Rob Gronkowski snubs Patrick Mahomes, chooses Joe Burrow for his exclusive “All-Dude” first team

In a surprising turn of events, former NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski has stirred up controversy in the football world by selecting Joe Burrow over Patrick Mahomes for his exclusive “All-Dude” First Team. The decision, made on the “Dudes on Dudes” podcast, has ignited passionate debates among analysts, fans, and players.

With Mahomes coming off yet another dominant season, including leading the Kansas City Chiefs to the AFC Championship Game, many expected him to be the undisputed quarterback choice for such an honor. However, Gronkowski made a compelling case for Burrow, citing his exceptional individual performance despite a challenging season for the Cincinnati Bengals. This unexpected pick raises questions about the criteria used to evaluate elite quarterbacks and whether individual brilliance should outweigh team success.

Rob Gronkowski’s Controversial Pick: Why Burrow Over Mahomes?

During the episode, Gronkowski—a four-time Super Bowl champion—explained his reasoning behind snubbing Mahomes in favor of Burrow. While acknowledging Mahomes’ leadership and clutch performances, Gronk focused on Burrow’s statistical dominance, resilience, and elite playmaking ability throughout the 2024 NFL season.

“That guy balled out for the Cincinnati Bengals this year. I know they didn’t make the playoffs, but that doesn’t matter. He balled like he was a First-Team All-Pro guy. He came through,” Gronkowski said, making his case for Burrow.

Joe Burrow’s 2024 Season: A Statistical Masterclass

Burrow’s 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular. Despite missing the playoffs, he put up:

• 4,897 passing yards
• 43 touchdown passes
• 67.8% completion rate
• 110.3 passer rating

These numbers are MVP-worthy in any season, and Gronkowski argued that Burrow’s ability to excel under difficult circumstances makes him deserving of a top spot. Even with a banged-up offensive line and key injuries to the Bengals’ roster, Burrow consistently delivered elite-level performances.

Julian Edelman Initially Chose Mahomes—But Gronkowski Changed His Mind

Co-host Julian Edelman initially picked Patrick Mahomes as the “All-Dude” First Team quarterback, a choice many considered the obvious one. However, after hearing Gronkowski’s passionate argument in favor of Burrow, Edelman changed his selection.

“Alright, I see your point, Gronk. Burrow did put up insane numbers this year,” Edelman admitted. Ultimately, Mahomes was placed on the “All-Dude” Second Team, while Burrow earned the top spot.

This unexpected switch sparked heated discussions among NFL analysts. Many questioned whether “balling out” alone should be the key determinant of a first-team selection. Others supported the idea that individual brilliance should be rewarded, regardless of team outcomes.

Patrick Mahomes’ Case: Should He Have Been the First-Team Pick?

On paper, Mahomes’ case for the top spot is undeniable. The Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar:

• Led his team to a 13-4 record
• Threw for 4,752 yards and 41 touchdowns
• Won his third NFL MVP award
• Carried an offense that lacked a true No. 1 receiver

Despite the Chiefs struggling with injuries and offensive inconsistencies, Mahomes once again proved his status as the NFL’s premier quarterback, making magic happen in high-pressure moments. His clutch performances, especially in the playoffs, cemented his reputation as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

The Debate: What Defines an “All-Dude” Quarterback?

Gronkowski’s pick of Burrow over Mahomes brings up an interesting philosophical debate:

• Should the award go to the quarterback with the best team success? (Mahomes)
• Or should it go to the player with the most dominant individual season? (Burrow)

For years, quarterbacks have been judged by team success, playoff performances, and championships. However, this approach often overlooks elite-level individual play, especially when a quarterback carries a struggling team on his back.

The Case for Individual Performance

Gronkowski and Edelman’s discussion suggests a new way of evaluating quarterbacks, one that emphasizes individual play over team results.

For instance, some of the most talented quarterbacks in NFL history—Dan Marino, Philip Rivers, and even Aaron Rodgers at times—have been overlooked in favor of players with stronger supporting casts. If individual talent was prioritized over rings and playoff wins, Marino might be considered the greatest QB ever.

The Case for Team Success

On the other hand, Mahomes’ career proves that winning should matter. He has continuously demonstrated that he can lead a team to victory, even when the odds are stacked against him. While Burrow’s 2024 season was impressive, Mahomes delivered when it counted the most—a quality that defines true greatness.

Other Quarterbacks in the “All-Dude” Discussion

Aside from Burrow and Mahomes, several elite quarterbacks had standout seasons:

• Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): Nearly won MVP with 5,100 total yards and 46 touchdowns.
• Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): Led his team to the best record in the AFC while throwing for 3,800 yards and rushing for 1,200 yards.
• Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles): A dual-threat nightmare, scoring 40 total touchdowns.

While each of these quarterbacks had an argument for inclusion, Gronkowski ultimately favored Burrow’s “ball-out” mentality.

Is this a snub or a different perspective?

Many Mahomes fans see this as a snub—after all, he had a dominant season and led his team deep into the playoffs. However, Gronkowski’s perspective challenges conventional thinking.

His argument suggests that football should celebrate individual greatness, regardless of team record. It’s not a knock on Mahomes—it’s simply recognition of Burrow’s talent.

NFL Fans React: Social Media Erupts Over Gronkowski’s Pick

As expected, Gronkowski’s pick set social media on fire.

• Mahomes fans were outraged, with many calling the decision disrespectful to the best QB in football.
• Bengals fans celebrated, saying that Burrow finally got the recognition he deserves.
• Neutral fans debated whether stats should outweigh team success.

Some of the top social media reactions included:

• “No way Gronk just put Burrow over Mahomes. This is a crime.”
• “Finally someone gives Burrow credit! Dude is an absolute baller!”
• “Mahomes literally won MVP and got demoted to Second Team? Insanity.”

Regardless of opinion, one thing is clear: this debate isn’t dying down anytime soon.

Final Thoughts: A New Way to Evaluate Quarterbacks?

Rob Gronkowski’s “All-Dude“ First Team selection may have been controversial, but it raises a fascinating question:

Should quarterbacks be judged primarily by their team’s success or by their individual brilliance?

While Mahomes remains the undisputed face of the NFL, Gronkowski’s selection of Burrow reminds us that football greatness can be measured in more ways than just wins and losses.

As the NFL evolves, this debate will only intensify—and with Burrow and Mahomes likely to battle for years to come, the conversation is far from over.

Who do YOU think deserved the first-team spot? Let us know in the comments!