Joe Montana Takes a Brutal Swipe at Patrick Mahomes Ahead of NFL Season Kickoff

NFL legend Joe Montana, renowned for his flawless 4-0 Super Bowl record and status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, recently sparked heated debate among fans and analysts with his comments about current NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes. The controversy arose during Montana’s appearance on *The Pat McAfee Show*, where he was asked to name the top quarterbacks he would start a franchise with. Surprisingly, Mahomes was not among Montana’s initial picks.

Montana’s Picks: Mahomes Outside the Top Four

When prompted by Bruce Arians to “pick the top three QBs to start your franchise but you can’t choose (49ers QB) Brock Purdy,” Montana responded:
“Give me Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert… I do also really like Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes.”

Notably, Montana listed Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert as his top three choices, with Jalen Hurts and Mahomes trailing behind. If Purdy had been eligible, Mahomes might have slipped even further down Montana’s rankings.

The Fallout: Fans React

Montana’s rankings quickly made waves online, with fans and pundits questioning his logic and motivations. Some speculated that Montana’s omission of Mahomes from his top tier was a subtle jab, possibly motivated by Mahomes’ growing legacy and potential to surpass Montana’s own achievements.

Social media reactions ranged from incredulous to accusatory:

– “There’s a QB who’s been in the NFL 8 yrs, and NEVER missed the Conference title game as a starter. You know who it is? Some of the older gen are funny about pumping up someone who’s passed or on the verge of passing them. It’s weird,” wrote one user, referencing Mahomes.
– “This is just hater stuff from a guy worried Mahomes is gonna be passing his ring count,” argued another.
– “Justin Herbert but not Patrick Mahomes (laughs) ok,” added a third, highlighting the surprise at Herbert’s inclusion over Mahomes.

Others pointed out Montana’s apparent preference for quarterbacks with “J” names and questioned the logic behind ranking Josh Allen above Joe Burrow, who has a Super Bowl appearance to his name.

Montana vs. Mahomes: A Tale of Two Legends

The debate between Montana and Mahomes is more than just a generational squabble—it’s a comparison of two all-time greats with remarkable resumes:

– Joe Montana: 4-0 in Super Bowls, three-time Super Bowl MVP, multiple league MVPs, and a reputation for clutch performances and flawless execution.
– Patrick Mahomes: 3-2 in Super Bowls, three-time Super Bowl MVP, multiple league MVPs, and a record of never missing the Conference title game as a starter in his eight-year career.

While Mahomes has put up more prolific passing numbers in the modern era, Montana is still revered for his perfect Super Bowl record and leadership in big moments.

Was It Really an Insult?

Despite headlines claiming Montana “seriously insulted” Mahomes, a closer look at his comments suggests a more nuanced reality. Montana did express admiration for Mahomes, listing him among the top five quarterbacks in the league. However, his preference for Allen, Burrow, Herbert, and Hurts over Mahomes does raise eyebrows, especially given Mahomes’ unparalleled postseason success and individual accolades.

It’s possible Montana’s rankings reflect personal preferences or a different evaluation of quarterback traits—perhaps prioritizing physical tools, potential, or style of play over postseason achievements. Alternatively, it may hint at the competitive pride of a legend seeing his records threatened by a new superstar.

Conclusion

Joe Montana’s quarterback rankings have reignited debates about legacy, greatness, and the criteria for evaluating elite NFL talent. While some fans see his comments as a slight to Patrick Mahomes, others recognize them as one legend’s subjective take on a new generation of quarterbacks. Regardless of intent, the discussion underscores the ongoing evolution of the quarterback position—and the enduring impact of both Montana and Mahomes on the game of football.