By Blessing 
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff stirred up conversation this week after unveiling his list of the top 10 quarterbacks of all time during a promo for Netflix’s Quarterback series. But what’s really turning heads? The fact that Patrick Mahomes — one of the most dominant and decorated quarterbacks in recent memory — didn’t make the cut.
Goff shared his list without ranking the players in any particular order. His picks included:
- Tom Brady
- Peyton Manning
- Joe Montana
- John Elway
- Drew Brees
- Philip Rivers
- Eli Manning
- Ben Roethlisberger
- Brett Favre
- Aaron Rodgers
“I think Tom Brady is the greatest,” Goff said, emphasizing the unmatched legacy of the seven-time Super Bowl champion.
Interestingly, Rodgers is the only active player in Goff’s top 10, highlighting a strong preference for QBs from previous eras. That choice means names like Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and other current stars didn’t make the list — something fans were quick to notice.
So, why does leaving Mahomes out matter?
At just under 30 years old, Mahomes already has two MVP awards, three Super Bowl appearances, and a reputation for thriving under pressure. His knack for making impossible plays and redefining the quarterback position has earned him a spot in many analysts’ GOAT discussions.
By excluding him, Goff seems to value sustained success and legacy over recent brilliance.
Of course, rankings like this are deeply personal. As a former No. 1 overall pick himself, Goff’s choices likely reflect the quarterbacks he looked up to or competed against — not necessarily a consensus view.
Still, leaving Mahomes out — especially in the context of promoting a show called Quarterback — is a gutsy move. It underscores just how tricky it is to compare players across generations.
Whether you agree or disagree, one thing’s for sure: Goff’s list has reignited the age-old debate — and fans aren’t letting it go anytime soon.