Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Donald: NFL Legends in the Making

Patrick Mahomes is carving out a legacy that may soon place him among the greatest players ever in the NFL, and potentially, in the annals of all professional sports. As the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, Mahomes has already notched two regular-season MVP awards and three Super Bowl MVPs—a remarkable achievement by any standard.

His prowess on the field has led the Chiefs to three Super Bowl victories, two of which were back-to-back in recent seasons. This season, Mahomes is on a mission for a three-peat, aiming for what would be his fourth Super Bowl title in just seven seasons as a starter.

Such achievements naturally draw comparisons to other greats in NFL history, most notably Tom Brady, who holds the record with seven Super Bowl rings. But unlike Brady, Mahomes is already being touted as not just the best quarterback, but potentially the best player in NFL history. As one observer put it, "Mahomes might be on his way to being the best of all time, not just quarterback, but player."

Indeed, Mahomes has ascended to the top spot in recent player rankings, and his continued excellence may soon make him the undisputed leader in all-time player rankings. "That's a player who now clearly looks down from the top spot of these rankings and soon might be looking down from the top spot of all rankings of players in NFL history," remarked one analyst. It's a sentiment echoed throughout the league, where Mahomes’s abilities and accomplishments are unanimously respected.

Yet, it hasn’t been an entirely smooth ride. Last season, the Chiefs appeared vulnerable on several occasions, but Mahomes's leadership and clutch performances ensured they remained a formidable contender. His ability to navigate adversity is yet another trait that sets him apart, fueling the belief that he could dominate this era of the NFL just as much as or even more than Brady did in his time.

Aaron Donald’s Retirement

Amid Mahomes's rise, another giant of the game has recently stepped away. Aaron Donald, regarded as a surefire top-2 player in recent years, has retired from the NFL. His departure leaves a significant void on the defensive side of the game. Donald’s career has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence, earning him a place among the elite players of his generation.

Rankings and Evaluations

Compiling a top 100 NFL players list is no small feat. It involves rigorous evaluations, insights, and conversations with league personnel. "Putting together a top 100 list is tougher than you think -- aside from No. 1, of course," one evaluator admitted. The process inevitably invites debate and dissent, as fans and analysts weigh in on who should be higher or lower, and who has been unjustly omitted.

"So get mad at me. Talk about the omissions, about who you think is too high and who is too low. That's what it's all about," another analyst confessed, acknowledging the subjective nature of such rankings.

Ultimately, the discussions, arguments, and debates are a testament to the passion surrounding the NFL. They underscore the rich history, the incredible talent, and the future potential encapsulated in the sport we all love. And at the heart of it all, for now, is Patrick Mahomes—a player whose journey is only just beginning, yet already brimming with the promise of immortality in the eyes of football fans everywhere.