Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Stephen A. Smith Believes The NFL ‘GOAT’ Debate Is Over After Chiefs Fall To Eagles At Super Bowl 59!

Stephen A. Smith ends the NFL GOAT debate after Mahomes' Super Bowl loss.

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back on Monday’s First Take. The NFL‘s GOAT debate, according to him, is now done. After the Philadelphia Eagles crushed Kansas City’s hopes of a three-peat with a dominant 40-22 Super Bowl win, Smith declared the conversation over—at least for now.

“It’s officially over,” Smith said on First Take. The Eagles’ defense shut down Patrick Mahomes, ending his bid to challenge Tom Brady’s legacy. Smith explained that while Mahomes’ career isn’t over, this latest performance hurt his case in the debate.

“I’m not saying there’s nothing he can do,” Smith clarified. “We could look years down the road but we’re talking right now, in the moment.”

Joe Montana’s perfect Super Bowl record puts him back in the conversation for greatest quarterback

Smith reintroduced Joe Montana into the GOAT debate following Mahomes’ collapse on the sport’s biggest stage.

“Joe Montana [is] 4-0, 68% completion, 11 touchdowns, not a single interception ever,” Smith said. “He’s also a three-time Super Bowl MVP. After this Super Bowl, it’s not just Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. We talk about Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Joe Montana.”

Stephen A. Smith says the NFL GOAT debate is "officially over" for Patrick Mahomes after Super Bowl LIX.

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Montana’s perfect Super Bowl record, combined with his impressive stats, made him a serious contender for GOAT status. Smith stressed that Mahomes’ losses in the championship games have been humiliating. He referred to the Chiefs’ 9-31 defeat in 2021, where Tampa Bay’s defense relentlessly chased Mahomes across the field.

“We actually took track statistics for Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl against Tampa Bay because he had to run that much,” Smith recalled. Sunday’s loss followed a similar script. The Eagles’ defense, led by a relentless pass rush, pressured Mahomes into costly mistakes.

The Eagles defense crushed Patrick Mahomes’ chances of GOAT status with dominant pressure and key turnovers

Smith pointed out how the Eagles’ defense took control early, leaving Mahomes overwhelmed. Mahomes threw two critical interceptions, including a game-defining pick-six, which essentially gave Philadelphia a 14-point advantage.

“The brother looked demoralized and hopeless inside of five minutes—it was that damn bad,” Smith said, describing the defensive dominance.

Despite the tough loss, Smith praised Mahomes’ talent. “He’s phenomenal. He’s great. One game doesn’t make Patrick Mahomes—a three-time Super Bowl MVP,” he explained. But Smith also acknowledged that this performance hurt Mahomes’ ability to stay in the GOAT conversation.

“You talk about that GOAT conversation—that went the hell out the window last night at Super Bowl 59,” Smith declared.

Comparing Patrick Mahomes’ Super Bowl record to Tom Brady’s consistent dominance

Mahomes’ Super Bowl stats, while impressive, fall short of the benchmark set by Brady. With a 3-2 record, Mahomes has three MVP awards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His average completion percentage stands at 65%, with 265 passing yards per game and a passer rating of 86.9.

Meanwhile, Brady’s Super Bowl numbers cement his legacy. Brady holds a 7-3 record with five Super Bowl MVPs, a 68% completion rate, 285 passing yards per game, and 21 touchdowns against six interceptions. These stats highlight his consistency and ability to win under pressure.

Smith argued that Brady’s sustained success over two decades sets him apart. Montana’s flawless Super Bowl run adds another dimension to the debate, making it difficult for Mahomes to surpass either legend in the near future.

Is it too soon to say Patrick Mahomes can’t catch Tom Brady’s legacy?

While Smith declared the GOAT debate “over,” Mahomes still has time to change the narrative. At this stage, his Super Bowl record mirrors where Brady stood after five appearances. However, Brady added four more titles through consistency, leadership, and clutch performances.

If Mahomes wants to re-enter the debate, he’ll need sustained success and the ability to win on the biggest stage without major setbacks. For now, Brady’s seven rings and Montana’s perfect record keep them ahead of Mahomes in the GOAT race. The Chiefs’ quarterback faces a steep climb to match their legacies.

Image: Imagn Images

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Natasha Bose

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