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At Fanatics Fest this month, legendary quarterback Tom Brady engaged in a fan panel discussion with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, where he was asked to rank the top five quarterbacks currently in the NFL. Brady, known for his seven Super Bowl rings, placed Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow among the elite, alongside Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes, Buffalo's Josh Allen, and Baltimore's Lamar Jackson.
Smith, however, preemptively assigned the number one spot to Mahomes, without allowing Brady to make his own choice. This came despite Mahomes having a statistically down 2025 season and recovering from a torn ACL. Brady proceeded to name Allen and Jackson as his picks for second and third, praising their consistent on-field impact. For the fourth spot, Brady highlighted Burrow, commending his exceptional throwing ability and leadership qualities, as well as his strong connection with teammates.
Surprisingly, Smith then interjected Aaron Rodgers into the top five, citing his status as one of the greatest pure passers in NFL history. This decision raised eyebrows, as Rodgers has not performed at a top-five level in recent years, ranking 23rd in ESPN's 2025 QBR and 25th in 2024. Brady responded diplomatically, expressing interest in seeing how Rodgers returns from his year off, noting that the time away could serve as motivation. He concluded that ultimately, players prove their worth on the field, and analysts' judgments are subject to validation.
Key Analysis
Burrow's inclusion in Brady's top five aligns with his reputation as the most accurate passer in NFL history by completion percentage. With a fully healthy season, Burrow is a strong candidate for his first MVP award, and this endorsement from Brady adds to the growing consensus. Meanwhile, Smith's push for Rodgers reflects a blend of respect for his legacy and curiosity about his comeback, though statistical evidence suggests he may no longer belong in such elite company.
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