The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of American football, an event that defines legacies, fuels debates, and cements players in the annals of history.

But this year, the conversation has taken an unexpected turn. As Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and a lineup of NFL legends give their take on Tom Brady’s unparalleled career, the football world finds itself divided.

While many hail him as the undisputed GOAT (Greatest of All Time), others, including analysts from Fox Sports, have been vocal in questioning his legacy.

The controversy has set social media ablaze, leaving fans, players, and experts debating the true meaning of greatness in the NFL.

Brady’s Legacy: Unmatched or Overrated?

There is no denying Tom Brady’s resume: seven Super Bowl championships, five Super Bowl MVPs, three league MVPs, and countless NFL records He dominated the league for over two decades, defying age, injuries, and even the doubters.

Tom Brady will call his first ever Super Bowl when the Chiefs face the Eagles in New Orleans

But as new generations of quarterbacks rise, some wonder if his dominance was a product of the era, the system, or even the rule changes that benefited quarterbacks in recent years.

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end and one of the most respected voices in the league, weighed in during a recent interview.

“You can’t argue with what Brady has done. The guy won when it mattered most. But the game has evolved, and there are a lot of factors at play. He’s the GOAT, but the conversation isn’t as clear-cut as people make it seem.”

Patrick Mahomes, widely regarded as the face of the next generation of quarterbacks, had a more diplomatic stance.

“Tom set the standard. What he did, especially late in his career, was incredible. But football is different now. Players have more control, and the style of play has changed. You can’t compare eras exactly, but you have to respect what he accomplished.”

Their words, though respectful, fueled a firestorm of debates online. Was Brady truly the greatest, or was he simply the beneficiary of Bill Belichick’s coaching, favorable rules, and an era where elite defenses were few and far between?

Travis Kelce voiced his support for the ex-quarterback, calling him an 'awesome' broadcaster'

NFL Legends Speak: The Verdict on Tom Brady

Several retired players also joined the debate, offering their unique perspectives.

Peyton Manning, Brady’s longtime rival, acknowledged his greatness but also pointed out that systems matter.

“Tom was the ultimate competitor, but the Patriots had one of the best infrastructures in football. He thrived in it, and when he went to Tampa Bay, he proved he could win elsewhere. That said, every quarterback benefits from a good system.”

Meanwhile, Joe Montana, the original GOAT before Brady took over, wasn’t as convinced.

“Great quarterbacks don’t just win Super Bowls; they dominate games. I don’t think Brady ever had the pure talent of some of today’s quarterbacks. He was clutch, no doubt, but there’s a difference between being the best and having the most rings.”

This sentiment was echoed by other Hall of Fame quarterbacks, including Troy Aikman and Dan Marino, who praised Brady’s winning mentality but pointed out that he played in an era where offensive players were protected far more than in the past.

'He's great now and I think he'll go down as one of the best,' Jay Glazer said of Brady

Fox Sports Analysts Stir the Pot

While former players debated the intricacies of Brady’s career, Fox Sports analysts were less diplomatic.

Skip Bayless, never one to shy away from a hot take, declared that Brady’s career was “a product of luck, timing, and rule changes.”

“If you put Aaron Rodgers or Peyton Manning in New England for 20 years, they might have 10 Super Bowls,” Bayless said on his show.

Shannon Sharpe countered, saying that luck only plays a small role and that Brady’s mental toughness set him apart.

“You don’t win seven rings by accident. That takes talent, leadership, and resilience. You can say he wasn’t the most talented, but he was the best at getting the job done.”

The divide was clear: some analysts believed Brady’s rings spoke for themselves, while others argued that statistics and natural talent should play a bigger role in defining the greatest of all time.

Patrick Mahomes has no issue with Brady also playing a role with the Las Vegas Raiders

How Fans and Social Media Reacted

As expected, fans took the debate to social media, with Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram exploding with opinions.

Pro-Brady Fans: Many argued that numbers don’t lie. Seven rings, the most passing yards, and countless playoff victories cement him as the GOAT.

Critics: Others pointed out that Brady never had the mobility of Mahomes, the arm talent of Rodgers, or the playmaking ability of Steve Young. Some suggested that he benefited from playing in the weak AFC East for most of his career.

Neutral Observers: Some fans took a middle-ground approach, agreeing that Brady was great but acknowledging that the league has changed significantly since his prime.

Edelman was part of the New England dynasty headed by Brady and coach Bill Belichick

One viral tweet summed up the sentiment:

“Brady was the best at winning, but was he the best quarterback? There’s a difference. Put Mahomes in New England for 20 years, and he’d probably have eight rings.”

The Final Verdict: Can There Ever Be One?

At the heart of this debate is an age-old question: What defines greatness in sports? Is it pure talent, dominance, or championships?

Rob Gronkowski, Brady's teammate on the Patriots and Bucs, has defended the quarterback

Brady’s supporters argue that his ability to perform under pressure, his leadership, and his unparalleled resume make him the GOAT.

His critics contend that he wasn’t the most physically gifted quarterback and that factors beyond his control played a major role in his success.

But one thing is clear—no matter which side of the debate you’re on, Tom Brady’s impact on the game is undeniable.

Whether you believe he’s the greatest of all time or simply the greatest winner, his legacy will be discussed for generations.

As the Super Bowl approaches and Mahomes, Kelce, and the next generation of stars carve out their own legacies, one thing is certain: the GOAT debate is far from over.