As one of the greatest wide receivers to ever play the game and a longtime teammate of Tom Brady, Julian Edelman has seen firsthand what it takes to build a legacy that stands the test of time. Brady’s remarkable seven Super Bowl titles and unparalleled consistency have set the bar for what a quarterback can achieve in the NFL. But as a new generation of quarterbacks rises, none has garnered more attention than Patrick Mahomes, who is often compared to Brady in discussions of the greatest of all time.
Julian Edelman, who was a key part of Brady’s success in New England, recently weighed in on the question that’s on every football fan’s mind: can Patrick Mahomes surpass Tom Brady as the greatest quarterback in NFL history? Edelman, ever the competitor, acknowledged Mahomes’ immense talent and success but also pointed out that there are specific factors Mahomes needs to address if he’s to one day eclipse Brady’s legendary status.
First and foremost, Edelman emphasized the importance of sustained success. While Mahomes’ early career has been nothing short of spectacular — highlighted by an MVP season, a Super Bowl win, and numerous playoff appearances — Edelman pointed out that Brady’s longevity and ability to maintain excellence over two decades were key to his place at the top of the NFL’s all-time list. “It’s not just about winning a Super Bowl or having a great season,” Edelman explained. “It’s about consistency over the long haul. Tom did it for 20-plus years. Mahomes has the talent, but he has to keep doing it year after year.”
Edelman also highlighted the significance of Super Bowl wins in any discussion of legacy. While Mahomes already has one Super Bowl ring and has led the Kansas City Chiefs to multiple deep playoff runs, Brady’s seven championships set an almost insurmountable standard. Edelman noted that Mahomes would need to keep winning titles — not just regular-season games or playoff appearances — if he hopes to match or surpass Brady’s dominance in the postseason. “Patrick’s got the arm, the leadership, and the potential,” Edelman said, “but it’s those Super Bowls that make the difference in the end. You’ve got to win them consistently.”
Another point Edelman brought up was Mahomes’ ability to maintain his excellence in the face of evolving challenges. Brady’s career was defined by his ability to adapt his game to changing circumstances, from his early years in New England, when he wasn’t asked to be the focal point of the offense, to his later years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he demonstrated a new level of leadership and playmaking. Edelman believes Mahomes will need to show that same adaptability over the years. “Brady reinvented himself multiple times throughout his career,” Edelman said. “Mahomes has to continue to grow and evolve, because defenses will eventually catch up. You can’t rely on one style of play forever.”
While Mahomes’ raw talent and playmaking ability are undeniable, Edelman pointed out that true greatness is defined by more than just individual stats and spectacular plays. It’s about the ability to elevate your team, to thrive in big moments, and to lead a franchise for years to come. Mahomes has already shown that he can lead his team to greatness, but Edelman stressed that consistency in leadership will be critical to building the kind of dynasty that Brady enjoyed in New England.
In the end, Edelman acknowledged that Mahomes has all the tools necessary to one day be regarded as the greatest of all time. But as he pointed out, there are no shortcuts in this quest. It will require sustained excellence, multiple championships, and the ability to evolve with the game. “Patrick’s got the potential, no doubt about it,” Edelman said. “But there’s still a long road ahead. It’s not just about one Super Bowl — it’s about what you do after that. Can he keep it going?”
For now, Mahomes is well on his way, but as Edelman wisely noted, surpassing Brady will require more than just talent — it will require a career of sustained greatness. The question remains: will Mahomes be the one to eventually do it? Only time will tell.
