NEW ORLEANS – What’s it like to block for two of the finest quarterbacks in football history? Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Thuney can speak to that experience.

Thuney played five seasons in New England, where he spent his first four years alongside Tom Brady, contributing to Super Bowl victories 51 and 53 as part of the Patriots. He has since added two more Super Bowl titles while protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“The dedication they show at the facility every day, along with all the extra meetings and film studies, is impressive. They are both committed to improving every day,” Thuney noted, comparing the two. “They always aim to unite the team and elevate everyone’s performance. Their leadership and the standard they set make me feel extremely fortunate to have experienced this throughout my career.”

Brady’s record in the NFL is unparalleled. He stands as the most successful quarterback in league history: seven Super Bowl championships (the most by any single player), five Super Bowl MVP awards, and 35 playoff wins.

Mahomes is on the pursuit of Brady’s records but is already ahead of Brady’s early career statistics.

Brady claimed his fourth Super Bowl title at 37 years old, while Mahomes, at 29, has the chance to secure his fourth ring this Sunday. Achieving this would tie Mahomes with Hall of Famers Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw for the second-most Super Bowl victories by a quarterback. Furthermore, Mahomes’ 17 postseason wins rank him second in history, just behind Brady.

However, Mahomes is not yet contemplating his legacy or how he fits into the history of NFL quarterbacks.

“I aim to be remembered as part of one of the greatest teams ever,” Mahomes explained. “I feel blessed to be in Kansas City, surrounded by incredible players and coaches. My focus is on leaving a lasting legacy for the Kansas City Chiefs.”

While Mahomes may not currently be fixated on his legacy, it is evident he is already among the elite quarterbacks in the sport. He has led the Chiefs to seven consecutive AFC Championship games and five appearances in the Super Bowl. Additionally, he has won the NFL MVP award twice and the Super Bowl MVP three times.

Since taking over as the Chiefs’ starter in 2018, Mahomes has led the NFL in both passing yards and touchdowns. His 32,352 career passing yards are the highest for a quarterback in their first 115 starts. As he heads into Sunday’s game, he is just 58 yards away from surpassing Hall of Famer John Elway for the fourth-most passing yards in Super Bowl history.

Mahomes continues to make history, even if he prefers not to dwell on it.

“I’ve been fortunate to learn from some great players. You can take inspiration from each of them and see their influence. But Mahomes is truly creating his own narrative,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid. “Having been around legends like Brett Favre, Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick, Alex Smith, and Jeff Garcia, I’ve witnessed how each has left their unique mark on the game.

“What sets Mahomes apart is the combination of skills he brings to such a challenging sport. There’s a mental aspect, as well as a physical one.”

The conversation about who is the best quarterback will undoubtedly intensify if Mahomes secures a fourth Lombardi Trophy. Chiefs wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown has already stated to YSL News Sports that Mahomes will “be recognized as the greatest ever” after the AFC Championship game.

Running back Kareem Hunt feels that winning four Super Bowls and achieving a three-peat would elevate Mahomes above Brady in the all-time ranks for quarterbacks.

“Four Super Bowls and a three-peat would undeniably make him the best ever,” Hunt said. “Especially considering how early it has happened in his career.”

Follow YSL News Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.