Mahomes Gets the Crown, But Not the Respect — And Brock Purdy Just Got the Biggest Disrespect of the Year

The NFL’s annual quarterback rankings dropped this week, and the reaction across the league has been nothing short of explosive.

While Patrick Mahomes was once again named the No.

1 quarterback in the NFL, the real headline wasn’t his placement—it was how he got there.

Mahomes topped the list with noticeably fewer first-place votes than in previous years, raising eyebrows about how firmly he still holds the crown.

Meanwhile, Brock Purdy, the 49ers quarterback who led his team to the Super Bowl and posted elite regular season numbers, was nowhere to be found in the Top 10.

The backlash was immediate, loud, and in some corners, deeply personal.

The annual rankings, voted on by league executives, coaches, and select media members, are meant to reflect the current quarterback hierarchy.

Not just past accolades or legacy points, but a real-time snapshot of who is playing the position at the highest level heading into the new season.

In theory, it’s a performance-based evaluation.

In practice, this year’s list revealed something else entirely.

Mahomes being at the top isn’t shocking.

He’s still the face of the league, a two-time MVP, and already has multiple Super Bowl rings.

But what shocked many was how close the gap has gotten.

This year, Mahomes received fewer first-place votes than expected, with voters also giving strong consideration to names like Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and even rising star C.J.Stroud.

The message was clear: Mahomes may still be king, but there are now real challengers at the gates.

And some in the league believe his grasp on QB1 status isn’t as unshakable as it once seemed.

“I don’t think he’s slipping,” said one AFC coach anonymously, “but people are watching the film and asking if the magic is still as consistent.

He’s had moments of brilliance, but also more mistakes.

When you’re the standard, anything short of perfection becomes a target.”

But while Mahomes’ ranking raised questions, Brock Purdy’s omission triggered outrage.

Purdy, who finished the regular season leading the NFL in passer rating, yards per attempt, and several advanced metrics, was completely shut out of the Top 10.

It’s a snub that has analysts, fans, and even fellow players scratching their heads.

The 49ers quarterback guided one of the most efficient offenses in football, threw for over 4,200 yards, and led his team to within minutes of a Super Bowl victory.

He did all this in his second year, coming off a torn UCL, with a calmness and command that few expected from the last pick in the 2022 draft.

And yet, not even a No.

10 nod.

“I don’t know what else he has to do,” said former quarterback and analyst Kurt Warner.

“You talk about efficiency, leadership, big plays under pressure—Purdy checked every box last year.

The only thing he didn’t have was pedigree, and apparently that still matters more than it should.”

Social media lit up in protest.

Niners fans called it “disrespectful” and “agenda-driven.”

Several current players posted cryptic tweets seemingly referencing the snub.

One NFC wide receiver tweeted, “Some people would rather be wrong than admit a 7th-rounder outplayed their guy.”

The rankings sparked a broader debate about how we evaluate quarterbacks in today’s game.

Are voters still clinging to pre-draft narratives and name recognition? Do flashy arm talent and highlight plays outweigh consistency and production? And perhaps most importantly—what does a quarterback have to do to be taken seriously when he wasn’t a top draft pick?

Purdy’s critics often cite the talent around him: Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system.

But that argument quickly breaks down when considering other quarterbacks on the list who also benefit from elite supporting casts.

Mahomes has Andy Reid and Travis Kelce.

Josh Allen has a top defense and Stefon Diggs.

Joe Burrow has Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Football is a team sport, but somehow only Purdy seems to be penalized for playing with good teammates.

Even more confusing to fans is the inclusion of quarterbacks who had objectively worse seasons than Purdy.

Some names that made the Top 10 struggled with turnovers, missed the playoffs, or showed inconsistent decision-making.

Yet they’re ranked ahead of a player who outperformed them in nearly every statistical category.

The inconsistency in logic has fueled the perception that these rankings are about reputation—not results.

For Mahomes, the scrutiny may feel new, but it’s part of being at the top.

When you’re a generational talent, every dip is magnified, and every rival is compared to you.

But the fact that his top spot is even being questioned shows how quickly the NFL landscape is shifting.

New stars are emerging, and voters are less willing to give legacy points without fresh proof.

For Purdy, the message is harsher: you’re not invited yet.

No matter the production, no matter the wins, no matter the moments.

Until he breaks through the wall of perception, he’ll continue to be evaluated by where he was drafted rather than what he’s done.

It’s the burden of the underdog, and it doesn’t fade easily.

The rankings have ignited a league-wide firestorm, not just because of who’s ranked where, but because of what the list reveals about the biases still embedded in NFL culture.

Biases toward pedigree.

Toward flash over function.

Toward hype over hard data.

Whether the backlash leads to reflection or just more debate remains to be seen.

But one thing is certain: these rankings haven’t settled any arguments—they’ve only intensified them.

And for players like Brock Purdy, the only response is to keep proving people wrong.

Again and again.

Until even the most stubborn voters have no choice but to listen.