The NFL comes up with exceptional talents in every era that leaves a lasting impression in the fans’ hearts. In the past, it was Tom Brady, now, following his retirement, all eyes are on Patrick Mahomes. Even former safety Ryan Clark agrees, believing Mahomes possesses greater proficiency than Brady when comparing them individually. Clark also compared the Chiefs’ QB to legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

And why not? In his seven-year career, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has helped his team reach six consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances and four Super Bowl appearances. Topping the cake with his recent Super Bowl win, Mahomes is close to catching the career playoff accomplishments of all QBs other than Brady.

In a recent episode of “The Pivot Podcast,” Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder joined for the weekly sit-down to talk about Patrick Mahomes and his brilliance with the sport he is dominating. Clark, who compared him with Brady and Michael Jordan, revealed why Mahomes is “on a different level.”

Clark provided a broader perspective, acknowledging Mahomes’ historic achievements and comparing him to legendary athletes like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Alex Ovechkin, Floyd Mayweather.

In the discussion about the game between the 49ers and the Chiefs, the hosts focused on the strategic battle of the Super Bowl LVIII, but also criticized the limited use of running plays by the 49ers in the first half, despite having an opportunity to leverage their strength in running.

The former safety said that although Mahomes, “can’t consider himself the goat or even in that conversation because Tom Brady beat him not once but twice,” the need is to appreciate what we are witnessing. He compared Mahomes to the level of greatness seen in athletes like Jordan, LeBron, and Jeter. Clark acknowledged Mahomes’ exceptional talent, and clutch performances, and called him a standout among other successful individuals in various fields.

Clark further highlighted, “He’s on a different level than they are [the names which Clark mentioned].” He recalled Brady’s early success and his Prime in the middle of his career. According to Clark, “So just to see what he’s been able to accomplish, it’s Brady’s early year success with Brady’s Prime in middle of his career individual accomplishments and I just think that we haven’t seen anything like it.” Mahomes and Tom Brady’s early six years indeed have differences in individual stats.

The individual stats give Mahomes an edge over Brady

Although Tom Brady had stayed with the NFL for more than a decade, comparing his overall career with Patrick Mahomes wouldn’t justify it. So, when Mahomes started playing as a full-time starting quarterback over six years ago, it would be best to compare his six with Brady’s early six years. Brady defeated him in the AFC championship when he won the MVP, and then in the 2021 Super Bowl.

Statistically, even though Brady appears to have more team victories in his career than Mahomes, the Chiefs QB surpasses the former NFL quarterback in certain aspects. In his six years as a starter, Mahomes has accumulated 219 touchdowns, while Brady achieved only 147. In passing yards, Mahomes covered 28,140 yards, whereas Brady only reached 21,558 yards in his starting six years.