**Header Image Source:** Netflix
I was a big fan of the first season of Netflix’s _[Quarterbacks](https://www.pajiba.com/tv_reviews/its-almost-embarrassing-to-admit-kirk-cousins-is-the-best-part-of-quarterback.php)_, the Peyton Manning-produced docuseries that follows three quarterbacks (Patrick Mahomes, Marcus Mariota, and Kirk Cousins) over the course of an NFL season. It’s clearly edited to present its subjects in a positive light, but it still offers a level of access and insight into the faces of their franchises that we rarely get. I don’t listen to a lot of blowhard NFL pundits, and press conferences usually follow the _Bull Durham_ script, so a series like this is genuinely compelling for fans. Honestly, the most I know about most quarterbacks’ personalities usually comes from quick sideline shots when their helmets are off, unless they’re involved in a controversy, an altercation, or show up in our feeds via _The Pat McAfee Show_ (or all three, in Aaron Rodgers’ case).
_Quarterbacks_ took a year off because Manning reportedly couldn’t find three more willing participants (which is surprising, since it’s basically nothing but good PR), but it’s back this year with two new QBs and a returning Kirk Cousins, who emerged as something of a fan favorite in season one. Here’s my take on each:
**Joe Burrow** — I’m a legit huge fan of Joe Burrow, whose Cincinnati Bengals always seem to stumble out of the gate and then come alive in the second half of the season. Last year (the one depicted here), Burrow had a monster, MVP-level performance, but despite a five-game winning streak to close it out, the Bengals missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker. Brutal. Burrow in the playoffs means there’s one more legit threat to knock off the Chiefs before the Super Bowl, and we really could have used that.
I’ll admit, I had assumed Burrow was a flashy, brash jock based on the fur coats, jewelry, and loud colors he often rocks. But he’s surprisingly low-key in _Quarterbacks_. He’s competitive but not loud, stylish but not performative. He just enjoys fashion and doesn’t take himself too seriously. He’s also close with his parents, who are longtime friends with the parents of Ja’Marr Chase, the league’s best wide receiver, who’s been playing with Burrow since college. The friendship between the parents is really sweet.
He’s easily the highlight of the season. Goofy, a bit reserved, into history, samurai swords, and dinosaurs. He almost bought a Batmobile but reconsidered after his house was robbed during an away game because he didn’t want to draw more attention to himself. He took the season’s ending hard, despite putting up incredible stats, and I came away from the series with as much respect for the guy as for the player.
**Kirk Cousins** — Cousins had a rougher go. After the Vikings refused to offer him a long-term deal (he was 36 by season’s end), he signed with the Falcons, who also used their first-round pick on QB Michael Penix Jr. Cousins and the Falcons had a strong start, but after taking a few too many hits, the wheels fell off. By season’s end, he was benched in favor of Penix and is likely to begin the next season as a backup.
Personality-wise, Cousins is pure Christian Dad energy. He gets his hair cut at Great Clips, his idea of a wild night is a Roy Rogers (Coke and grenadine), he’s into Cher and Creed, and he’s a genuinely good dad. I probably disagree with him on just about everything politically, but he’s affable, self-deprecating, and a good sport — the first person he called after getting benched was Penix, to congratulate him. I expected him to be the villain in season one — he’s certainly been that for anyone who’s ever drafted him in fantasy — but hating Kirk Cousins is like hating Ned Flanders.
**Jared Goff** — Goff, who was traded to the long-suffering Lions three years ago, became the centerpiece of Coach Dan Campbell’s rebuild. Campbell, who comes across like a gruff, lovable teddy bear, led the team to the best regular season in franchise history. Hopes were high for a Super Bowl run, but Detroit lost its first playoff game to the Commanders. I remember that game — Commanders QB Jayden Daniels was electric and only got better as the season went on, but it still crushed the nation to see Detroit fall short. It wasn’t really Goff’s fault. The Lions were decimated by injuries by that point, but kept grinding, fueled by good vibes and Campbell’s energy. The whole country seemed to be pulling for them.
That said, personality-wise, Goff is a dud. He seems like a decent guy with a sweet, supportive wife, but the man has the charisma of drywall. And it’s not just shyness on camera — he’s one of those guys who lives in a McMansion, speaks in clichés, and drinks Bud Light. Voluntarily. The most interesting thing about Jared Goff is his dog, who thankfully gets some screentime. I’m rooting hard for Detroit, and I’m glad they have a reliable quarterback to pair with Amon-Ra St. Brown and their monster run game. But Goff has the vibe of a sporting goods store assistant manager. I had to fast-forward through some of his sections because once he gets talking, it’s hard to stay awake. He might just be an energy vampire.