The COVID-19 pandemic has paused the sports world but not the constant debates over legends and today’s stars. The recent conclusion of ESPN’s “The Last Dance” documentary that chronicled NBA great Michael Jordan’s last season with the Chicago Bulls inspired a unique comparison to Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes.
Good Morning Football’s Peter Schrager spoke highly of Mahomes’ career during Tuesday’s show, claiming that he is the closest thing to Jordan that the NFL has ever seen. The NFL Network commentator listed several reasons to support his claim which I’ve outlined below:
- Mahomes silenced critics to start his career after defeating Phillip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger in his first two games as a starter. He wasn’t a praised selection in the 2017 NFL draft, but like Jordan, he took not being the criticism as motivation, so Schrager makes a valid point.
- Schrager referenced Mahomes’ bounce back after losing in the 2019 AFC Championship game to the New England Patriots. This is an accurate comparison to Jordan’s comeback to defeat the rival Detroit Pistons in 1991 en route to his first NBA title.
- Mahomes’ big-play ability on the grandest of stages is comparable to Jordan, especially after Super Bowl LIV’s ‘Jet Chip Wasp’ play call. The Hall of Fame basketball star made various clutch plays to win during his career as well.
- Schrager praised Mahomes’ exceptional vision and noted the infamous jump pass he completed to Mecole Hardman last season. Jordan made amazing passes to set up game-winning shots for John Paxson and Steve Kerr in championship games.
- The final comparison on Schrager’s list is the relentless intensity that Mahomes plays with and he used the big hit he took in the Super Bowl as an example. Jordan’s famous ”flu game” showcased his greatness while at his weakest as well.
“I don’t have an example of a big game where Mahomes didn’t show up or wasn’t himself, ” said Schrager. “If anything, he elevates his game when all lights are on him. That is the stuff that true champions, really true special talents have.”
Both players are clearly very special and captivate fanbases with their exceptional play. The comparison, however, feels premature as Mahomes is still very early in his career with plenty more to prove. Jordan became a global icon that influenced so much off the basketball court, and while Mahomes has the potential to do the same, he is still defining his brand. Schrager did get fans thinking of Mahomes’ fantastic potential down the line, but I can’t help but feel it’s too early to make this comparison.
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