It's Brady. I doubted but he has 3 separate stages in his career.
Montana is Mr.Perfect story. Built a dynasty, never turned it over, defeated his main rivals in the SB and was physically destroyed along the way. Even to this day he remains a complicated but respectful man.
Mahomes also has a unique path. His SB numbers are lacking and the team hasn't blown anyone out AND that's their argument. Since the OT loss to Patriots early on, team has run off very impressive string of close Playoff victories.
So each has unique argument
Honorable mention:
1. Peyton - most generations he would be at the Top but turning Indianapolis into a Dynasty is a bit much. The loss to Saints/Brees with a hobbled Freeney. Moved to Broncos and wrote a 2nd Half. Peyton vs Brady is the American version of Messi/Ronaldo. But unlike the ladder whom played slightly different attacking positions, one can more accurately compare Peyton & Tom. Both top College schools, 1 2-time Heisman front runner and the other benched. Peyton was Mr.Professional Unitas. Brady was able to tap into that small man dirty us & them. And he ultimately had better relationship with teammates. Peyton is the logo, Tom is the uncensored.
Farve. Lost B2B in Top3 SB of past 30 years. Packer teams with Ahman Green always top contender. Ballsy to make jump to Jets. Returned to rival for last hurrah - Saints vs Vikings is legendary game. Bounty Gate smashing Farve all night and he got up each time. I lost alot to Brett, and that day I enjoyed the legend.
John Elway. Duh. Closest player to Mahomes in skill set. No major physical or mental weakness. Late in career Denver #1 seed chokes Game1 to near expansion Jags. Historic upset. Broncos respond with new uniforms and most dominant B2B I saw. Bobby Brister winning games
Steve Young. 2x Regular Season MVP. No player shouldered more pressure in history. 49ers went from 3-Peat loss on last second injury - to - missing Playoffs at 10-6. What happened in '92? SY8 goes 14-2 MVP. Team wins the SB and what's his reward - not resigning Ricky Watters. Steve Young played in NFCCG after Troy Aikman's last. Number 8 was the sole reason we battled for the NFC in the 90's from beginning to end.
Rodgers & Young are similiar. Both followed legends. Held the fort and Ring but usually ran into superior Rivals. Elway without T.Davis beast is probably below these 2. But Rodgers lost too many Home playoff games to peers. Multiple #1 seed game 1 losses.
Warner, Big Ben, Brees. The overshadowed. I love the 90s but this Era was best for NFL. No more blowouts in the SB, every game was close.
Troy Aikman - this is Mahomes if dice falls differently moving forward. Troy's legacy is arguably best leader on this Honorable list. He bounced in College on pressure programs. Didn't start in '91 Playoff game vs Lions. In a team of truly misfits, Troy & Emmitt kept balance. The 90s Cowboys are arguably the sports greatest core and also burned out quickly. I remember watching that '97 Panthers vs Cowboys. Never thought that was the Finale.