ESPN ranks Tom Brady 5th-best athlete in pro sports since 2000

ESPN recently released their rankings of the top 100 professional athletes of this century so far, and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady came in at No. 5 on the list.

Here’s what ESPN’s Mike Reiss had to say about the GOAT’s ranking:

When Brady was asked which of his seven Super Bowl rings was his favorite, he was fond of answering: “The next one.” That sums up the player whom Bill Belichick referred to as the “ultimate winner” who often played his best when the stakes were highest. Belichick noted how Brady entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick “with little to no fanfare” and left “as the most successful player in league history.” Said Belichick: “His relentless pursuit of excellence drove him on a daily basis. His work ethic and desire to win were both motivational and inspirational to teammates and coaches alike.”

The only athletes ranked ahead of Brady were Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James, international soccer legend Lionel Messi, tennis icon Serena Williams, and U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.

To check out the full top 100 list at ESPN, click here.