This is the first season in over two decades that fans won’t see Tom Brady in action. He created a legacy that is now believed to go unmatched for decades from now or maybe even forever. But when Shaquille O’Neal asked him about his successor in the NFL, the legend had just one name in his mind and he was pretty clear in expressing that the QB is well equipped to be “the next Tom.”
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Shaquille O’Neal came in as a guest in the latest episode of the Let’s Go! Podcast with Tom Brady. And just like any curious sports fan, Shaq had one crucial question to ask TB12. Who does he see as his successor in the league? With multiple star QBs on the podium, it would certainly be difficult to name just one, but not Tom Brady, as he was very clear in his stance.
Tom Brady Names His NFL Successor To Shaquille O’Neal
The New England Patriots legend and future Pro Football Hall of Fame has put together a mammoth resume in his 21 years in the league. It does not feel human for anyone to even match his legacy or even longevity. So Shaq posed a genuine question by asking who he feels will be his successor in the league.
Most points per game by a starting quarterback in the Super-Bowl Era:
1: #Chiefs Pat Mahomes (29.9)
2: #Patriots Tom Brady (27.8)
3: #Ravens Lamar Jackson (27.4)Lamar Jackson is a generational talent. pic.twitter.com/gIL5NJdZZ3
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) October 23, 2023
“Good question,” Brady replied. “I think when I’m looking at guys in pro football, quarterbacks, you know, Patrick [Mahomes] is the one that really stands out. They’ve done a great job since he’s really taken over. He’s got a really great coach — like [how] I was fortunate, like how you were fortunate — that helps you and is there for you when things are going good, and not good. Gives you the humble pie when things are going good, and knows how to pick you up when things aren’t good.”
It was justified why Patrick Mahomes was the name that popped out of the former QB’s mouth. The Chiefs star has been dominating the AFC ever since he took over the starting role. And it would be foolish to not believe that he is certainly the big thing in the league.
TB12 Does Not Feel Running QBs Have a Long Shelf Life
During the conversation, Tom Brady reminisced about his NFL career and how much consistent he had to be to achieve his GOAT status. However, one major factor in his success was his pocket-passing skills. Brady was never known to be a rusher, and he feels that being a running QB trims the chances for longevity.
“Running quarterbacks don’t last that long,” said Brady. “I don’t know who can play 21 years, I really don’t. I know what it took, and it took a lot. I’m sure some of the people have ambitions to try, but there are a lot of things that need to go your way. The only reason that I was able to do it was because I had so many people there to support me.”
Brady was certainly honest in revealing that QBs like Lamar Jackson or Justin Fields might not have a big shelf life in the league. Being a steady QB helped him a lot in extending his career for more than two decades, and it would be very hard for any next-gen QB to replicate it. However, it will be seen how far Patrick Mahomes carries his torch.
