Netflix launching new NFL show featuring Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota

By Josh Kendall, Alec Lewis and Nate Taylor

Netflix announced a new docu-series on Wednesday, “NFL: Quarterback,” that’s set to premiere this summer. Here’s what you need to know:

• The series follows quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota through the 2022 NFL season.
• Mahomes said in a news release: “I’m excited for fans to get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at an unforgettable season for the entire Chiefs organization and for my family.”
• The show is produced by NFL Films, Omaha Productions and 2PM Productions.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

How much postseason content of Mahomes will be shown?

The easiest question for Chiefs fans is whether Netflix will reveal any additional access during Mahomes’ remarkable postseason run, which included him playing through a right high-ankle sprain. Mahomes is also one of the league’s smartest quarterbacks, so any scenes of his film study and other preparation habits should be intriguing for 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 put into his job as an NFL quarterback? That may sound simplistic, but Cousins talked all season about the work required. Learning head coach Kevin O’Connell’s new offensive system. Rehabbing his body between starts after getting pummeled by pass rushers. Developing trust with Justin Jefferson. Cousins, by all accounts, is the type who rarely stops in his quest to progress. What does that look like away from the locker room? How intentional is he with the way he navigates home life? He’s a fascinating human being amid a swirl of constant (and often negative) narrative. Observing him in any additional capacity should be informative. — Lewis

Will we see Mariota’s 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 face of the franchise, quarterback Matt Ryan, and when he did he was very open about the fact that he wanted a second chance to prove he could play in Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith’s offense. Mariota’s first starting 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 that decision, he surprised Smith by walking away from the team to address a knee issue that Smith said had nothing to do with his benching. Mariota has universally been hailed as one of the NFL’s good guys and he was always willing to address questions honestly and openly in Atlanta. That’s why his decision to not spend the final month of the season around the team surprised so many people.

Watching the situation unfold and perhaps hearing Mariota explain it for the first time would answer a lot of questions. — Kendall

Backstory

“NFL: Quarterback” joins Netflix’s lineup of behind-the-scenes sports documentary series including the golf series “Full Swing,” the 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 won 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 made the switch to rookie Desmond Ridder.

What they are saying

“Playing quarterback in the NFL is a unique experience that has some pretty incredible ups and downs,” said Peyton Manning. “Thanks to this collaboration with our partners at NFL Films, 2PM Productions and Netflix, fans will be given a unique and intimate look at what life is like as a starting QB.”

NFL Films Senior Executive Ross Ketover said his company and Netflix “could not 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 we are incredibly enthusiastic about,” he said. “We are especially grateful to Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota for granting us an extraordinary view of what it takes to play quarterback in the NFL.”

Required reading

(Photo: Denny Medley / USA Today)