The first season of Netflix’s Quarterback delivered a remarkable inside look at the on and off-field lives of three NFL signal-callers: Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariota. The program succeeded so much that Netflix and producer Peyton Manning are already looking ahead to filling the docket with a second season.
Suffice it to say: We are getting a lot more quarterback fun moving forward.
But not everyone wanted the constant camera treatment around their lives throughout an entire season. Quarterback is entertaining for viewers, but it’s easy to see why some quarterbacks might see its production as invasive, unnecessary, or distracting. And that’s just for them, personally. Imagine that experience for teammates, family members, and friends. Try and put yourselves in these players’ shoes for just about six months. It wouldn’t be fun!
The list below will track all the quarterbacks who have turned down Netflix in some capacity so far. Unsurprisingly, it features a few big names, leaving the streaming company to be a bit more judicious in its player selection.
Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
Bears QB Justin Fields said that Netflix reached out to be featured on Season 2 of Quarterback. He declined their offer.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) July 25, 2023
Fields would’ve been a seamless fit for the “rising young star” slot narrative of a second season.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa says he was approached by Netflix in regards to being apart of the Quarterback series but he’s not interested right now.
Tua said he watched it this summer but it showed too much of personal and family life that he feels comfortable showing as a private person. pic.twitter.com/kfYh7wLsbf
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) July 26, 2023
A player oft-surrounded by controversy, seeing how Tagovailoa climbs above the noise behind the scenes would’ve been a delight.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Netflix wanted Matthew Stafford to star in Quarterback last season, but he turned them down because he didn't want to be a distraction to Rams teammates, according to wife Kelly. Now it sounds like Stafford, 'nearing end of his career', is open to season 2https://t.co/I0iLMEfNSP
— TurfShowTimes (@TurfShowTimes) July 24, 2023
Stafford’s 2021 campaign would’ve been a lot more enthralling than the Rams’ disappointing 2022 follow-up.
Sam Howell, Washington Commanders
#Dolphins QB Tua and #Commanders QB Sam Howell also turned down Netflix 'Quarterback'
So far Jalen Hurts, Justin Fields, Tua, Howell and Matthew Stafford turned down the show at various points.
Starting to run out of options…
Tua said he watched the show this summer but it… https://t.co/Ybs52uFWVj pic.twitter.com/w7kqXAbT4a
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 26, 2023
Howell is a player a lot of fans and pundits are overlooking as one of the Commanders’ bigger question marks. And in their first season under new ownership, the starting quarterback would’ve been a great player to follow closely.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts said he turned down an opportunity to be on Netflix's "Quarterback" series.
Here's why 🎥 ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/FvRwmy9vrK
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) July 26, 2023
In hindsight, this probably worked out for the best for Hurts. After his MVP-caliber campaign, watching even more of his reaction to losing Super Bowl 57 would’ve been painful.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence confirms: he was approached but has declined being a part of Netflix’s “Quarterback” series this upcoming season
(He says he did watch Season 1 and very much enjoyed the series 🤣) #Jaguars | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/IDRS8JWxXT
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) August 6, 2023
Another candidate for a Year 3 leap, it’s no surprise someone approached Lawrence to have his story told. But like his peers, it seems he wants to be more established before taking on a bigger spotlight.
