In a statement that has stirred up a whirlwind of reactions across the football world, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook boldly proclaimed, “I’m better than Tom Brady; comparing him to me is an insult to the effort I’ve put in over the years… I’m the GOAT of the NFL.” While Cook’s confidence is admirable, his claim to be the greatest of all time (GOAT) and his comparison to Tom Brady – widely regarded as the best quarterback in NFL history – have raised many eyebrows.
Tom Brady, whose seven Super Bowl titles, countless MVP awards, and unbroken NFL records make him a living legend, is often cited as the gold standard for football greatness. His career spanned over two decades, and during that time, he led teams to victory, delivered in clutch moments, and became the face of the NFL. For Cook, who is only in the early years of his career as a running back, to make such a bold claim about being better than Brady seems almost unfathomable, given the long-standing legacy that Brady has built.
James Cook, the younger brother of former star running back Dalvin Cook, was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite being a rookie, he has shown flashes of his potential, especially in the passing game.
Cook’s speed, vision, and ability to make defenders miss are skills that stand out, and many believe he has the potential to become one of the league’s top running backs. However, to claim superiority over Tom Brady, whose career is marked by sustained dominance and an unmatched record in Super Bowl victories, is a statement that many will find hard to take seriously.