In the aftermath of Super Bowl LIX, Stephen A. Smith sparked a heated debate regarding Patrick Mahomes’ status as the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) quarterback. On ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith expressed his discontent with certain narratives surrounding Mahomes, emphasizing that the quarterback’s recent performance has brought his GOAT status into question, at least for the foreseeable future.

Reflecting on the Chiefs’ loss, Smith pointed out that Mahomes struggled significantly against the Philadelphia Eagles, citing an ineffective offensive line that left the star quarterback under constant pressure. He noted that Mahomes’ statistics in Super Bowl losses were alarming, with five turnovers and zero touchdowns across two Super Bowl defeats, a stark contrast to Tom Brady’s more competitive losses.

While acknowledging Mahomes’ impressive career achievements—three Super Bowl victories and MVP accolades—Smith argued that these recent performances have opened the door for comparisons with other legendary quarterbacks, such as Joe Montana, who remains undefeated in Super Bowl appearances. Smith stressed that it is not merely about the number of championships but the manner in which games are lost that influences legacy discussions.

Co-hosts on the show, including Shannon Sharpe, echoed Smith’s sentiments, emphasizing that while Mahomes is undoubtedly talented, the manner of his recent defeat raises legitimate concerns over his standing in the GOAT conversation. They highlighted that Mahomes must evolve and overcome these setbacks if he hopes to secure his legacy alongside the greats.

As the football community reflects on this pivotal moment, the consensus seems clear: while Mahomes has the potential to reassert his place in the GOAT debate, his recent performances will continue to be scrutinized as he navigates the challenges ahead. The future remains bright for the young quarterback, but for now, his legacy is under a microscope.