Tom Brady vs Patrick Mahomes: Comparing two NFL icons' first 7 seasons as a starter

Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes are two of the most respected names in American sports. Brady was the primary architect of the New England Patriots' two-decade run of success, while Mahomes is writing his own tale of greatness with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Both players will likely be first-ballot Hall of Famers when it's all done. Hence, with Mahomes set to play in his fifth Super Bowl, let's compare the start of his career to that of the player many consider the greatest to ever do it.

How did Tom Brady perform in his first seven seasons as a starter?

Tom Brady spent the first year of his professional football career as Drew Bledsoe's backup. In his second year as a pro, he got a chance to start in the league. Bledsoe suffered a career-threatening injury against the New York Jets in the second game of the 2001 regular season. In came Tom Brady, and the rest was history.

Brady took over the starting job in New England and never looked back. He had a remarkable first seven seasons as the team's starter from 2001 to 2007. He led the Patriots to seven consecutive winning seasons and playoff berths, three Super Bowl victories, and an unbeaten regular season in 2007. He won the AP NFL MVP in 2007 and two Super Bowl MVPs in his first two trips to the big game.

How did Patrick Mahomes perform in his first seven seasons as a starter?

Patrick Mahomes followed a similar trajectory to Tom Brady. Mahomes started his professional football career behind Alex Smith on the Chiefs' bench.

Smith was traded ahead of the 2018 regular season, thus beginning the Patrick Mahomes era in Kansas City. The Texas Tech Red Raiders product went on a tear, earning a league MVP award in his first season as a starter.

Mahomes has since compiled a phenomenal seven-year record as a starter with the Chiefs. He has led the franchise to seven consecutive playoff berths, three Super Bowl wins (out of four appearances), two league MVP awards, and three Super Bowl MVP awards.

Which superstar quarterback had the better start?

While Tom Brady enjoyed a stellar seven years as a starter with the Patriots, his start looks up to Patrick Mahomes'. Mahomes has set a new standard for dominance in the league.

The Kansas City Chiefs legend is on his way to his fifth Super Bowl game in seven seasons as a starter. He's aiming to lead his side to a historic three-peat, and they need a win against the Philadelphia Eagles to achieve the feat. So, while Tom Brady remains the GOAT, Patrick Mahomes takes this one.