When Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen face off on the football field, it’s must-see TV. These two young superstar quarterbacks battle it out with elite arm talent, pinpoint accuracy, and clutch playmaking ability. But off the field, their relationship is defined more by mutual respect and friendly competition rather than animosity. Through competitive golf outings, bonding at NFL events, and genuine admiration for one another’s skills, Mahomes and Allen have cultivated a unique quarterback camaraderie in today’s NFL.

Their on-field rivalry first began in 2020 when Allen’s Buffalo Bills hosted Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Although the Chiefs prevailed 26-17, both QBs put on a show. Mahomes threw for 325 yards and three touchdowns, while Allen countered with 315 yards and a score of his own. It was a back-and-forth contest between two of the league’s best that left fans wanting more. Since then, their matchups have taken on an added layer of intrigue and importance as their careers progress.

But their bond began forming even before that initial 2020 showdown. At the peak of his powers just a year into his career, Mahomes was already taking notice of Allen’s abilities. “Josh Allen is a guy who can throw every single throw,” Mahomes said in 2019. “He’s athletic and can run with the football but also has a cannon for an arm.” The praise was a testament to Allen’s breakout second season where he cemented himself as a true franchise quarterback.

Allen has always had immense respect for Mahomes as well, given his unprecedented early success. Just months into his rookie season, Mahomes led the Chiefs to the AFC Championship and was named MVP the following year after a record-setting 50 touchdown campaign. “To see what Pat’s done at such a young age with an MVP and Super Bowl title already, it’s really impressive,” Allen said. Their mutual acknowledgment of each other’s talents laid the early foundation for their positive relationship.

But it was on the golf course where their friendship first began to truly blossom. Both Mahomes and Allen are avid golfers who have competed in several pro-ams and celebrity tournaments. In 2021, they were paired together at The American Century Championship celebrity golf event in Lake Tahoe. Despite the competitive juices surely flowing between the gridiron rivals, photos showed them smiling and laughing throughout the round.

Their lighthearted dynamic on the links gave a glimpse into how their relationship had evolved beyond just respecting one another from afar. Being able to relax together in a more low-stakes setting like golf seemed to help foster genuine camaraderie. Allen later reflected on the experience, saying “It was great playing with Pat. We’ve built a good friendship over the years and always have fun competing against each other.”

That budding friendship received another boost when they reunited at the 2022 Masters Par-3 Contest. Mahomes and Allen were grouped with fellow NFL stars Larry Fitzgerald and Peyton Manning for the lighthearted pre-Masters event. Pictures of the quartet laughing and joking together conveyed how far the relationship had come. From competitive foes, Mahomes and Allen were now forging a bond as peers and friends within the NFL fraternity.

Their blossoming camaraderie added intrigue to an already highly-anticipated Week 6 matchup between the Chiefs and Bills in 2022. With both teams undefeated heading into the Sunday night showdown, it had all the makings of a game for the ages. And it lived up to the hype as the two QBs dueled in a back-and-forth classic. Mahomes threw for 338 yards and two scores, but Allen was just slightly better in the 24-20 Buffalo victory with 329 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Following the game, the budding friendship was on full display in their postgame interactions. After a lengthy hug and conversation at midfield, Mahomes and Allen continued chatting as they shook hands with fans and signed autographs. Their ability to enjoy and appreciate each other’s performances despite the competitive atmosphere spoke volumes about their relationship. Rather than bitterness over a loss, Mahomes conveyed admiration for Allen’s clutch play.

Some have drawn parallels between Mahomes and Allen’s dynamic to the legendary Tom Brady and Peyton Manning rivalry that defined the NFL for over a decade. Like Brady and Manning, Mahomes and Allen are at the forefront of the league competing for championships year after year. But their connection seems to be defined more by friendly competition and mutual respect rather than the lingering animosity that sometimes characterized the Brady-Manning battles.

When asked about comparisons to Brady and Manning, Allen downplayed the notion. “Everyone wants to make it a big rivalry but at the end of the day we’re just out here competing and trying to win ballgames,” he said. Mahomes echoed that sentiment, adding “We’ve built a good friendship and just want to see each other succeed.” Their insistence on keeping the focus on their positive relationship rather than perceived rivalry is refreshing.

Of course, with so much talent and so many meaningful matchups still ahead, time will tell if their battles take on a bigger rivalry feel. But for now, their quarterback camaraderie stands out in today’s NFL. In a league often defined by cutthroat competitiveness, Mahomes and Allen show that top-tier athletes can maintain a genuine friendship despite being fierce on-field opponents. Whether their connection grows into the next iconic rivalry or simply remains a model of sportsmanship, their dynamic will surely be one of the most intriguing aspects of the coming NFL seasons.

With so many prime seasons still ahead of them, Mahomes and Allen have the potential to build one of the greatest quarterback rivalries in NFL history. But regardless of how their careers play out, their ability to establish such a positive relationship so early in their time in the league sets an example for others. Through mutual admiration, friendly competition, and quality time together off the field, they’ve cultivated a unique brand of quarterback camaraderie that makes their matchups as fun to watch off the field as they are on it.