Quarterback is one of the many great Netflix sports docuseries, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the complex lives of NFL quarterbacks, but Quarterback season 2 isn’t a sure thing. The series featured Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariota, providing a blend of on-field action and personal insights that revealed the pressures and triumphs of professional football. The series’ ability to connect fans with the personal narratives of these athletes, along with the intricate details of their professional lives, set a new standard for sports documentaries.
Expectations for a second season grew as the series garnered acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. However, the emergence of a new related series titled Receiver has led to some uncertainty about the continuation of Quarterback. While initial reports suggested that Quarterback season 2 was in production, it now appears that the focus has shifted to Receiver, which will explore the lives of NFL wide receivers and tight ends, potentially expanding or diverting from the original Quarterback concept.
Peyton Manning, one of the series’ producers, confirmed the production of Quarterback season 2 in 2023 (via NBC Sports), revealing that “season two has been greenlit by Netflix.” However, Manning also referred to the struggle he and the production have had with finding players wanting to be involved. Manning added:
While Manning confirmed the green light, Netflix hadn’t made an official announcement. This was likely due to quarterbacks being unwilling to participate. A number of high-profile quarterbacks have declined to take part. Among them are Daniel Jones and Jalen Hurts, who have both turned down the opportunity twice (via NBC Sports), and Tua Tagovailoa turned down the opportunity too (via The Mirror). Additionally, Joe Burrow has mentioned that the timing wasn’t right for him. Their reluctance might stem from the considerable media attention the series attracts, which some players see as off-putting. Manning explained (via THR):
Moreover, conflicting news surfaced about Matthew Stafford, who may or may not appear in the show (via Oregon Live). There were reports that Stafford was wearing a microphone during the Rams’ 30-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks. However, he expressed uncertainty about the series’ continuation. Stafford commented:
Nevertheless, footage has been shot for a new series, Receiver (via Detroit News). This revelation raises questions about whether Quarterback season 2 has been repurposed into Receiver or if the new series is an entirely separate project. Both series are produced by the same collaboration between NFL Films, Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, and Patrick Mahomes’ 2PM Productions, which suggests a potential overlap or shift in focus from the original series.
As a result, the fate of Quarterback season 2 remains unclear. Receiver‘s production does not necessarily preclude the possibility of Quarterback season 2, but it casts doubts on whether the quarterback-focused series will continue as initially planned.
Receiver will track the lives of five top NFL pass-catchers throughout the 2023 season, including Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Raiders’ Davante Adams, the Vikings’ Justin Jefferson, and two from the 49ers — tight end George Kittle and receiver Deebo Samuel. Set to launch in the summer, the eight-episode series aims to provide a deep dive into what it takes to excel as a receiver in the NFL. Manning’s statement about the new series emphasized their commitment to offering fans an intimate look at these athletes’ personal and professional lives, mirroring Quarterback’s narrative approach. He stated (via Detroit News):
Receiver aims to redefine sports storytelling by shifting the focus from the often-highlighted quarterbacks to receivers’ dynamic and crucial role in the NFL. This new series will blend intense game footage with deeply personal narratives, exploring the professional and personal lives of its cast members. Similar to how Quarterback provided an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs of NFL quarterbacks, Receiver will delve into the strategic, mental, and physical aspects of playing football at the elite level as a receiver or tight end.
Sources: NBC Sports, NBC Sports, The Mirror, THR, Oregon Live, Detroit News