By Josh Kendall, Alec Lewis and Nate Taylor
Netflix on Wednesday announced a new docu-series, “NFL: Quarterback,” which is set to premiere this summer. Here’s what you need to know:
- The series follows quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota throughout the 2022 NFL season.
- Mahomes said in a press release, “I’m thrilled that fans are getting an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a season to remember for the entire Chiefs organization and for my family.”
- The show is produced by NFL Films, Omaha Productions and 2PM Productions.
Athleticism instant analysis:
How much Mahomes post-season content will be shown?
The easiest question for Chiefs fans is whether Netflix will reveal any additional access during Mahomes’ remarkable post-season run, which included him playing through a sprained right ankle. Mahomes is also one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league, so any scenes of his cinematic study and other prep habits should intrigue fans. Another compelling element for the documentary could be additional moments where Mahomes bonds with his teammates away from the Chiefs’ training facility. —Taylor
What could we learn about Cousins Away from the Locker Room?
Behind the scenes, how much does Cousins invest in his job as an NFL quarterback? It might sound simplistic, but Cousins has been talking all season about the work required. Learn the new offensive system from head coach Kevin O’Connell. Rehab his body between starts after being bludgeoned by pass rushers. Building Trust with Justin Jefferson. Cousins, obviously, is the type who rarely stops in his pursuit of progress. What does it look like away from the changing rooms? How intentional is he with how he navigates family life? He’s a fascinating human being in the midst of a whirlwind of constant (and often negative) storytelling. Watching it in any additional capacity should be instructive. —Lewis
Will we see Mariota falling out with Atlanta?
The segments on Mariota could be fascinating. The former Heisman Trophy winner and second overall pick signed with Atlanta the same day the Falcons traded franchise face quarterback Matt Ryan, and when he did, he was very open about wanting a second chance to prove he could play in Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith’s offense. Mariota’s first stint in the NFL, with the Tennessee Titans, ended when he was benched by Smith (then the Titans’ offensive coordinator) in 2019.
Instead, Mariota was benched again after Week 13 in favor of rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder. The day after Mariota was informed of this decision, he surprised Smith by walking away from the team to fix a knee problem that Smith said had nothing to do with his bench. Mariota was universally hailed as one of the NFL’s good guys and he was always willing to answer questions honestly and openly in Atlanta. That’s why his decision not to spend the last month of the season around the team surprised so many.
Watching the situation unfold and maybe hearing Mariota explain it for the first time would answer a lot of questions. —Kendall
Pass
“NFL: Quarterback” joins Netflix’s lineup of behind-the-scenes sports docuseries, including golf series “Full Swing,” racing series “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” and tennis series “Break Point.”
Mahomes this season led the Chiefs to a victory in Super Bowl LVII and earned his second NFL MVP award. Cousins was named to the Pro Bowl and led the Vikings to a 13-4 record in 2022. Mariota started 13 games for the Falcons this season before the team moved to rookie Desmond Ridder.
What they say
“Playing quarterback in the NFL is a unique experience that has some pretty incredible ups and downs,” Peyton Manning said. “Through this collaboration with our partners at NFL Films, 2PM Productions and Netflix, fans will get a unique and intimate look at what life as a rookie QB is like.”
NFL Films executive Ross Ketover said his company and Netflix “couldn’t be more excited for our first project together.”
“NFL Films and Netflix share a passion for dynamic storytelling, and the opportunity to continue our strong relationship with Peyton and Omaha Productions is one that excites us immensely,” he said. “We are especially grateful to Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota for giving us extraordinary insight into what it takes to play quarterback in the NFL.”
Required reading
(Photo: Denny Medley/USA Today)