Why are many NFL QBs refusing to participate in Netflix’s ‘Quarterback’ season 2?

Several high-profile NFL quarterbacks have declined the opportunity to participate in Netflix’s docu-series “Quarterback,” which is executive produced by Peyton Manning, a legendary figure from the Indianapolis Colts. Despite these declined invitations, the series has been renewed for a second season and is actively seeking quarterbacks to feature.

In its inaugural season, the show showcased three NFL quarterbacks: Kirk Cousins, Marcus Mariota, and Patrick Mahomes, with Mahomes’ 2 PM Production company also contributing to the production. This season consisted of eight episodes featuring quarterbacks wearing microphones during every game throughout the 2022 NFL season.

Originally, Netflix had ordered only one season of the series, but Manning confirmed the additional season during an appearance on the Pat McAfee show.

Several notable quarterbacks, including Justin Fields, Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, Sam Howell, Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford, and Aaron Rodgers, have publicly declined offers to appear on the show. Let’s take a look at the reasons why these players declined.

Justin Fields

Fields declined participation in Season 2, citing concerns that having cameras in the Chicago Bears locker room could disrupt the team’s atmosphere. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a natural and authentic environment.

Jalen Hurts

Hurts declined opportunities for both Season 1 and Season 2, stating that he is still early in his NFL career and prefers to let his journey unfold without the presence of cameras.

“There’s a lot of the journey to be told and a lot to unfold that will be told one day. That time will come,” said Hurts.

Tua Tagovailoa

Despite being considered a prime candidate for the show due to his experience in the league, Tagovailoa, known for his improvements as a quarterback and injury setbacks, is a private individual who shies away from the spotlight.

“I have seen [the show],” Tagovailoa said. “There have been talks about going on it. But I feel like it right now... It just isn’t the right time. I’m a very personal guy. The series was a lot more personal. It was a lot more about their personal lives than it was more so what they did on the football field.”

“And for me, that’s not something I like to do, especially to show my kid on national television or people seeing what I do. It would just be too hard to turn off. After a loss of loss as tough as it is, I don’t know how that would go trying to talk about a loss in my car.”

Sam Howell

Howell declined an offer to appear on the show, saying he didn’t want to do it. He didn’t provide any other context besides saying no, leaving producers of the show forced to look elsewhere.

Joe Burrow

Burrow, in a press conference before the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2023 NFL season, revealed that he was asked to participate in the show but declined due to his early NFL career status, similar to Hurts.

“Maybe one year, this year, I’m not,” Burrow said. “I would like to do it maybe a couple of years down the road, but I don’t think now is the right time.”

Matthew Stafford

Kelly Stafford, wife of LA Rams QB Matthew Stafford, mentioned that Stafford had been approached for Season 1 but declined, citing his appreciation for his teammates and desire for privacy. However, it seems that Stafford is ready for it this year.

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers expressed his reluctance to be on camera, particularly after the New York Jets were chosen to feature in the HBO series “Hard Knocks,” which follows football teams during their preseason training camps. While Rodgers didn’t explicitly rule out appearing on “Quarterback,” he indicated his aversion to cameras during NFL season preparations.

It would be interesting to have Rodgers join the show now that he’s out for the season.

The show will continue its search to feature three quarterbacks in the upcoming season.