As the 2025 football season approaches, former NFL star Tom Brady has openly expressed admiration for Patrick Mahomes, his longtime rival in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/afc/”>AFC. Despite their fierce competition on the field, Brady has become a notable supporter of Mahomes, highlighting the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback’s growing legacy.
Mahomes had been poised to surpass Brady’s place among the greatest quarterbacks before the Philadelphia Eagles ended Kansas City’s Super Bowl LIX hopes nearly five months ago. A victory there would have made Mahomes the first to secure three consecutive Super Bowl titles, but the Eagles’ defense exposed weaknesses in Mahomes’ offense, which had leaned heavily on their defense throughout the 2024-25 season.
Super Bowl Loss Fuels Mahomes’ Determination
The defeat was particularly tough for Mahomes, marked by key errors such as a pick-six thrown to Cooper DeJean. This loss has since become a source of strong motivation for Mahomes, who now aims to earn a fourth Super Bowl ring. In his pursuit of improvement, Mahomes has reportedly sought guidance and lessons from Brady, indicating a mentor-mentee dynamic between the two quarterbacks.
Tom Brady’s Enthusiasm at the National Sports Card Convention
At a recent National Sports Card Convention in Chicago, Brady showcased his passion not only for football but for sports memorabilia. Alongside his business partner Chris Costa, Brady explored various vendor stalls, collecting cards and praising standout athletes, including Mahomes. While browsing, Brady purchased a Downtown Mahomes card, enthusiastically acknowledging the player’s skill.
“Another Downtown, Patty Mahomes. This guy is legit, and he is an unbelievable player. Love watching him play.”
The commendation coming from Brady is especially significant given his record seven Super Bowl rings and his standing as one of the league’s top signal callers.
Exploring Cards and Athletic Legends with Chris Costa
During their time at the convention, Brady and Costa acquired memorabilia from a range of sports icons. Brady picked up cards featuring Dirk Nowitzki and Cooper Flagg, the latter intended as a gift for his son Jack Brady. Costa secured a Peyton Manning card, which Brady viewed with respect, crediting Manning as a career inspiration.
The pair also discovered collections featuring legends such as Brett Favre and Ed Reed. Brady reflected on Reed as a formidable rival during his playing days, sharing a brief anecdote from their encounters on the field. They also noted rookies Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels, with Brady hopeful for improved performance from Maye in upcoming games.
Connections Beyond Football at the Convention
Brady and Costa visited a stall run by John Ryan, a friend of Costa’s, where they acquired more cards including several <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB collectibles. Brady spoke highly of Derek Jeter, citing him as a favorite athlete for both on- and off-field reasons. At one point, Brady also engaged with Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Armstrong, exchanging thoughts on fitness and motivation.
Expansion of Brady’s CardVault Hobby Store
Parallel to his involvement in the convention, Brady’s business, The CardVault, announced plans for a new location in SoHo. This addition follows existing outlets in five other cities: Foxborough’s Patriot Place, Foxwoods, Boston, East Rutherford’s American Dream, and East Hampton. The CardVault operates both physical stores and an online platform, catering to collectors and fans nationwide.
Looking Ahead to Another Pivotal Football Season
The interactions between Brady and Mahomes, from mentorship to mutual respect, highlight a compelling narrative as the new season unfolds. Mahomes, driven by last season’s heartbreak, appears ready to elevate his game further, while Brady’s ongoing engagement with the sport and its culture underscores his lasting influence. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how this dynamic shapes the unfolding 2025 football campaign.