next in their quest for another ring. If Mahomes wins, the GOAT conversation will only heat up. Until then, as Gronk said, Brady’s undefeated record versus Mahomes still looms large.
Mahomes is redefining greatness in his own right. No quarterback at his age has ever accomplished more. Whether he can dethrone Brady in the long run is the question that will shape the next decade of NFL history.
