Patrick Mahomes has become the face of the National Football League. He is renowned for his flair for the dramatics, impromptu throws while scaring defenders due to his dual-threat ability with his scampers on third down. Off the field, he is one of the most marketable athletes in America based on his squeaky-clean background and popularity. On Sunday, February 13, 2023, Mahomes will take to the field on the biggest stage in sports with the chance to lift the Lombardi trophy for the second time in his career. So how would a second Super Bowl title impact Mahomes’ legacy? In this article, we will explore five ways it will enhance his legacy as we continue our preview of Super Bowl LVII.
1. Winning with less talent- most Hall of Fame quarterbacks had a legendary Wide Receiver on their team that maximized their ability to win it all. For instance, most will point to the most potent duo of Joe Montana and Jerry Rice or Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison. However, Tom Brady is lauded as G.O.A.T because he was able to win Super Bowls with less talent having players like Deon Branch, Troy Brown, Julian Edelman, and Danny Amendola. Entering this year, many analysts felt Mahomes’ performance would drop off considerably based on the absence of Tyreek Hill. However, Mahomes is on the cusp of winning a championship without the superstar Wide Receiver and will deserve the plaudits for the team’s potential success.
2. Removing the sting of the Super Bowl LV- Mahomes last trip to the big game left a bitter taste in his mouth. The Chiefs were favorites to win back-to-back Super Bowls when they faced the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. Instead, the Chiefs’ offensive line got destroyed by the Bucs’ pass rush, and Mahomes made crucial mistakes in throwing two interceptions and no touchdowns. Also, Patrick got badly outplayed by Tom Brady, who had three touchdowns in a 31-9 beatdown. Mahomes felt the stung of that loss and will see it as a stain on his nearly flawless record. Therefore, when he takes to the field in Arizona, Mahomes will seek redemption in front of a worldwide audience.
3. Signature moment- every superstar has a signature moment that they are remembered for on the way to a championship. Do you remember the events of June 11, 1997? On that day, Michael Jordan performed an incredible feat in Game 5 of the NBA Finals in what has been called the flu game. What about the events on February 5, 2017? Yes, that is the game Tom Brady clawed his team back from 28 to 3 to capture Superbowl LI. In the recent AFC title win, Mahomes was gutted through a high ankle sprain to take his team over the line. If he can play through the pain and win against the Eagles, it would complete his signature moment.
4. Best five years of quarterback ever- Mahomes is on the most remarkable run in the history of the NFL. Patrick has made 224 touchdown passes in a five-season span ever which leads Drew Brees in second with 214. Also, Mahomes leads with the most passing yards with 27,859 in a five-season span which is ahead of Drew Brees with 27,446. He is only four behind Brady with 73 wins in a season span. Finally, Joe Montana is the only player in NFL history with multiple MVPs and championships won in a five-season span. However, with a great game, Mahomes is in a position to become the first player to win multiple league MVPs and Super Bowl MVPs in a five-season span. That is impressive!
5. Join Elite Club of Two-Championship Quarterbacks-there are a handful of quarterbacks in the history of the NFL who have a Super Bowl victory on their resumes but do not get credit for the win. The list includes Trent Dilfer, Joe Flacco, and Brad Johnson, who fans feel were carried by their defenses. Mahomes winning a second Super Bowl title would bring him into a more prestigious group. Only 12 quarterbacks have won 2 Super Bowls. The list includes: Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, Roger Staubach, Bob Griese, Ben Roethlisberger, Bart Starr, Jim Plunkett, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady. Of the 12 quarterbacks, seven are currently Hall of Famers, two are future locks (Brady and Peyton), and one is a very likely inductee (Big Ben). It means that at least 10 of the 12 will be enshrined in Canton. Yes, with a win, Mahomes will be well on his way to making the Hall of Fame in just five years. How about that!