NFL

Patriots legend Julian Edelman shares surprising take about Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes’ GOAT status

Julian Edelman, a New England Patriots legend, weighed in on the GOAT debate with bold take on Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes.

Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots looks on after the game against the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
© Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesJulian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots looks on after the game against the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Julian Edelman, a beloved figure among New England Patriots fans and a three-time Super Bowl champion, knows what greatness looks like. After years playing alongside Tom Brady, Edelman developed a sharp understanding of elite quarterback play. In an interview, he shared a surprising perspective on Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes and his place in the GOAT conversation.

The GOAT debate has long featured names like Joe Montana, Peyton Manning, and of course, Brady himself. While many NFL legends have acknowledged Mahomes as a legitimate contender for the title of greatest of all time, the gap between him and Brady, at least in terms of championships and career statistics, remains significant. Brady’s unmatched resume with the Patriots includes numerous records and seven Super Bowl rings, setting the bar extremely high.

Still, the GOAT conversation isn’t just about numbers. Leadership, consistency, and the ability to win when it matters most are all key factors. And while Mahomes is building a strong case with each passing season, Edelman didn’t shy away from weighing in on what it would take for the Chiefs quarterback to claim the title.

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Speaking to The Schmo ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, Edelman praised Mahomes’ current level of play but offered a measured take. “He’s playing g*** well right now. I’ll tell you right now, he’s a stud. He’s without a doubt the game’s best quarterback, and if he keeps playing the way he is and stays durable, he’s got a shot,” Edelman said.

Patrick Mahomes in 2020

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs.

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However, Edelman emphasized that longevity and adaptability are critical. “He can go through the transformations of his team, he’s going to go through two or three different squads. You’ve got to start putting him up there. But until then, no, he can’t be the GOAT, he added.

NFL News: Patriots legend and 3x Super Bowl champion Julian Edelman receives a major recognition

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Edelman reveals the proudest moment of his NFL career

Patriots legend didn’t just weigh in on Patrick Mahomes and his place in the GOAT conversation, he also opened up about the moment he’s most proud of in his career. Interestingly, it came in a game against Mahomes and the Chiefs, who were already emerging as a powerhouse.

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I think going into Kansas City in 2018 and winning that AFC Championship on the road was one of my proudest moments. We had lost two AFC Championships on the road, and there was this whole thing that we couldn’t win away from home. To go in and beat the Kansas City Chiefs, who were the young, sexy team, while we were the old guys, it was just fun,” Edelman said.

Edelman’s lasting legacy with the Patriots

During his time with the New England Patriots, Edelman established himself as one of the most reliable and clutch wide receivers in the league. Known for his speed, grit, and fearless route running, Edelman played a pivotal role in helping the franchise win three Super Bowls. Let’s take a look at his career in the NFL.

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  • Regular season stats:
    • Years: 2009-2020
    • Games Played: 141
    • Receptions: 620
    • Receiving Yards: 6,822
    • Receiving Touchdowns: 36
    • Rushing Yards: 413
    • Rushing Touchdowns: 4
  • Postseason stats:
    • Games Played: 19
    • Receptions: 118
    • Receiving Yards: 1,442
    • Receiving Touchdowns: 5
  • Super Bowl stats:
    • Super Bowl Appearances: 3 (XLVI, XLIX, LIII)
    • Super Bowl Wins: 3 (XLIX, LI, LIII)
    • Super Bowl MVP: 1 (Super Bowl LIII)
  • Key accomplishments:
    • Three-time Super Bowl Champion
    • Super Bowl LIII MVP
    • Second-most receiving yards in NFL postseason history

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