As the 2023 NFL season heads into its final stretch, Patrick Mahomes continues to solidify his place in the conversation for the greatest quarterback of all time (GOAT). With two Super Bowl titles already to his name, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star is inching closer to that elusive status as the undisputed GOAT. But the big question on everyone’s mind is: Is Patrick Mahomes just one more Super Bowl win away from making that claim a reality?
While we’ve seen quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Joe Montana set the gold standard for greatness, Mahomes’ unique style of play, consistency, and accolades already have him knocking on the door. If Mahomes were to secure a third Super Bowl title, the debate could become a lot less about “who’s in the conversation” and more about “who is number one.” Here’s why winning another Super Bowl could very well catapult him to the top.
Mahomes’ Current Legacy: Dominance Across the Board
Mahomes is already one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of his generation. At just 28 years old, he has:
Two Super Bowl victories (LIV and LVII)
Two MVPs
Five AFC Championship Game appearances
Numerous playoff wins and record
What sets Mahomes apart from most quarterbacks is his ability to thrive under pressure. He’s known for delivering when it matters most, whether it’s a game-winning drive in the Super Bowl or leading a comeback in the AFC Championship. His unique skill set — including the ability to throw from any platform, in any direction, and make impossible throws look easy — has redefined what it means to be a quarterback in the modern NFL.
Comparison to Brady and Montana:
While Tom Brady’s seven Super Bowl rings are the ultimate benchmark, Mahomes is doing things Brady never could, from no-look passes to consistently leading high-powered offenses in a league that’s becoming increasingly competitive. Joe Montana, another GOAT candidate, won four Super Bowls, and Mahomes is already halfway to that mark. If Mahomes can secure a third title, his resume will begin to resemble, and in some cases surpass, the likes of Montana.
Super Bowl III: The Potential to Surpass Montana
One more Super Bowl win would give Mahomes a total of three titles in just a few seasons — an incredible feat for any quarterback, but especially for someone so young. With each additional Super Bowl win, Mahomes would climb the list of all-time greats.
Montana’s Legacy: Joe Montana’s legacy has been solidified by his four Super Bowl victories and his impeccable 4-0 record in the big game. Montana’s consistency in the postseason, combined with his perfect record in Super Bowls, is something that has been hard for anyone to top. But Mahomes is already challenging that notion.
Why Mahomes Could Surpass Montana:
Montana never had to face the level of competition that Mahomes does in the modern NFL. The game has changed drastically, with a higher emphasis on offense and more complex defenses. Mahomes has already shown that he can perform in high-stakes moments — both in the Super Bowl and in numerous playoff games. A third Super Bowl title would make his case undeniable, as he would have achieved it against far tougher competition than Montana did in his era.
The Debate Will Intensify:
If Mahomes wins a third Super Bowl, the debate will shift. Many would consider him to be the true successor to Brady’s throne — an athlete whose dominance transcends multiple generations of football, regardless of how many rings Brady ultimately has. It’s important to note that the GOAT debate isn’t just about rings; it’s also about the player’s ability to elevate the team around them and play at the highest level consistently. Mahomes is already doing that at an elite level, and a third Super Bowl ring would only add weight to his argument.
The Impact of Winning Another Super Bowl on Mahomes’ Legacy
Iconic Moments and Plays:
Mahomes has already provided us with some of the most iconic moments in NFL history: the 50-yard laser throw to Tyreek Hill in Super Bowl LIV, his Super Bowl LVII comeback against the Eagles, and countless game-winning drives. These moments, combined with the possibility of another Super Bowl victory, would further cement Mahomes as a player who doesn’t just win titles but does so in thrilling, unforgettable fashion. His ability to create magic on the field, often in the most high-pressure situations, makes him the type of player that legends are made of.
Longevity and Dominance:
Winning another Super Bowl at this point in his career would demonstrate that Mahomes isn’t just a flash in the pan — he’s a quarterback who can sustain excellence over time. His style of play — which relies on improvisation, vision, and raw athleticism — has made some question how long he can maintain his dominance. But Mahomes has already answered those questions with consistency. A third Super Bowl would solidify that he’s capable of leading a team to victory for years to come.
The Tom Brady Factor: Can Mahomes Catch Him?
While winning a third Super Bowl would place Mahomes firmly in the GOAT conversation, there’s still the elephant in the room: Tom Brady’s seven titles. No matter how many Mahomes wins, Brady’s unparalleled success still casts a shadow. However, what Mahomes has going for him is the ability to reframe the GOAT conversation.
Different Era, Different Style:
Brady’s seven championships are undeniable, but his career was built in a different era of football. He thrived in a system-based offense with limited mobility and few of the improvisational traits that Mahomes brings. Mahomes, in contrast, represents a new age of quarterbacks who can make plays from any angle and are not bound by traditional pocket-passing norms. His dominance in the modern NFL — with its emphasis on speed, skill, and adaptability — is something Brady didn’t face early in his career.
Why Mahomes May Surpass Brady’s Legacy:
While Brady’s seven Super Bowl titles are a massive achievement, Mahomes is breaking new ground in terms of the kind of plays he’s making and the speed at which he’s doing it. If Mahomes continues at his current pace, he could potentially challenge Brady’s total in the years to come. A third Super Bowl at such an early stage in his career would only make that possibility seem more likely. Given his current trajectory, Mahomes could surpass Brady not just in total championships, but in the broader conversation about who is the best to ever play the game.
The Future: Can Mahomes Continue This Dominance?
Of course, the road to becoming the undisputed GOAT doesn’t end with one more Super Bowl victory. Mahomes will need to keep performing at an elite level, stay healthy, and continue to elevate his teammates. The NFL is full of young, talented quarterbacks, and competition will only intensify as the years go on. But if there’s one thing Mahomes has shown, it’s that he’s capable of leading the Chiefs for years to come.
Mahomes’ Potential:
If he can secure a third Super Bowl win, Mahomes would solidify his legacy as one of the greatest of all time. But the real question is whether he can sustain this level of dominance, win more championships, and continue to rewrite the record books. A third Super Bowl would put him on an even playing field with some of the greats, but it’s his ability to keep winning that will ultimately decide where he ranks in the GOAT conversation.
Conclusion: One Win Away from GOAT Status?
Patrick Mahomes is already one of the greatest quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen, but one more Super Bowl victory would undoubtedly put him on a fast track to becoming the undisputed GOAT. His unique skill set, combined with his clutch performances, leadership, and continued success in big moments, makes him the most dangerous quarterback in the league today.
While Tom Brady’s seven championships are an incredibly high bar to clear, Mahomes’ ability to redefine the quarterback position gives him a shot at not just joining the conversation but potentially surpassing it. If he can secure a third Super Bowl, Mahomes will not only be one step closer to GOAT status — he might just seal the deal for himself. The future is bright for the Kansas City Chiefs’ star, and his legacy is just beginning to take shape.
