The people we witness get sacked and cheer for every Sunday suddenly become America’s favorite reality TV stars, thanks to the newly released series on Netflix, “Quarterback.”
American football is the most popular sport in the United States; people all over the country look forward to watching their favorite teams compete every Sunday during the season. They watch as the players go out and give their best effort, but fans do not see behind the scenes of these players’ lives. This past July, Netflix came out with its first season of “Quarterback.” Now fans get to see an insight into the lives of three players from different NFL teams, who are considered to play the most important position in football: the quarterback.
The show screened the daily lives of Minnesota Vikings Quarterback, Kirk Cousins, Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback, Patrick Mahomes and Atlanta Falcons Quarterback, Marcus Mariota. However, during the 2022-2023 NFL season when the series was filmed, Mariota signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as the backup quarterback. The show reveals the hardships Mariota endured when being removed from the starting lineup and deciding to switch contracts. It showed the difficulties each quarterback went through, from dealing with injuries to major losses in games. The quarterback position takes a great deal of responsibility and dependence, which the show makes very evident.
As well as hardships, “Quarterback” displays the rewards of being an NFL player. It shows the training that goes behind each game, as well as celebrations after every win. Each quarterback has their own training routine, including brain exercises. It is revealed to viewers that being a quarterback takes much more than having a good arm, but quick decision-making skills are also critical.
Not only does the series show insights into practices and gamedays, but viewers also get to see their true personalities, as well as how the players manage both football and having a family. Even after a tough loss, these quarterbacks are still dads and husbands who go home with a smile on their face for their kids.
The show received a Rotten Tomato rating of 83% and according to NBC Sports, Peyton Manning, former NFL quarterback and creator of the show, announced that “Quarterback” will be returning for a second season. “Quarterback” does not have to be limited only to football fans, but it can be intriguing to anyone who watches. The next season will likely follow the lives of three new quarterbacks, and based on the first season’s success, odds are that it will not be a fumble.
