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Colin Cowherd and Nick Wright of The Volume are catching heat from online followers over a recent hypothetical take centering around Tom Brady. Widely considered the greatest signal caller in NFL history, they questioned if that will be the case in three to four decades.
The duo brought up former NBA great Bill Russell in their argument, focusing on his ring count as opposed to his talent.
Was Brady really the best or was he just put in the best situation?
We’ve all heard the Brady-Belichick narrative, which often forces fans to choose sides when discussing who was more important in the Patriots‘ success.
Brady usually wins that argument given his Super Bowl with the Bucs while Belichick has struggled without his quarterback in Foxborough.
New England also had the luxury of an easy path to the playoffs, taking advantage of a down AFC East. The division was far different in Brady’s playing days than what we see today with strong Buffalo and Miami squads competing at the top.
Here’s what Cowherd and Wright had to say on a recent podcast:
“Brady and Belichick’s rings are intertwined, but they both get 100% credit when compared to other quarterbacks or other coaches – there’s no shared credit,” Wright starts.
Colin Cowherd then asks his hypothetical question; “What if in 30 years, we view Tom Brady as Bill Russell?”
“We don’t even argue that Russell is Michael Jordan, but he was part of the greatest [coach] Red Auerbach, biggest brand, best roster.
“In 30 to 40 years, when we see the next two other Mahomes, we will look at Brady and just say, ‘Well, Kraft, Belichick, the culture, the bad division – he’s the most productive player.'”
“Exactly right!” Wright replies before opining that Patrick Mahomes already surpasses Brady in on-field ability.
While it’s an interesting thought, not many are ready to buy in.
Below is the immediate reaction on social media.
“I didn’t think these clowns could be anymore clownish.”
“Brady owns every single important QB record AND has rings. Russell doesn’t.”
“Brady rarely had the best roster.”
“I’m so tired of people trying to bring Tom Brady down.”
“Russell played in an 8-team league. What Brady did in the modern era will never be duplicated.”
“Brady has the stats and the hardware. Case closed.”
The fans make some good points!
Patrick Mahomes, who will be playing in his fourth straight AFC Championship Game this Sunday, will have a chance to inch closer to Brady in terms of accolades, as will others.
There’s a lot left to do, however, for any current player to be swipe the title of GOAT.