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Stephen A. Smith Says Tom Brady Should Be Above LeBron James In Top 100 Athletes List Of 21st Century

Posted on July 24, 2024 - 6:50 am by

Stephen A. Smith believes Tom Brady’s seven Super Bowls make him more deserving of a higher rank than LeBron James on ESPN’s top 100 athletes list.    

On a recent episode of “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith shared his thoughts on whether LeBron James should be ranked higher than Tom Brady on ESPN’s new list of the top 100 athletes of the 21st century. 

“No, he should not. Brady’s a seven-time champion, period. LeBron’s four. Brady’s seven and three in 10 trips to the Super Bowl. LeBron is four and six. It’s just that simple to me. LeBron deserves to be up there. I think they both deserve to be higher, but I’d put Brady higher than LeBron.”

LeBron James was ranked fourth on ESPN’s list, just above Tom Brady. However, Smith argued that Brady’s accomplishments, particularly his seven Super Bowl victories out of ten appearances, make him more deserving of a higher rank than James, who has four NBA championships and six losses in the NBA Finals. Smith emphasized the sheer dominance and consistency Brady has shown throughout his career, especially in the context of team success and individual accolades.

Smith also acknowledged that both athletes deserve to be highly ranked due to their significant contributions to their respective sports. However, he believes Brady’s achievements, particularly in the context of winning championships, should place him above James.

The ESPN list places swimmer Michael Phelps at the top, recognizing his unparalleled 28 Olympic medals, including 23 golds. Tennis legend Serena Williams, with her 23 Grand Slam titles, follows in second place. Football icon Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time, occupies the third spot.



While Smith’s opinion may spark debate among fans and analysts, it underscores the complexity of ranking athletes from different sports and eras. Both LeBron James and Tom Brady have left indelible marks on their sports, and their legacies will continue to be celebrated and scrutinized.

LeBron James vs. Tom Brady

LeBron James and Tom Brady are titans in their respective sports, each with illustrious careers that have spanned over two decades and set numerous records.

LeBron James, a basketball phenomenon, has enjoyed an unblemished career over 20 years. He is a 4-time NBA Champion and a 4-time NBA Finals MVP, reflecting his dominance in the playoffs. LeBron has also been named NBA MVP four times, showcasing his excellence during the regular season. His record 20-time NBA All-Star selections, including three All-Star Game MVPs, underline his consistent performance and popularity. 



Additionally, he holds the record for 20-time All-NBA selections (13 first team, 3 second team, 4 third team) and has been selected six times for the All-NBA Defensive Team. He is a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary team and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in both regular season and playoffs. LeBron has also been honored as the AP Male Athlete of the Year four times and the SI Sportsperson of the Year three times.

Entering his 22nd season, LeBron ties the record for longevity in the NBA and is likely to extend it further, making his career even more legendary. The upcoming season may also see him play alongside his son Bronny, marking the first father-son duo in NBA history to share the court. LeBron is widely regarded as the greatest player of his generation and is frequently compared with Michael Jordan in the debate over the greatest basketball player of all time.



Tom Brady, often considered the greatest football player of all time (GOAT), boasts an equally impressive resume. He is a 7-time Super Bowl champion and a 5-time Super Bowl MVP, highlighting his clutch performances in the most crucial games. Brady has been named NFL MVP three times and NFL Offensive Player of the Year twice. 

His All-Pro selections include three first-team and two second-team honors, along with 15 Pro Bowl appearances. Brady led the NFL in passing touchdowns five times and in passing yards four times, showcasing his prowess as a quarterback. He is a member of the NFL 2000s and 2010s All-Decade Teams, as well as the NFL 100th Anniversary Team.

Brady holds numerous NFL records, including career quarterback wins (251), passing completions (7,753), passing attempts (12,050), passing touchdowns (649), and passing yards (89,214). His playoff records are equally staggering, with 35 wins, 13,400 passing yards, and 88 passing touchdowns. Brady played 23 seasons, cementing his legacy as the GOAT in football.



Both LeBron James and Tom Brady have set benchmarks for greatness in their sports, showcasing unparalleled talent, longevity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their legacies will be remembered and debated for generations to come.