Tom Brady speaks up to defend Patrick Mahomes against Bill Simmons’ criticism over the Chiefs’ 5–4 start – and Mahomes’ response shows the deep respect between two generations of legends

Foxborough, Massachusetts – November 2025

Legend Tom Brady has officially spoken out after Bill Simmons, the famous American sports commentator, made controversial remarks about Patrick Mahomes and the struggling 5–4 start of the Kansas City Chiefs this season. On his personal podcast, Simmons compared Mahomes to Brady and said that “everyone should calm down more” when it comes to the GOAT title (Greatest of All Time).

In the program, Simmons said: “The Patriots team with Brady as the starting QB only had a 5–4 record twice, in 2001 and 2002. In 2001, he didn’t even play the first three games. So, before everyone puts Mahomes in the GOAT conversation, take a sip of water and think again.”

This statement quickly spread, causing a wave in the NFL community. Many people think Simmons is downplaying Mahomes – the one who has led the Chiefs to three Super Bowls and two championships at age 30.

According to the Boston Globe, Brady heard about this statement and “was not pleased.” On his radio program Let’s Go!, the former 7-time Super Bowl champion QB responded gently but full of implication: “I have a lot of respect for Patrick. He is one of the most special players I’ve ever seen. Everyone has tough periods – even the strongest teams. What matters is not how you start, but how you finish.”

Brady’s words quickly spread across social media. Many see this as a subtle defense for Mahomes, while also a reminder to commentators like Bill Simmons that comparing generations should not become a tool to diminish talent.

When asked about Brady’s response after Wednesday morning practice, Mahomes smiled and replied: “When someone like him says that, you can only be grateful. I grew up watching him play, learning how to win from him. I don’t want to be Tom Brady – I just want to be great in my own way. And hearing that from him himself… it really means a lot.”

Brady and Mahomes – two representative faces for two different eras of the NFL – may be in different positions, but through the words of both, fans understand that greatness does not lie in how many games you win, but in how you overcome every challenge and inspire the next generation.