Tom Brady seemed to capture the football GOAT crown with his unparalleled longevity and late-career success. Some NFL observers believe Patrick Mahomes can one day take the title.
Caleb Williams went elsewhere when identifying his favorite player.
When CBS Sports asked Williams to name his football GOAT at the NFL Scouting Combine, the presumptive No. 1 pick seemed to acknowledge that Brady is the most sensible answer before giving love to Aaron Rodgers.
“Football, winning and things like that mentality, Tom Brady,” Williams said. “My football GOAT is Aaron Rodgers.”
People use the term “GOAT” far more liberally these days. It seems like Williams was just giving his personal preference rather than declaring that he thinks Rodgers is the best football player ever.
In a separate interview at Lucas Oil Stadium, Williams called Rodgers his favorite player ahead of Brady.
“I try to model my game after a bunch of guys, but Aaron Rodgers, I would say is number one,” Williams said.
Brady ended his 23-year career as the all-time leader in passing yards (89,214) and touchdowns (649), but Rodgers bests the retired legend in most efficiency metrics. Rodgers has a higher touchdown rate, lower interception percentage, more yards per attempt, and a superior quarterback rating.
Of course, many fans will count Brady’s seven Super Bowl titles to Rodgers’ one and call it a day.
While often compared to Mahomes, Williams’ pocket mobility and improvisational strengths make him closer to Rodgers than Brady in playing style. The 22-year-old should be thrilled if he comes close to the success of either future Hall of Famer.
Williams could start his career with the organization his GOAT claimed to own. The Chicago Bears have the first pick of this year’s draft, which starts on April 25.
