Will Patrick Mahomes Go Down As an All-Time QB Great?

The Mahomes Case

Patrick Mahomes' statistical achievements further bolster his case. He holds the NFL record for career passing yards per game at 296.1 and has set multiple speed milestones, including the fastest to 100, 200, and 300 career touchdown passes. In the postseason, he leads all quarterbacks with a 105.8 passer rating and has thrown 41 touchdown passes, ranking fifth in NFL history among players with at least 150 attempts. His ability to perform under pressure is evident, with seven games boasting a passer rating over 120.

Beyond statistics, Mahomes' influence extends to his team's success. Under his leadership, the Chiefs have clinched the AFC West title for nine consecutive years, demonstrating sustained dominance in a competitive division. His partnership with tight end Travis Kelce has set records for postseason touchdown connections, further solidifying their offensive prowess.

Off the field, Mahomes' impact is equally significant. He was named one of the most influential sports figures of the past 25 years, highlighting his role in shaping the modern quarterback archetype. His philanthropic efforts, including voter registration initiatives and support for social justice causes, reflect his commitment to community and societal betterment.

As Mahomes continues to perform at an elite level, his trajectory suggests he will not only be remembered as one of the best quarterbacks of his era but also as one of the all-time greats in NFL history. His blend of statistical achievements, team success, and off-field influence sets a benchmark for future generations.

The Race to Bigger Wins

Patrick Mahomes is already one of the most talented and decorated quarterbacks of his generation, but to be solidified alongside the true all-time greats, consistent winning over a long career remains a key benchmark.

Mahomes currently has well over 70 wins but remains far from the top five. While his winning percentage is among the best ever, volume matters. Quarterbacks like Brady and Manning earned their spots in history not just with MVPs and Super Bowl rings, but by consistently leading their teams to victory over 15 to 20 seasons.

Winning 170+ games, as every top-five QB has, requires sustained excellence, health, and consistent leadership.

Top Five Quarterbacks with Most Wins

The all-time wins leaderboard is dominated by longevity and sustained excellence. Tom Brady’s 251 wins stand as the ultimate example – not just of talent, but of decades-long dominance and durability. Even quarterbacks like Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, and Ben Roethlisberger, who had varying degrees of postseason success, still cemented their legacies by stacking regular-season wins year after year.

Moreover, wins reflect more than personal stats – they underscore a quarterback’s ability to guide a franchise, adapt to new teammates, and outlast competitive eras. Mahomes already leads a modern dynasty with the Chiefs, but to match or exceed the likes of Brady and Favre, he'll need to continue winning deep into his 30s and maintain dominance even as the league evolves.

The Super Bowl Success

Patrick Mahomes is already in elite company with three Super Bowl victories, but if he wants to be considered among the true all-time quarterback greats, he will need to add more rings to his legacy. Championships are the ultimate measuring stick in NFL quarterback legacy debates. Tom Brady's seven Super Bowl titles have set a nearly untouchable standard, solidifying his place as the consensus greatest quarterback in league history.

In today’s NFL, where parity and player movement create more obstacles, winning multiple Super Bowls over time elevates a quarterback’s greatness. It’s not just about reaching the game – it’s about consistently closing the deal, adapting to new challenges, and leading different iterations of your team to the top.

Mahomes has demonstrated that ability, but three rings, while rare and impressive, still fall short of the GOAT-level company led by Brady and Montana.

Top Five Quarterbacks with the Most Wins in the Super Bowl

Championships are the ultimate measuring stick in NFL quarterback legacy debates. Tom Brady's seven Super Bowl titles have set a nearly untouchable standard, solidifying his place as the consensus greatest quarterback in league history. Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw went a perfect 4-for-4 in Super Bowl appearances, while even Troy Aikman’s flawless 3-0 record remains a defining part of his legacy.

Mahomes, with a 3-2 record so far, has proven he can consistently reach and win on the sport’s biggest stage – but to surpass or even match the greats, he’ll need to keep stacking titles.

To truly ascend into the uppermost echelon of quarterback greatness, Mahomes needs to close the gap on Brady’s championship total and aim to finish with at least five or six titles. That kind of résumé would erase any doubt and make his case as the greatest quarterback of all time a legitimate one.

The Individual Feat of Greatness

The historical context is also important. Many quarterbacks have put up gaudy regular-season numbers and even won MVPs, but what separates the immortals is repeated postseason dominance. Every additional Super Bowl win further distances Mahomes from modern peers and places him closer to the untouchable legacy Brady left behind.

Patrick Mahomes is one of the most electrifying quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen, and with two MVP awards already under his belt, he’s proven he can be the best in any given season. But to truly be considered one of the all-time greats, especially when measured against the likes of Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers, he will need to win more regular-season MVPs.

Top Quarterbacks with the Most MVPs Won

*denotes player is still active as of the 2024 season

The MVP award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in football, and it serves as a clear indicator of a quarterback’s dominance during a given era. Peyton Manning’s five MVPs have helped cement his place in the all-time quarterback conversation, even with fewer Super Bowl titles than Brady.

Aaron Rodgers, known for his precision and consistency, also used his four MVPs to build a strong legacy despite fewer postseason triumphs. Mahomes sits at two, tied with Lamar Jackson and still far behind the elite tier when it comes to individual accolades.

Regular-season MVPs showcase sustained excellence, not just peak moments. Winning multiple MVPs across different seasons and team iterations demonstrates a quarterback’s ability to evolve, overcome adversity, and maintain elite play regardless of roster changes or competition level.

If Mahomes wants to rival or surpass legends like Brady, Manning, or Rodgers, he’ll need to separate himself by consistently being the best player in the league – not just the most exciting.

Will Mahomes Ascend as an All-Time Great Quarterback?

Patrick Mahomes has already carved out a legacy that most quarterbacks could only dream of. With three Super Bowl titles, two MVPs, and a host of statistical accomplishments before the age of 30, he is firmly on track to be remembered as one of the NFL’s all-time greats. Yet, the mountain of quarterback immortality is steep, and the summit is crowded with legends who didn’t just dominate for a few seasons – they sustained it over decades.

To truly cement his place alongside icons like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Joe Montana, Mahomes will need to continue stacking wins – both in the regular season and in the playoffs. He'll need to add more Super Bowl rings to his collection, showing he can lead his team to greatness through changing rosters and eras. And individually, more MVP honors would elevate his standing, proving he was not just a winner, but consistently the most dominant player in the league.

The good news for Mahomes is that time is on his side. If he remains healthy, motivated, and surrounded by a strong supporting cast, there's no reason he can't climb every major leaderboard and reshape the historical conversation around quarterback greatness. He’s not just chasing records – he’s chasing legacy. And if his career continues on its current trajectory, there’s a very real chance that Patrick Mahomes won’t just go down as an all-time great – he may one day be recognized as the greatest of them all.