It should come as no surprise that Patrick Mahomes was named one of the top athletes of the 21st century, regardless of the sport. That’s how ESPN saw it. as they ranked Mahomes as the 18th-best overall athlete of the 21st century. Among NFL players, only Tom Brady ranked higher, at fifth overall.
Swimmer Michael Phelps ranked first, followed by tennis legend Serena Williams, soccer player Lionel Messi, basketball’s LeBron James, and Brady.
.@PatrickMahomes has been named the 18th best professional athlete of the 21st century by ESPN.
Congrats, QB1 👏 pic.twitter.com/5OBnEd2QMi
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) July 19, 2024
The question is, is 18th high enough for Mahomes after all he’s accomplished in his career? We’re talking about a guy who’s already won three Super Bowls, three Super Bowl MVP awards, two AP NFL MVP awards, and a history of regular- and postseason success that already puts him in rarefied air in pro football history.
Not that Mahomes should have been ahead of Brady, and no offense to the 17 athletes who ranked above Mahomes, but it’s hard to argue that too many athletes have accomplished more in this century. Mahomes wasn’t disrespected here per se, but it’s a fair argument to make that Mahomes should have ranked higher here.
