When a legend speaks, the world listens. And when that legend is Tom Brady, widely considered the greatest quarterback of all time, his opinions on greatness carry immense weight. Brady recently unveiled his personal Mount Rushmore of “GOATs of All-Time,” a list that goes far beyond just football, dipping into basketball, golf, baseball, swimming, and even track and field. What makes his selections truly fascinating are not just the undisputed titans, but the intriguing contemporary choices and the surprising personal connections that reveal Brady’s own vision of what defines ultimate athletic supremacy. Let’s break down Brady’s ultimate list of legends!
The Undisputed Pantheon: Legends Across Generations: Brady’s list kicks off with several figures whose names are synonymous with athletic perfection. Michael Jordan is an obvious choice, his six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls from 1991 to 1998 cementing his status as basketball’s consensus GOAT. Brady’s personal revelation that Jordan was his “childhood idol” adds a layer of genuine admiration. Similarly, Kobe Bryant, the five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000-2010), is another logical inclusion, given his legendary competitiveness and Brady’s continued reverence (“Still love Kobe Bryant”).
In golf, Tiger Woods (15-time major winner) represents a generational talent whose dominance transcended the sport. Brady’s appreciation for “his competitiveness” perfectly captures Woods’s essence. These names collectively represent the pinnacle of individual dominance and sustained excellence over decades, easily earning their place on any “GOAT” list.
The Contemporary Surprises: Youthful Dominance and Cultural Impact: What makes Brady’s list unique are his contemporary picks, especially the two young athletes who “have already taken their entire industry by storm.”
Rory McIlroy: The five-time major winner in golf from 2011 to present day, represents current excellence. Brady notes, “What Rory McIlroy has done; I love that.” This shows Brady’s appreciation for current, ongoing high-level performance.
Shohei Ohtani: The 2024 World Series Champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is perhaps the most unique inclusion. Ohtani’s unparalleled two-way dominance (elite pitching and hitting) in baseball is a phenomenon, and Brady’s description – “what he has done, has been unbelievable” – perfectly encapsulates the marvel of his career.
A’ja Wilson: The two-time WNBA champion with the Las Vegas Aces, reflects Brady’s connection to his adopted home and her undeniable dominance in women’s basketball (“She’s amazing. I love her.”).
Caitlin Clark (2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year) and Angel Reese (2023 NCAA Champion) are the most recent additions and perhaps the most intriguing. Their burgeoning rivalry in the WNBA has ignited unprecedented mainstream attention for women’s basketball, and Brady explicitly states, “this little thing they’ve got going on. I love that. It’s been really exciting.” This shows Brady isn’t just looking at past accolades but also current cultural impact and burgeoning narratives.
The Personal Connections and Controversial Figures: Brady’s list also includes athletes with personal ties or controversial careers:
Barry Bonds: The seven-time MLB MVP, is a fascinating pick. Despite the controversies surrounding his career, Brady’s admiration is deeply personal: “he went to my high school. I was the biggest fan of his growing up.” This highlights that “GOAT” status for Brady isn’t purely objective but also influenced by personal experience.
Michael Phelps (23-time Olympic gold medalist) and Michael Johnson (4-time Olympic gold medalist in sprinting) represent Olympic excellence and global dominance in their respective sports, solidifying the idea of athletic supremacy transcending popular team sports.
Brady’s Definition of “GOAT”: Beyond Statistics? Tom Brady’s list suggests his definition of a “GOAT” is multifaceted. It’s not just about championships or pure statistical dominance. It incorporates:
Childhood Idols and Inspiration: Jordan’s influence on young Brady. Competitiveness: Tiger Woods’s relentless drive. Unbelievable Achievements: Ohtani’s unique two-way prowess. Sustained Excellence: The long careers of Jordan, Kobe, Tiger. Current Impact and Excitement: The dynamism of Clark and Reese. Personal Connection: Bonds’s high school link. Overall Athletic Prowess: Phelps and Johnson’s Olympic feats.
This approach offers a refreshingly human perspective on what it means to be the greatest, acknowledging both historical titans and those who are currently shaping the athletic landscape.
Tom Brady’s personal list of the “Greatest GOATs of All-Time” is a captivating peek into the mind of a legendary competitor. It’s a blend of undeniable icons like Jordan, Kobe, and Woods, alongside contemporary stars like Ohtani, Wilson, Clark, and Reese, whose current impact and compelling narratives clearly resonate with Brady. The inclusion of Barry Bonds, rooted in a personal connection, further underscores that greatness, even for the GOAT himself, can be subjective and deeply personal. Brady’s selection criteria go beyond mere statistics, embracing competitiveness, cultural influence, and the sheer awe inspired by unparalleled athletic achievement. This list isn’t just about who is the greatest; it’s about what defines greatness itself, according to one of its very architects.