Justin Herbert has been the starting quarterback for the LA Chargers over six seasons, guiding the team to three playoff appearances. Despite his physical talents, commentator Nick Wright expressed doubts on First Things First about Herbert reaching an elite level in the NFL, citing that while Herbert possesses superior athletic traits compared to Tom Brady, he has yet to meet the full criteria of an elite player. Wright emphasized the difference between having elite skills and being truly elite in performance and achievement.
Comparing Herbert’s Abilities to Tom Brady’s Legendary Career
Nick Wright remarked that Herbert’s measurable attributes—such as size, speed, and arm strength—often exceed those of the seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. He remarked,
“I’ve never considered him (Herbert) elite,”
Wright said.
“Never, he’s never been elite. He has elite traits, but elite traits do not make one an elite player. … Almost all elite players have some elite traits. I like that, but most of Justin Herbert’s trait measurables are better than Tom Brady’s — he’s got better size, he’s got better speed, he’s got better arm.”
Wright also noted,
“Brady had a really strong arm, but Herbert, I think, is stronger. All those things, and they’re in different stratospheres. Like, there can only be a handful of truly elite players at any position, or else the word fails, loses all meaning. And what can you point to from what Justin Herbert has accomplished in his career that is elite? … At this point, he doesn’t have elite statistical season.”
These remarks underline the analyst’s view that elite status depends not merely on physical talent but on sustained, top-tier achievements.
Herbert’s Achievements Compared to Football Legends
While Herbert has demonstrated promise by securing the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2020 and earning two Pro Bowl selections, his track record remains far from the accomplishments of Brady. Tom Brady’s career spanned 22 seasons, including six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, alongside being a three-time MVP and a 15-time Pro Bowler before retiring in early 2023. Herbert’s career milestones have yet to reach similar heights, marking a substantial gap in legacy and playoff success.
Playoff Performance Worries for Justin Herbert and the Chargers
Despite reaching the playoffs three times under Herbert’s leadership, the Chargers have not secured a postseason victory. Herbert’s playoff statistics illustrate challenges, as he has completed only 58 of 106 passes for 676 yards, recording two touchdowns and four interceptions over three playoff contests. The ongoing playoff drought raises concerns about his ability to deliver in critical postseason moments. The recent hiring of Mike McDaniel as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator brings hope that Herbert can break this streak and achieve the franchise’s first playoff win under his tenure.
Implications for Herbert’s Future and Chargers’ Prospects
The discussion around Justin Herbert’s elite status highlights broader anxieties regarding his development and the Chargers’ potential to capitalize on his talent. While his physical tools are impressive, the lack of playoff victories and absence of a truly dominant season places doubts on whether Herbert can ascend to the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks. As the 2024 season approaches with new coaching strategies, the pressure mounts for Herbert to translate his traits into consistent success on the field, which will determine if he can ultimately join the ranks of the game’s elite players.
“I’ve never considered [Justin Herbert] elite. He’s never been elite. He has elite traits. Elite traits does not make one an elite player.”@getnickwright explains: pic.twitter.com/92YOuBw0Cz
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) February 27, 2026
