Adam Vinatieri, the legendary former kicker for the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts, recently discussed the quarterback debate surrounding Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes in an interview with TMZ Sports.
Although Brady has long been considered the gold standard at the quarterback position, Vinatieri admits Mahomes is rapidly building a case to be the best of all time.
“There’s definitely an argument for that. I cringe to say that because I’ve been around some of the best players, best quarterbacks in the history of the NFL and I love Tom and Peyton [Manning],” Vinatieri said.
“I’ve never played with Patrick, but I can only assume if you’re his teammate, you feel exactly the same way about him as I feel about those guys.”
Brady’s seven Super Bowl wins have long been a key part of his claim to the title of the greatest quarterback in NFL history.
But Vinatieri acknowledged that Mahomes is on the verge of doing something that even Brady, Bill Belichick, and the Patriots have not achieved.
“I’ve always said, Tom’s got seven Super Bowls, until someone does something that he hasn’t, he’s still the man. But we’re getting to something even Tom, even the great Tom Brady, and Bill Belichick, and that team has not done,” he explained.
Of course, Vinatieri was referring to the possibility of Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs completing a historic Super Bowl three-peat, something that has never been accomplished.
“If they can pull it off, I dare say you got an argument,” he admitted. “You definitely have an argument. And people will say, ‘Oh, you know, Joe Montana, this or that,’ and I don’t think we could ever agree on who is the best ever, but Patrick is right there, and that whole team.”
Vinatieri also remarked on the idea of a team achieving a three-peat, calling it “absolutely crazy,” but he’s more than willing to give Kansas City its due if they can make history.
“When you have a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes that can pull magic out of a hat over and over and over again, it blows me away,” he continued. “Can’t say enough good stuff and if they can ‘three-peat,’ the first team to ever do it, I will take my hat off and say, ‘My gosh!'”
Finally, Vinatieri, who has experienced playing for successful teams himself, acknowledged the Chiefs’ potential to be regarded as one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history if they achieve the feat.
“You wanna talk about dynasties? I’ve been a part of teams they called dynasties, and if they can pull this one off, you’ve got 100% of my respect for sure,” he concluded.
What are your thoughts on Vinatieri’s comments? … Are you surprised he seems so eager to pass the GOAT torch to Mahomes?
Being that there’s not too much Adam Vinatieri talk these days, I have to ask… do you think he’s the greatest kicker in NFL history???
