Mahomes chose to share the moment where Brady spoke to him after their AFC Championship Game

In the record books of NFL history, certain matchups transcend mere games-they become emblematic of the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. One such moment occurred on a chilly January night in 2019, when Patrick Mahomes, then a rising star for the Kansas City Chiefs, faced off against the venerable Tom Brady in the AFC Championship Game.

In a recent episode of the “Peter King Podcast,” Mahomes shared an interaction with Brady following that fateful encounter. As the chaos of the game subsided, Brady, the seasoned veteran, took a moment to offer words of encouragement to the young quarterback. “You’re doing it the right way, continue doing it the way you’re doing it,” Brady told Mahomes-a simple yet profound validation of the path Mahomes had chosen.

Tom Brady explains why Patrick Mahomes deserves to be compared to best QBs ever

The significance of Brady‘s words resonated deeply with Mahomes, who has since ascended to the upper echelons of NFL greatness. Despite the bitter disappointment of that loss, Mahomes went on to secure three Super Bowl rings and three Super Bowl MVP awards, carving out his own legacy alongside Brady, who retired as a seven-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Super Bowl MVP.

Mahomes and Brady’s connection goes beyond football

The connection between Mahomes and Brady extends beyond their on-field battles. Andy Reid, the head coach of the Chiefs, revealed how Brady once symbolically passed “the keys” of the NFL over to Mahomes-a gesture that underscored the mutual respect between the two quarterbacks.

For Mahomes, Brady’s approval served as a guiding light throughout his career. “That for me was a stamp of approval,” Mahomes reflected. “I’m going to continue to work this hard.” Brady’s acknowledgment of Mahomes‘ dedication and development reinforced Mahomes’ resolve to strive for greatness, carrying that mindset with him for the rest of his career.

Yet, amidst the praise and accolades, it’s important to recognize the rarity of Mahomes‘ ascent to the upper echelons of NFL greatness at just 28 years old. In a sports landscape often dominated by debates and comparisons, Mahomes‘ inclusion in G.O.A.T. conversations speaks volumes about his talent and potential.

Regrettably, fans were deprived of witnessing more showdowns between Brady and Mahomes on football’s grandest stage. Their lone encounter in a Super Bowl serves as a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been-a clash of titans that left fans yearning for more.

As Mahomes continues to etch his name into the annals of NFL history, he carries with him the lessons imparted by Brady-a testament to the enduring power of mentorship and the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. In Mahomes, Brady sees a worthy successor-a quarterback poised to leave his own indelible mark on the game they both love.