As The Specials once sang: “You’ve done too much, much too young.”
That sentiment aptly describes the ages – 27, 26, 24, and 23 – of the quarterbacks starting in the NFL conference championship games this weekend.
Absent are seasoned veterans like 45-year-old Tom Brady, 39-year-old Aaron Rodgers, or even Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson, both 34. This youth movement among starting quarterbacks could signal a serious shift in the NFL’s quarterback landscape.
Patrick Mahomes, at 27, is the oldest of the final four quarterbacks, while Brock Purdy, just 23, is the youngest, making waves as a rookie for the San Francisco 49ers. The remaining quarterbacks, all under 30, highlight a trend towards younger players excelling at the position.
Good coaching, exceptional maturity, and the financial flexibility of rookie contracts have allowed these teams to thrive. Purdy’s emergence for the 49ers is a prime example, stepping up due to injuries and making the most of his opportunity.
The Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals, and San Francisco 49ers all boast top-ranked offenses, largely thanks to their young quarterbacks. High-scoring offenses are often driven by standout quarterbacks, as evidenced by the six Pro Bowl quarterbacks all playing for top offensive teams.
When Jalen Hurts, 24, and Purdy face off in the NFC Championship game, it will be the youngest combined age for starting quarterbacks in a conference championship. Mahomes, drafted by the Chiefs in 2017, has already won an MVP, a Super Bowl, and transformed the Chiefs into an offensive powerhouse. Despite his youth, Mahomes’ accomplishments rival those of legends like Tom Brady.
Brady himself has mentored Mahomes, offering advice and support. Mahomes’ rookie contract allowed the Chiefs to sign key free agents, crucial for their Super Bowl win. Now, with a massive contract, Mahomes continues to excel.
The other three quarterbacks in the playoffs are still on rookie deals, giving their teams financial flexibility. Joe Burrow, 26, Jalen Hurts, 24, and Brock Purdy, 23, all earn seriously less than many veteran backups, allowing their teams to build strong supporting rosters.
For the Eagles, Hurts’ low salary enabled them to add star players like AJ Brown and Haason Reddick, propelling them to the league’s best record. The 49ers, with Purdy stepping in, are also stacked with experienced talent, including midseason acquisition Christian McCaffrey.
The Bengals, nearing the end of Burrow’s rookie deal, face a critical window to win before a likely massive contract extension reshapes their roster.
This youthful quarterback group underscores a shift in NFL dynamics, where teams leverage rookie contracts to build competitive rosters around promising young talent.