LeSean McCoy holds the rare achievement of winning Super Bowls alongside two of modern football’s greatest quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. McCoy secured his first Lombardi Trophy in 2020 when Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to a Super Bowl LIV victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The following year, he earned another championship ring with Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV, where they defeated McCoy’s former team, the Chiefs. This unique perspective gives him valuable insight into comparing the two signal callers in terms of their playing styles and competitive nature.
Comparing Competitiveness and Playing Styles of Mahomes and Brady
In a discussion on the All The Smoke podcast, McCoy highlighted the core similarity between Mahomes and Brady: their fierce competitiveness. He said,
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Some of the similarities I would say, [are them being] competitors,
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acknowledging that both quarterbacks share an intense drive to win. McCoy pointed out that Brady is relentless, always turning it on when it’s time to deliver, emphasizing,
“Brady ain’t trying to lose at nothing. Like, he’s all nice and all that, but he turns it on when it’s time to win. He just love to win, bro, at all costs.”
At the same time, McCoy praised Mahomes for his authenticity, stating,
“Pat [is the same], because he’s himself. He doesn’t try to act like something he’s not. He’s his own person.”
McCoy noted that the greatness of the two quarterbacks is clear:
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You can see the greatness. When you see the real greats, you see the difference [between them and everyone else].
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Their ability to consistently perform and lead their teams on the biggest stages distinguishes them from others.
Tom Brady’s Interest in Patrick Mahomes’ Development
When McCoy joined the Buccaneers, he observed Brady’s genuine curiosity about Mahomes, who many regard as Brady’s successor at the elite level of quarterbacking. McCoy recalled,
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When I went to the Bucs, Brady was low-key asking me about Pat,
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revealing Brady’s respect and attention toward the younger star. This interaction underscores the mutual recognition between the two, as Brady acknowledges Mahomes’ rising stature in the NFL.
McCoy’s Take on Mahomes Surpassing Brady
Podcast hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson posed a critical question to McCoy: Could Mahomes eventually surpass Brady in legacy and achievements? McCoy responded thoughtfully, saying,
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Yeah, it’s gonna be a lot, though,
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and admitted the challenge inherent in that feat. However, he emphasized,
“But I think where they’re today, I think he’s [Mahomes] way more advanced than Tom.”
McCoy pointed to Mahomes’ rapid accumulation of MVP awards and record-setting yardage as evidence of his advanced skill level and impact.
He also noted Mahomes’ consistent postseason presence, saying,
“The worst we’ve ever seen Patrick Mahomes is an AFC Championship game. I mean, you know what I’m saying? Every year he’s going there. And he’s the main reason.”
By contrast, McCoy mentioned that early in Brady’s career, he was still developing, explaining,
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I think some of Brady’s seasons, he was still just getting up there, learning a little bit, you know, letting the defense kind of play it out.
”
Tom Brady’s Historic Career and Legacy
Tom Brady’s career is widely regarded as unparalleled in NFL history. Holding the record for the most Super Bowl wins by a quarterback with seven titles, Brady’s achievements span his legendary tenure with the New England Patriots and his final successful season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady achieved 17 division titles, 13 AFC Championship Games, nine Super Bowl appearances, and six titles with New England before adding the seventh with Tampa Bay.
Now a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and retired, Brady holds many key quarterback records, including career passing yards, completions, touchdown passes, games started, and playoff wins. He finished his playing career with 64.3% completion rate, 89,214 passing yards, 649 touchdowns, and a 97.2 passer rating, solidifying his status as the NFL’s GOAT for many fans and analysts.
Mahomes’ Rising Legacy and Recent Dominance
At just 29 years old, Patrick Mahomes has already begun building a legacy to rival Brady’s. He is a three-time Super Bowl winner, having earned the MVP award in all three title games, as well as a two-time regular-season MVP. Mahomes came close this season to leading the Kansas City Chiefs to an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat, a feat Brady never accomplished despite two consecutive championships with New England in 2003 and 2004.
Brady did reach three straight Super Bowls with the Patriots from 2016 to 2018 but fell short in the middle game, preventing a repeat and a potential three-peat. Similarly, Mahomes’ Chiefs made it to the latest Super Bowl but were defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles, indicating both quarterbacks have faced challenges in sustaining continuous dominance.
Ongoing Debate: Who Defines the Future of the NFL Quarterback Position?
LeSean McCoy’s unique experience with both Brady and Mahomes provides a rare viewpoint on two of the most iconic quarterbacks in NFL history. His assessment that Mahomes is currently more advanced suggests a shift in quarterback excellence while acknowledging Brady’s lasting impact. As Mahomes continues to win and set records, the football community watches closely to see whether he will ultimately redefine greatness or if Brady’s remarkable achievements remain unmatched.
The continued competition and comparison between these two quarterbacks fuel discussions about legacy, skill evolution, and what it means to be the best in the league. McCoy’s insights contribute to this ongoing narrative in the world of NFL quarterbacks and Super Bowl success.