Tom Brady. The undisputed GOAT of the NFL. His name is synonymous with records, championships, and unparalleled longevity at the quarterback position. But what if I told you that in 2025, a player who isn’t even a quarterback is on the verge of surpassing Brady in a significant NFL record book category? This isn’t about passing yards or touchdowns; it’s a testament to an incredible career of durability and determination that has flown under the radar. Get ready for the fascinating story of Marcedes Lewis, the unsung tight end set to etch his name above Brady’s in a truly unexpected way.
For 23 seasons, Tom Brady redefined quarterback greatness, etching his name into almost every major passing record. However, one obscure entry in the NFL record book – his receiving yards – is about to get a new leader. Brady, in 2018 at over 40 years old, caught one pass for 6 yards, placing him second all-time for receiving yards by a player over 40. A seemingly minor detail, yet it provides the backdrop for Marcedes Lewis’s impending historical achievement.
Marcedes Lewis, who just turned 41 on May 19th, is a living legend of durability. He’s been in the NFL for an astonishing 19 seasons, a feat that alone speaks volumes about his commitment and physical prowess. If he secures a roster spot and plays just one more year – his declared “last year” – he needs a mere five receiving yards to leapfrog Tom Brady on that exclusive list of over-40 pass-catchers. This is not a stretch for Lewis, who recorded 29 receiving yards as recently as 2023 with the Bears. Even though he only managed two yards in 2024, the potential is clearly there.
The intrigue surrounding Lewis isn’t just about surpassing Brady in a niche category; it’s about the sheer longevity and consistent contribution of a player who defies Father Time. Lewis is poised to enter his 20th NFL season, already holding the NFL record for most seasons played by a tight end. He also holds the record for most games played by a tight end, having surpassed Jason Witten’s previous mark of 271, now standing at 285. If he plays all 17 games in 2025, he’ll reach 302 career games, tying NFL legends Brett Favre and John Carney for the 10th most games played in history. This kind of sustained presence in the league is virtually unheard of for any position, let alone a tight end who endures constant physical contact.
What makes Lewis’s longevity even more remarkable is his durability. “It’s not as if I’m just this old guy and I can’t stay healthy,” Lewis told Kay Adams, noting he’s missed fewer than 20 games in 19 years. This is a testament to his meticulous preparation, discipline, and “growth mindset” – a mental approach that keeps him “locked in” and continuously learning, even after two decades in the league. He played all 17 games at the age of 40 last season for the Chicago Bears, demonstrating he’s still a reliable, consistent force.
The primary hurdle for Lewis right now is securing a team for the 2025 season. However, his strong desire to play one final year, coupled with his proven durability, veteran leadership, and the potential to break such unique records, makes him an attractive, low-risk signing for many contenders. While he may not be a primary receiving threat, his blocking prowess and invaluable locker room presence are significant assets.
Marcedes Lewis’s journey through the NFL is a quiet masterpiece of longevity and consistency. As he prepares for what he expects to be his final season in 2025, the prospect of him surpassing Tom Brady in an obscure but significant receiving record book category adds a fascinating layer to his already historic career. This isn’t about one statistical category alone; it’s a celebration of a player who, through sheer will and unwavering dedication, has outlasted generations of athletes, redefining what’s possible for a tight end in the NFL. Whether he signs with a team or not, Marcedes Lewis has already carved out an incredible legacy, and the potential to ‘pass the GOAT’ in 2025 would be a truly unique and fitting capstone to an extraordinary career. The NFL world should be buzzing about this quiet chase for a piece of history.