Patrick Mahomes’ placement on the NFL’s top 100 list has sparked intense debate among football enthusiasts and experts alike. Damien Woody, a former Super Bowl champion, voiced his frustration during an ESPNsegment, criticizing the ranking process that placed Mahomes at number four instead of the top spot.
Woody was part of a temporary lineup on ESPN’s First Take, stepping in for Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim. The panel, hosted by Brian Custer, also included Courtney Cronin and Kevin Clark. The discussion kicked off with a heated debate on the latest NFL player rankings, which are voted on by the players themselves.
The 2024 list stirred controversy, particularly because Patrick Mahomes, the reigning Super Bowl MVP and a two-time NFL MVP, was ranked fourth. San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill were all placed ahead of him, with Hill taking the number one spot.
Woody expressed his disbelief at Mahomes’ ranking, stating, “You lose all credibility when Patrick Mahomes isn’t at number one.” His frustration stemmed from Mahomes’ exceptional achievements, which include leading the Kansas City Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl victories and earning individual accolades.
Hill’s historic season vs. Mahomes’ legacy: A controversial NFL ranking
Tyreek Hill’s historic season, with career-high statistics, earned him the top spot, making him the first wide receiver and only the third non-quarterback to achieve this rank. Despite Hill’s impressive performance, Woody argued that Mahomes’ contributions and potential to make history should have secured him the number one position.
“We’re witnessing Patrick Mahomes doing things that even legends like Tom Brady and Joe Montana haven’t accomplished,” Woody emphasized, highlighting Mahomes’ pursuit of an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat. He criticized the voters, saying, “We have to do better than this.”
The ranking sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans and analysts sharing their opinions. One fan speculated that the votes might have been cast during a period when the Chiefs were struggling, affecting Mahomes’ ranking. Another fan acknowledged McCaffrey’s case for a high ranking but dismissed the idea that Mahomes should be placed below him and others.
Some fans pointed to other snubs, like Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who was left off the list despite a standout season. This, coupled with the inclusion of Aaron Rodgers, who missed almost the entire season due to injury, added fuel to the debate about the list’s credibility.
Overall, the discussion highlighted the subjective nature of player rankings and the passionate responses they elicit from the football community. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Mahomes and the Chiefs to see if they can continue to defy expectations and make history.
