Hall of Famer Says Chiefs' Mahomes Is Only 'Elite' Quarterback

Emmitt Smith calls out Josh Allen and others for not winning Super Bowls like Patrick Mahomes

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith declared that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the only "elite" quarterback in the league currently, citing his ability to win Super Bowls as the key criteria for elite status. Smith criticized other top quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson for not winning championships like Mahomes, who has won three Super Bowls.

Why it matters

Smith's comments highlight the continued debate around what makes a quarterback "elite" in the NFL, with championships being a major factor. This puts pressure on quarterbacks like Allen and Burrow to win big games and Super Bowls to cement their legacies, while solidifying Mahomes' status as one of the league's premier signal-callers.

The details

In an interview at Super Bowl Radio Row, Smith told reporter Kevin Clark that "elite quarterbacks rise up in extreme circumstances and leads the squad; he puts them on his back, and he carries them to where they need to go." Smith cited past elite QBs like Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, Tom Brady, and Troy Aikman as having won multiple Super Bowls, a feat he says Mahomes has already accomplished with three titles. In contrast, Smith criticized Allen, Burrow, and Jackson for not yet winning a Super Bowl, saying "these others are learning how to become an elite quarterback."

  • Mahomes has won three Super Bowls as the Chiefs' starting quarterback.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, who has won three Super Bowls during his career so far.

Josh Allen

The starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, who has led the team to the playoffs in six straight seasons but has not yet won a Super Bowl.

Joe Burrow

The starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, who led the team to the Super Bowl in 2022 but lost to the Los Angeles Rams.

Lamar Jackson

The starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, who has not yet won a Super Bowl.

Emmitt Smith

A Hall of Fame running back who is considered one of the greatest players in NFL history, and who is now a commentator.

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What they’re saying

“Elite quarterbacks show up when others are not showing up. Elite players show up when others don't show up. Elite players define the game; the game don't define who they are.”

— Emmitt Smith, NFL Hall of Famer (This is Football)

“And so, when I look at Patrick Mahomes, I see an elite quarterback that's learned how to overcome extreme circumstances. These others are learning how to become an elite quarterback.”

— Emmitt Smith, NFL Hall of Famer (This is Football)

The takeaway

Emmitt Smith's comments underscore the continued importance of winning Super Bowls in defining quarterback greatness in the NFL. While players like Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson have had success, Smith believes they have not yet reached the elite status of Patrick Mahomes, who has already won three championships. This puts pressure on the next generation of top QBs to win big games and titles to cement their legacies alongside all-time greats.