The NFL GOAT debate is an interesting one. Tom Brady, who won seven Super Bowls during his NFL career, is the clear front-runner in this debate. However, one also has to mention all-time great NFL players Jerry Rice and Jim Brown, too. Without further ado, let’s discuss who is the greatest NFL player ever.
NFL GOAT: Tom Brady’s Case as the Greatest NFL Player Ever
Tom Brady’s case as the greatest player in the history of the NFL is relatively straightforward. Brady won six Super Bowls, four Super Bowl MVPs, and three MVP awards while playing for the New England Patriots from 2000-2019. His excellence made him beloved by Patriots fans.
Additionally, Brady holds the quarterback records for most touchdown passes, games started, completions, and most career passing yards. He is also the only player in NFL history to win Super Bowl MVP with two different teams.
After leaving the Patriots, Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to only their second Super Bowl championship in 2021. Brady was named Super Bowl MVP of Super Bowl LV, which the Buccaneers won in dominant fashion. The Bucs beat the AFC champions, the Chiefs, 31-9 in Super Bowl LV. Brady threw three touchdowns and the Bucs never surrendered their lead after Brady’s touchdown pass in the first quarter.
Many agree that Tom Brady is at least the greatest quarterback in NFL history. As such, Brady’s case as the greatest player in NFL history is quite strong. However, he is not the only player in this discussion.
Jerry Rice’s Case as the Greatest NFL Player Ever
Jerry Rice is another all-time great NFL player. Rice holds the wide receiver records for career receiving touchdowns, receiving yards, total touchdowns, scrimmage yards, and receptions. Additionally, he won three Super Bowls and was named to the Pro Bowl 13 times. Most consider Jerry Rice the greatest wide receiver in NFL history.
Jerry Rice also won Super Bowl MVP at Super Bowl XXIII where he led the San Francisco 49ers to a 20-16 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. Rice had a touchdown and 11 receptions in that Super Bowl.
In any case, Rice deserves to be in the discussion about the greatest NFL player ever.
Jim Brown’s Case as the Greatest NFL Player Ever
Jim Brown is one of the greatest players and running backs in the NFL’s history. Brown spent his entire NFL career with the Cleveland Browns from 1957-1965. He led the Browns to an NFL championship in 1964, prior to the NFL renaming the NFL championship to the Super Bowl.
Brown won three MVP awards and was named Rookie of the Year in 1957. Brown also had nine Pro Bowl selections, meaning he was named to the Pro Bowl in every season of his career. Jim Brown led the NFL in rushing touchdowns five times and led the NFL in rushing years eight times. Brown belongs in any discussion about the greatest NFL player ever.
Tom Brady Has the Strongest NFL GOAT Case
Jim Brown and Jerry Rice are NFL legends and deserve the utmost respect for what they accomplished in the NFL. However, Tom Brady has the strongest case as the greatest NFL player ever. His list of accomplishments in the NFL is enormous and he played 23 seasons in the NFL. The seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady is our pick for the greatest NFL player ever.
More Sports GOAT Articles Are On the Way
Although Brady’s case as the greatest NFL player ever is quite strong, examining this was still interesting. We have more sports GOAT articles on the way. Check back soon to see them.