When Emmitt Smith talks football, people listen. The Hall of Fame running back and three-time Super Bowl champion joined Kevin Clark’s This is Football podcast and didn’t hold back when asked about the current crop of NFL quarterbacks.
His take? Only one active quarterback deserves the “elite” label - and that’s Patrick Mahomes.
“Hell no, they are not elite!” Smith said when asked specifically about Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson.
Smith’s reasoning is simple: rings matter. To him, elite quarterbacks win championships - full stop. And in his eyes, Mahomes is the only one from that group who’s proven it on the biggest stage.
It’s a bold stance, especially considering the talent level across the league right now. Burrow, Allen, and Jackson have all been in the MVP conversation in recent years.
They've all led their teams deep into the postseason. But for Smith, it’s not about potential or highlight-reel throws.
It’s about hardware.
During the conversation, Smith referenced legends like Terry Bradshaw, Troy Aikman, Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and Dan Marino. These are names etched into NFL lore - some with multiple Super Bowl rings, some with none.
And yet, Marino’s inclusion is interesting, because he never won a title either. That raises the question: If Marino can be considered elite without a ring, why not Burrow, Allen, or Jackson?
Let’s break it down.
Joe Burrow came agonizingly close to delivering Cincinnati its first Super Bowl title, falling just short in a tightly contested game. He’s already led the Bengals to multiple playoff wins, and his poise in high-pressure moments has drawn comparisons to some of the greats. His resume may not include a ring yet, but few would argue against his impact on the franchise.
Josh Allen has transformed the Bills into perennial contenders. He’s got the arm talent, the mobility, and the leadership - and he’s been knocking on the door of the Super Bowl for a few seasons now. This year, he ran into a red-hot Broncos team in the divisional round, but his performance throughout the season was nothing short of elite.
Lamar Jackson, meanwhile, continues to redefine what it means to be a dual-threat quarterback. He’s already won an MVP and just led the Ravens to the AFC Championship Game. While he hasn’t made it to the Super Bowl yet, his ability to carry a team with both his arm and legs has made him one of the most dangerous players in the league.
Still, Smith’s comments point to a long-standing debate in NFL circles: Is greatness defined by championships alone?
From a player who won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys, it’s not surprising that Smith places such a premium on titles. He’s seen firsthand how winning on the biggest stage cements a legacy. And with Mahomes already stacking rings and rewriting postseason record books, it’s easy to see why he stands out.
But there’s also a case to be made that “elite” isn’t a one-size-fits-all label. It can mean dominance over a stretch of seasons, the ability to elevate a franchise, or consistent excellence in the face of adversity. By that definition, Burrow, Allen, and Jackson have all made strong cases.
In the end, Smith’s take adds fuel to a debate that’s not going away anytime soon. Mahomes may be the gold standard right now, but the next few seasons could shift the narrative. If any of those three break through and hoist the Lombardi Trophy, the “elite” conversation will look a lot different.