As we continue venturing into this post-Brady era, we always compare and contrast legends to the present stars. The stars of the past established their respective legacies, with MVP seasons and Super Bowl victories. Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, and most importantly Tom Brady are all certified legends. Only one is identified as the GOAT, Tom Brady. As we speak, Patrick Mahomes’ career trajectory is on the same path.

Even if Mahomes does ascend to the level of his predecessor, there forever will be one goal he can’t accomplish.

Mahomes had the opportunity of a lifetime to catapult his career to early legendary status. At Super Bowl 55, Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to their second straight Super Bowl appearance, having beaten the San Francisco 49ers the year prior. This time the Chiefs faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their newly acquired weapon, the New England Patriots’ golden boy Tom Brady. Mahomes was expected to receive the torch from Brady, in what should have been the Chiefs dominating the Bucs. Instead, Brady showed Mahomes how it’s done. The Bucs effortlessly defeated the Chiefs, 31-9, for their first Super Bowl since 2002, and Brady’s seventh win. Brady outclassed and humiliated Mahomes in comedic fashion.

Surprisingly, this wasn’t their first crucial match-up. In the 2018 AFC Championship Game, Brady and the Patriots took down Mahomes and the Chiefs, 37-31. It was a close contest, but Brady prevailed, and went on to win his sixth Super Bowl against the LA Rams. Here, Mahomes fell victim to the Patriots Dynasty. 

Fast-forward to 2022. Brady played his last season, and only reached the Wild Card round, losing to the Dallas Cowboys, thus robbing Mahomes of a potential Super Bowl rematch. Taking into account that 2022 Brady wasn’t playing at his usual caliber, it is very unlikely that he would have stood a chance against Mahomes. All that is left is a “what if scenario”.

As great as Mahomes will eventually become, he will never feel the sweet taste of a AFC Championship or Super Bowl victory over Tom Brady. It’s an honor exclusive to Peyton Manning, Joe Flaco, Nick Foles, and Eli Manning.