**Patrick Mahomes Unveils His Ultimate QB Mount Rushmore—And Even the Harshest Critics Can’t Argue with His Legendary Picks**
When Patrick Mahomes speaks, the football world listens. The two-time NFL MVP, three-time Super Bowl champion, and face of the Kansas City Chiefs franchise is no stranger to greatness. His own resume already places him in the upper echelon of quarterbacks in NFL history, and many believe it’s only a matter of time before he takes the top spot. So when Mahomes was asked to unveil his personal Mount Rushmore of quarterbacks—the four legendary passers he believes define the position—it was bound to make waves across the sports universe. What followed was not just a list, but a nod to the giants upon whose shoulders Mahomes himself now stands, and his selections were so spot-on that even the most critical voices were left nodding in agreement.
In a candid moment during a recent interview, Mahomes revealed the four quarterbacks who, in his eyes, epitomize the position’s excellence, leadership, and impact. With precision, humility, and reverence, he selected Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, and Dan Marino. Each name was etched in NFL lore long before Mahomes ever threw a pass in Arrowhead Stadium, yet their influence continues to echo in every game he plays. These aren’t just icons of the past—they are the blueprint for how Mahomes and others shape their game in the modern era.
Tom Brady was the first name on Mahomes’ list, and for good reason. With seven Super Bowl rings, five Super Bowl MVPs, and countless NFL records, Brady is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time. Mahomes has faced him in both the AFC Championship and a Super Bowl, and he has seen firsthand the precision, poise, and unmatched competitive fire Brady brings to every stage. In fact, Mahomes has often credited Brady for setting the standard of what sustained excellence looks like in the league. To not include Brady would have been unthinkable, and Mahomes made it clear that the former Patriots and Buccaneers legend stands as the ultimate benchmark for greatness.
Next, Mahomes named Peyton Manning, the cerebral assassin of the NFL. Manning’s brilliance extended far beyond his arm talent—his mastery of pre-snap reads, audibles, and offensive schemes changed how the quarterback position was played. Mahomes, known for his improvisational flair, still holds deep admiration for Manning’s methodical approach and his ability to dissect defenses like a surgeon. Manning’s five MVP awards, two Super Bowl wins, and long-standing records speak to a legacy built on precision and intellect. For Mahomes, Manning represents the football mind that every great quarterback aspires to possess.
The third name etched onto Mahomes’ Mount Rushmore was Joe Montana, the man who defined clutch before the term became commonplace. The San Francisco 49ers legend was a four-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Super Bowl MVP, known for his calm demeanor under pressure and his pinpoint accuracy. Mahomes has repeatedly acknowledged that Montana’s playoff performances, particularly his flawless command in high-stakes moments, were among the most inspiring stories he encountered while growing up. For a player like Mahomes, who has built a reputation as a fourth-quarter magician, it’s no surprise that Montana made the cut. The resemblance in their ability to rise to the moment isn’t lost on fans or analysts alike.
The most intriguing pick on Mahomes’ list, perhaps, was Dan Marino. Though he never won a Super Bowl, Marino revolutionized the quarterback position in the 1980s with a rocket arm and record-breaking passing numbers. His 1984 season, in which he threw for over 5,000 yards and 48 touchdowns, was decades ahead of its time. Mahomes emphasized that Marino’s influence can still be felt in today’s pass-heavy league, and that many of the explosive plays modern fans enjoy were pioneered by Marino’s fearless style. For Mahomes, who himself is rewriting the rules with sidearm throws, no-look passes, and off-script brilliance, Marino is both a spiritual predecessor and a reminder that individual greatness often transcends championships.
What makes Mahomes’ Mount Rushmore so powerful isn’t just the names on it—it’s the fact that each represents a unique archetype of quarterback excellence. Brady’s rings, Manning’s mind, Montana’s clutch, and Marino’s arm talent each speak to different dimensions of what makes a signal-caller great. And Mahomes, who in many ways combines traits from all four, has studied each of them closely to elevate his own game. It’s a tribute rooted in admiration, but also in aspiration.
The response to Mahomes’ selections was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Fans across social media platforms shared their approval, with hashtags like #MahomesMountRushmore and #QBGOATs trending for hours. Analysts and former players echoed similar sentiments, praising the balance, historical accuracy, and respect embedded in Mahomes’ list. In an era where debates about quarterback greatness often dissolve into tribal loyalty or generational bias, Mahomes managed to bridge the gaps with a list that felt universal and indisputable.
Of course, some fans questioned the omission of other greats like Brett Favre, John Elway, Johnny Unitas, and Drew Brees. But even among those conversations, there was little argument that the four Mahomes chose were more than deserving. What’s more, Mahomes himself acknowledged the difficulty of narrowing such a list to just four names. He admitted that others certainly could have been considered, but emphasized that his selections reflected the quarterbacks who most impacted his own journey and understanding of the game.
There’s an added layer of significance when a player like Mahomes makes such declarations. He’s not a retired veteran reflecting on a bygone era—he’s in the middle of his prime, still stacking accolades and chasing history. His own name is already being whispered in conversations about the greatest quarterbacks ever, and barring injury or a dramatic shift, he’s well on pace to join—if not eventually surpass—those he currently idolizes. That humility, paired with his relentless ambition, is part of what makes Mahomes such a captivating figure in the sport.
One can’t ignore the symbolic nature of Mahomes carving out his personal quarterback monument. While it pays tribute to history, it also subtly invites fans to imagine what a future Mount Rushmore might look like. Will Mahomes himself one day be enshrined on that symbolic cliff? If his current trajectory holds, there’s little doubt he’ll not only make the cut—he might redefine it entirely.
It also adds an interesting lens to compare stylistically where Mahomes fits among the four he selected. From Brady, he’s absorbed the competitive edge and relentless drive. From Manning, the mental sharpness and command of the huddle. From Montana, the poise and magic in critical moments. From Marino, the fearless arm talent and improvisational flair. In essence, Mahomes is a living fusion of those four legends, playing in a league that demands constant evolution and adaptation.
Beyond individual accolades, Mahomes’ decision to openly honor those who came before him shows the class and perspective he brings to the game. In a sports world often dominated by ego and one-upmanship, Mahomes’ gesture was refreshingly gracious. It was a reminder that even the best still look up to someone. And for Mahomes, looking up means acknowledging the titans who paved the way for quarterbacks to become not just team leaders, but global icons.
As Mahomes continues to etch his own name in the annals of NFL greatness, his Mount Rushmore serves not just as a statement, but as a mirror. A mirror that reflects who he’s studied, who he’s respected, and who he’s chasing. It’s a bold move to declare your quarterback heroes while you’re still making your case to stand among them. But that’s what separates Mahomes from the rest—he’s unafraid to honor the past while relentlessly chasing the future.
In a league that evolves every season, where talent is abundant and dynasties are fleeting, Mahomes’ legacy is already being chiseled with precision. He’s not just a star of his era; he’s a student of the game’s history. And in revealing his quarterback Mount Rushmore, Mahomes didn’t just share a personal opinion—he delivered a masterclass in what greatness looks like across generations. It’s a list built not just with numbers or rings, but with heart, respect, and the unmistakable eye of someone who knows what true quarterback excellence entails.
So when Patrick Mahomes unveiled his Mount Rushmore of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, he didn’t just name four legends. He honored a lineage. He cemented a standard. And perhaps, without saying it directly, he reminded us all that one day, someone else might be placing his name on their Mount Rushmore—and they, too, will be right to do so.
