NFL Legend Says Only Patrick Mahomes Is 'Elite' Among Top QBs

Emmitt Smith dismisses comparisons between Mahomes and other top young quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Despite missing the playoffs and having a bad season, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains the best in football according to NFL legend Emmitt Smith. Smith said Mahomes is the only 'elite' QB among a group that includes Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson, arguing that Mahomes has proven himself in the playoffs and big moments in a way the others have not.

Why it matters

Mahomes is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, but there has been debate about how he compares to other young stars like Allen, Burrow, and Jackson. Smith's comments provide a strong defense of Mahomes' status as the clear elite QB in the league, which has implications for how the Chiefs and Mahomes are viewed compared to their top competitors.

The details

In an interview, Smith said 'That's the power of marketing because there's only one elite QB in the four you just said, that's Mahomes. Hell no!' when asked if Burrow, Allen, and Jackson are also elite with Mahomes. Smith argued that Mahomes has proven himself in the playoffs and big moments in a way the others have not, pointing to Mahomes' three Super Bowl wins and 17 playoff wins compared to a combined 16 for the other three QBs.

  • Mahomes missed the playoffs and had a 'bad season' in 2025.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs who is considered one of the best in the NFL.

Emmitt Smith

A legendary NFL running back and Hall of Famer who is now a commentator.

Josh Allen

The quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, considered one of the top young QBs in the league.

Joe Burrow

The quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, considered one of the top young QBs in the league.

Lamar Jackson

The quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, considered one of the top young QBs in the league.

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What they’re saying

“That's the power of marketing because there's only one elite QB in the four you just said, that's Mahomes. Hell no!”

— Emmitt Smith, NFL Legend (This Is Football)

“Elite QBs rise up in extreme circumstances. They put the team on their back and carry them to where they need to go. Elite QBs show up when others are not showing up. So, when I look at Patrick Mahomes, I see an elite QB who learned how to overcome extreme circumstances. These others are learning how to become an elite QB.”

— Emmitt Smith, NFL Legend (This Is Football)

The takeaway

Emmitt Smith's strong defense of Patrick Mahomes as the only 'elite' quarterback among a group of top young stars like Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson underscores Mahomes' status as the clear best QB in the NFL, despite a down season in 2025. Smith's comments highlight Mahomes' proven playoff success and ability to elevate his team in big moments as key factors that set him apart from the competition.