Super Bowl 49: Whose legacy will be most affected?

Apr. 2, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the Super Bowl champions ring on the hand of Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians during a press conference to announce the signing of quarterback Carson Palmer (not pictured) at the Cardinals practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 12

Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after beating the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

Tom Brady Can Surpass Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw With A Win

Positive Legacy Prospects:

Tom Brady has already cemented himself as a first ballot Hall of Famer, the best quarterback of his generation, and the best quarterback of all time. He is starting in his SIXTH Super Bowl – nobody in history has more than four starts.

If Tom Brady wins Super Bowl XLIX, he will cement himself among the elite of the elite. He will match the mark held only by Montana and Bradshaw – four wins as a Super Bowl starting quarterback. Brady has had a couple of opportunities to match this mark, and he’s fallen short. He’s got some unfinished business.

If Tom Brady wins Super Bowl XLIX, he stands alone above every other quarterback in NFL history.

Negative Legacy Prospects:

If Tom Brady loses his third Super Bowl in as many tries, the first three wins get that much further back in the rear view mirror. Instead of elevating above Montana, he descends down to mere John Elway level.

Next: Does Russell Wilson Elevate To Elite Quarterback Status?

Home/New England Patriots