Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes, widely regarded as one of the NFL's premier quarterbacks, recently unveiled his personal Mount Rushmore of the greatest signal-callers in football history. Despite a pantheon of legendary figures deserving consideration, Mahomes narrowed it down to just four iconic names.
The three-time Super Bowl MVP, who transformed the Chiefs into a dynasty since becoming their starter in 2018, boasts an incredible resume: ending Kansas City's 50-year championship drought in 2019 (earning MVP honors as the youngest QB and second Black quarterback to do so) and leading the franchise to three Lombardi trophies by 2025, claiming MVP in each victorious Super Bowl appearance.
Now, the 29-year-old phenom, already etching his own name among the greats, has shared his definitive list of the top four quarterbacks of all time – a selection sparking inevitable debate over who made the cut and, more notably, who was left out.
Patrick Mahomes' QB Mount Rushmore
Mahomes' selections blend championship pedigree, iconic moments, and undeniable influence on the game. He shared his reasoning, offering insights into what he values most in quarterback greatness:
Tom Brady (2000-2022): Patrick Mahomes' first pick was unequivocal: "Obviously, Tom's on the list." Brady's unparalleled seven Super Bowl rings, including a decisive victory over Mahomes and the Chiefs in 2021 (a 31-9 rout where Kansas City failed to score a touchdown), cemented his status as the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) for Mahomes.
Brady achieved that seventh ring in his very first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after leaving the New England Patriots, securing Super Bowl MVP honors at age 43. Mahomes emphasized that Brady's legacy extends far beyond mere statistics, "transcending football" itself.
Joe Montana (1979-1994): The Chiefs quarterback firmly placed the San Francisco 49ers icon on his list: "Joe Montana, he's gotta be up there. Four Super Bowls - you have to include him." Mahomes highlighted Montana's four Super Bowl victories and three Super Bowl MVP awards, pointing to him as the ultimate embodiment of poise under pressure.
He specifically referenced Montana's legendary 92-yard drive in Super Bowl XXIII, culminating in a game-winning touchdown pass with only 34 seconds remaining, as the epitome of clutch performance – possessing "ice in his veins."
Peyton Manning (1998-2015): Patrick Mahomes acknowledged Manning's place among his elite four: "Peyton Manning is probably on my list." While Manning secured "only" two Super Bowl victories (with the Colts in 2007, earning MVP, and the Broncos in 2016), Mahomes placed immense value on Manning's extraordinary football intelligence, leadership qualities, and record 14 Pro Bowl selections.
He viewed Manning as much more than a player; he was a true "field general" whose cerebral approach to the game and influence were foundational to his greatness.
John Elway (1983-1998): This selection involved deliberation for Mahomes, who expressed significant respect for Dan Marino's record-shattering statistics, notably his 48-touchdown season in the 1980s. Ultimately, Elway, the Denver Broncos legend, earned the final spot for one critical reason: he won when it mattered most.
Mahomes pointed to Elway's perseverance, appearing in five Super Bowls. After losing his first three appearances, Elway finished his career with back-to-back Super Bowl victories. Mahomes specifically noted Elway's crowning achievement: leading Denver to a 34-19 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII and claiming MVP honors in his final NFL game.
Patrick Mahomes' list reflects a blend of ultimate winners (Brady, Montana, Elway) and a cerebral maestro who redefined the position (Manning). The notable omissions, like Dan Marino despite his gaudy passing numbers, underscore Mahomes' prioritization of championship success and legendary clutch performances above all else.