Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes on Playing Until 45: “I Want To Play As Long As I Can Play”

Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2019
Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2019. Photo by Jason Pohuski/CSM/Shutterstock (10364325jo)

Despite turning 45 in August, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback Tom Brady is still playing at a high level. He moved the longevity limits for the position and inspired other signal-callers to start thinking about prolonging their careers.

One of the quarterbacks who might follow Brady’s path is the Kansas City Chiefs’ signal caller Patrick Mahomes.

“I want to play as long as I can play, and I can still have a chance to help the team get better,” Mahomes said recently when asked whether he would like to play until 45 like Brady. “Obviously, it’s hard to play until you’re 45 years old, and I don’t want to be out there just hanging on. You see what Tom is—he’s still playing at a very high level. I think that’s why it’s hard for him to kind of give it up—when you’re playing at a high level, you don’t want to leave it.”

Mahomes and Brady, who have an 18-year age difference, will meet on the field this Sunday when the Chiefs face the Bucs. It will be the sixth time these two meet and a chance for Mahomes to pull level with the greatest of all time.

Brady currently holds the head-to-head advantage, beating Mahomes three times in five games. This included the 31-9 win in Super Bowl LV, which gave Brady his seventh Super Bowl ring.