NFL legend Joe Montana has just sparked one of the biggest debates of the offseason — and it all comes down to who he didn’t name.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the Hall of Famer was asked which three quarterbacks he’d pick to start a franchise with today. His answer?
Josh Allen (“the guy in Buffalo”)
Joe Burrow (“obviously, Burrow”)
Justin Herbert (“the guy with the Chargers”)
Then, in an extra twist, he added Jalen Hurts (“the guy in Philly”).
But the glaring omission? Patrick Mahomes.
Montana’s Surprising Explanation
When pushed on why Mahomes wasn’t even mentioned, Montana admitted:
“I think I would have if he were younger.”
The comment left analysts stunned, especially considering Mahomes is just 29 and already owns two MVP awards, three Super Bowl rings, and nine straight AFC West titles.
Montana did later acknowledge Mahomes’ longevity, noting that today’s rules mean he’ll “probably play forever,” but the damage was done.
Fans Explode Online
Social media erupted within minutes. Chiefs Kingdom felt the sting most:
“Mahomes isn’t just top 3 — he’s number 1, period.”
“Allen and Herbert over Mahomes? That’s not a hot take, that’s a bad take.”
“Joe Cool just got very uncool.”
Even neutral fans were baffled at how Montana, once a Chiefs quarterback himself, could leave out the face of the franchise.
While Allen, Burrow, and Herbert are undeniably talented, the fact remains: Mahomes has already done more than most quarterbacks achieve in an entire career. His Super Bowl wins, playoff dominance, and ability to carry his team through adversity make him the benchmark of modern greatness.
Montana’s omission, intentional or not, may go down as one of the boldest — and most controversial — takes of the year.
Because whether or not Joe Montana includes him on a list, Patrick Mahomes continues to prove, week after week, why he’s the quarterback every GM dreams of building around.
