Patrick Mahomes Calls Out 'Weird' Criticism of Black QBs After 'Streetball' Comment

While talking with reporters at training camp, Patrick Mahomes spoke out about recent criticism of himself and two other Black signal-callers, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Kyler Murray of the ArizonaCardinals.

"Obviously, the Black quarterback has had to battle to be in this position that we are to have a lot of guys playing." We are proving that we should have been playing the entire time. Guys can think just as well as they can use their athletic skills. It's weird when you see guys like me, Lamar, and Kyler, but not others. We're going to prove ourselves every day to see if we can be a good quarterback.

An unnamed defensive play-caller spoke to The Athletic's Mike Sando as part of Sando's annual quarterback rankings.

We love him because of his unconventional throws, not because of his pocket presence. They lose games when that goes away. I don't believe that is a 1 That is a 2. There wasn't anything against the man. I like the child. What does he do after his first read? He plays streetball.

Jackson was criticized in the same article.

They're not winning the game if he has to pass. He's a good football player but I don't think he'll ever be a quarterback because he's so unique. He won't be a quarterback as a football player. They have a hard time making it to the next round even when they are good on defense because games come down to two minutes. The playoffs are not easy to win. He is inconsistent in throwing the ball. It is either hit or misses.

The four-hour independent study clause for game weeks in Murray's extension was criticized. Since then, it has been removed.

When asked about the "streetball" remark, the man came to the defense of his friend.

Aaron Ladd @aaronladd0

#Chiefs Andy Reid on Mahomes 'streetball' comparisons: "Just take a peek at [the film], see how many times he hits the second receiver." pic.twitter.com/zWRauWeAT8

John Harbaugh spoke with the media about the comment about Jackson.

According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Harbaugh said he didn't know who the man was. I have yet to meet him. We report on what he has to say. The thing is what it is. It's not true. The burger is a big nothing burger.

Jackson was questioned about the criticism.

Murray addressed his work ethic while the controversy was going on.

The harsh and unfair criticism of Black quarterbacks has been going on for a long time.

There is different discussion about Black quarterbacks.

Tinsley spoke about the language used to describe Black signal-callers on Around the Horn.

Justin Tinsley @JustinTinsley

Just bringing this back to get things flowing given Mahomes' comments today about the critiques around him, Lamar and Kyler Murray this week (h/t: @aaronladd0 from previous RT) https://t.co/NItVerNPgW

Some of the best at their position are Jackson, Murray and Mahomes. Jackson and Murray both led their teams to the playoffs in the same year.

Each of their teams has a chance to win the Super Bowl in 2022. Jackson's Ravens will play the New York Jets, while Murray'sCardinals will play the Kansas City Royals.