Tom Brady vs LeBron James: Which icon has a more impactful run?

Tom Brady and LeBron James remain the two biggest names in the sports world in the two most popular sports in the United States. While Brady's story on the gridiron has come to a close, James' story on the court continues. That said, James' story is close enough to its end that a judgment can be delivered.

Here's a look at the NFL's most accomplished quarterback in history and the biggest star in the NBA.

Why Tom Brady had the more impactful run

Tom Brady at Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears - Source: Imagn

Tom Brady played from 2000 until 2022. In that time, he went to 10 Super Bowls, roughly one every two years. He won seven of those championship games. He also became the second starting quarterback in NFL history to win a Super Bowl with two separate teams. He also became the most accomplished player over the age of 40 in NFL history as well.

The league had never seen domination on a level like Brady but when one talks about the impact of a player, other than a list of accomplishments you need context. Brady was infamously looked over by every NFL team roughly half a dozen times before Bill Belichick's Patriots took him in the sixth round in 2000.

The story of going from nothing to something is one of the most sacred stories in the United States and Brady has become the face of that.

Why LeBron James has had the more impactful run

LeBron James at Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors - Source: Imagn

At this point, James' story is similar to Brady's. He's won championships with three teams and in miraculous circumstances with perhaps none as great as his comeback series against the Golden State Warriors.

However, James' biggest flex that Brady will never be able to match is getting to play with his son. LeBron James was so dominant that he managed to remain relevant long enough for his son to slowly rise through the stages of life and get into the NBA, get selected by his team and play with him.

Of course, one can only speculate, but to be 40 years old and still command that level of influence in any sport illustrates just how much impact LeBron James has had.

Tom Brady or LeBron James: who has been more impactful?

Tom Brady at Buffalo Bills at Seattle Seahawks - Source: Imagn

Arguably Tom Brady has had the greater impact, as he arrived on the scene and was given the smallest chance imaginable. When he left, the NFL seemed to run through him. When Brady reached the mid-point of his career, many compared him to Joe Montana. When he left the league, others were compared to Brady and he is now the measuring stick for ultimate greatness in QBs.

To this day, James leaves a question of whether he or Michael Jordan was the best player in the sport. James' Lakers have not been relevant for multiple seasons and he is a way behind Brady in championships.