In a career spanning 23 years, Tom Brady has seen it all in the NFL. Now, in his newfound role as a football sage, Brady shared his insights on the current landscape of top quarterbacks during the Fanatics Fest held over the weekend.
Brady's list of top five quarterbacks, unsurprisingly, has sparked much discussion. Topping his list is Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes, whose dynamic playmaking abilities and Super Bowl victories make him a unanimous pick for any QB ranking in today’s NFL. Just behind him, at the second spot, is Buffalo Bills' leader Josh Allen. "I think, consistently, of all the guys I've seen, Josh Allen is someone who always impresses me as a player," Brady remarked, highlighting Allen's blend of arm strength and athleticism.
Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, known for his dual-threat capability and electrifying speed, finds himself third on Brady's list. Brady's admiration was evident: "I see Lamar Jackson, who always impresses me as a player." This acknowledgment cements Jackson’s place among the elite, despite the ongoing debates surrounding his passing proficiency.
Cincinnati Bengals' sensation Joe Burrow comes in fourth, a testament to his poise under pressure and exceptional accuracy. "Joe Burrow is really impressive the way he throws the ball,” Brady noted, placing the young quarterback in elite company. It’s a nod of approval that Burrow’s rising trajectory is not only promising but already bears the hallmarks of greatness.
Rounding out Brady’s top five is Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets. With four MVP awards under his belt and an undeniable knack for the dramatic, Rodgers' inclusion is well justified. Brady emphasized Rodgers’ exceptional chemistry with his teammates, stating, "Another guy who's got a great connection with his teammates."
While Brady's rankings provide an insightful perspective, Peyton Manning, another quarterbacking legend, offered his own take on the list. Manning chose to include Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers in place of Rodgers, adding another dimension to the quarterback debate. Herbert's explosive arm and rapid development since entering the league highlight the growing pool of young talent redefining the position.
This gathering of quarterback minds at Fanatics Fest underscores a significant shift in the NFL; the baton pass from previous generations to an exciting new class of quarterbacks who are not only preserving the sport's legacy but are also redefining it. The inclusion of Mahomes, Allen, Jackson, Burrow, Rodgers, and Herbert in these discussions exemplifies the high caliber of talent currently thrilling fans every Sunday.
As the NFL continues to evolve, discussions like these, helmed by figures such as Brady and Manning, offer insights that enrich our understanding of the game’s ever-changing dynamics. They remind us that while past legends laid the groundwork, the present crop of quarterbacks carries the torch forward, fueling the future of football.