Tom Brady: Greatest Pro Football Player?

[sport historian]

A week or so ago I saw a column that said Tom Brady is the Greatest NFL Player ever, better than Jim Brown or Jerry Rice. Brown had been declared the best in the end of century polls. The NFL Network named Jerry Rice Number One several years ago, in large part due to Rice's long career.

There is a reluctance to place a QB in that position, despite QB being the most important position. Tom Brady was the NFL MVP at age 40. His longevity is phenomenal, longer at the top than anybody has been.

A sidelight is Tom Brady being so "disliked." But we know why.

 

[chris371]

I think it can be argued he is the greatest Player ever, i think its difficult to compare players sensibly as football success is dependant on hundreds of factors from scout competancy to negative owner meddling in football activities, never mind team talent and coaches ability. For instance, how would Steve Young or Dan Marino have done in Bradys position? I dont want to drag Tom down, I truely Enjoy his success and am a huge Fan.


Apart from possibly being the best Player ever, hes also the most likeable player in the league and strikes me as the most well spoken and cerebral player of all time. Hes also a fierce competitor and knows no fear.

 

[Thrashen]

Here’s where you can watch the new “Tom vs. Time” documentary...

https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2018/01/25/watch-first-episode-tom-brady-vs-time

 

[NEP01]

Brady solidified himself as the greatest player ever with the Super Bowl victory over the Seahawks three years ago. At that point, his combination of team and individual accomplishments were unmatched. What he's done in the last three years has only created more separation. One would have to get highly creative and subjective to pick anyone else.

I also think Brady has surpassed Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretsky as the best athlete in American team sports since Babe Ruth, though that is more debatable.

 

[sprintstar]

Gretzky did not play American Team Sports, he played in the NHL which is not an American team sport it is an all world sport. Brady is the greatest all time football player but is not a better athlete than Gretzky..sorry. Wayne did things on ice that are unfathomable considering he did these things on metal blades moving alot faster than a football QB mentally and pysically. They are both exceptional athletes who did/do things in their sports that not may others have done or will do for exceptionally long times(careers)....

 

[La France Blanche]

Agree on the Gretzky issue - Gretzky is the unquestioned greatest hockey player of all time, with literally no debate. How many athletes can say that about their sport? In fantasy hockey there had to be two Wayne Gretzkys, one for his goals and one for his assists. That's how dominant he was.

Not to take anything away from Brady. I do believe he's the greatest quarterback of all time, and he's not done yet.

 

[The Hock]

I don't know about greatest player because of the different positions but I believe Brady and Belichick are the greatest QB and Head Coach pairing of all time.