Over the weekend at Fanatics Fest, NFL legend Tom Brady took the opportunity to share his insights on the current landscape of top quarterbacks in the league. With a career spanning an impressive 23 years and securing seven Super Bowl titles, Brady's observations hold a significant amount of weight. The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback identified the players he believes are the cream of the crop in the NFL today.
First on Brady's list is Patrick Mahomes, the dynamic signal-caller for the Kansas City Chiefs. Known for his exceptional throwing arm and on-the-fly playmaking ability, Mahomes has managed to captivate the NFL world with his consistent high-level performances and leadership on the field. His spot atop Brady's list speaks volumes about his impact on the game, both in terms of commanding the offense and delivering in crucial moments.
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills finds himself in the second position, earning high praise from Brady. "I think, consistently, of all the guys I've seen, Josh Allen is someone who always impresses me as a player," Brady remarked. Allen’s combination of arm strength, mobility, and toughness has made him one of the most feared quarterbacks in the league. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground has been pivotal to the Bills' success in recent years.
Coming in third is Lamar Jackson, the electrifying quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens. Brady expressed his admiration, saying, "I see Lamar Jackson, who always impresses me as a player." Jackson’s unique playing style, characterized by his speed and elusiveness, has redefined the quarterback position. His capability to change the complexion of a game with his legs as well as his arm places him among the elite.
Joe Burrow, the young star for the Cincinnati Bengals, ranks fourth on Brady's list. Known for his poise and precision, Burrow has quickly established himself as one of the top young quarterbacks in the league. "Joe Burrow is really impressive the way he throws the ball," Brady noted, highlighting Burrow's exceptional passing ability and his knack for rising to the occasion in high-pressure scenarios.
Aaron Rodgers, the veteran quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, rounds out Brady's top five. The four-time NFL MVP is renowned for his accuracy, football IQ, and penchant for making spectacular plays. Despite recent controversies and an evolving personal narrative, Rodgers' prowess on the field remains unquestionable.
Interestingly, the event also saw another NFL great, Peyton Manning, offer his perspective on today's top quarterbacks. Manning's list closely mirrored Brady's, though he opted to include Los Angeles Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert in place of Aaron Rodgers. Herbert has quickly garnered attention with his strong arm, athleticism, and quick adaptation to the professional level, making a compelling case for his inclusion in any top-quarterback discussion.
The mutual respect and camaraderie between Brady and Manning, both of whom are considered among the greatest quarterbacks of all time, were evident in their thoughtful rankings. Each provided unique insights into what they value in the current generation of quarterbacks, offering fans a rare glimpse into their football minds.
While Brady and Manning have long since hung up their cleats, their perspectives continue to shape the discourse around quarterback play in the NFL. Their evaluations underscore the high standards expected of the position and celebrate the talents who rise to meet those expectations week after week. As the NFL season progresses, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the quarterbacks highlighted by these legends, eager to see if they can live up to the lofty praise bestowed upon them.