Michael Mackelvie Podcast How NFL Teams Break Young Quarterbacks - With Zak Keefer
Sep 19, 2025
Zak Keefer, a sports reporter and author known for his insights on NFL quarterback development, explores the pitfalls young quarterbacks face in the league. He discusses how organizational structures often hinder success, using examples like Andrew Luck and Anthony Richardson. Keefer emphasizes the critical role of coaching fit and scheme, arguing that mismatches can lead to failure. Insights from Bruce Arians and Kevin O'Connell reveal that nurturing through failures is key. This rich conversation sheds light on talent, environment, and the complexities of quarterback development.
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Where A QB Goes Matters
- Organizations often fail quarterbacks more than quarterbacks fail organizations.
- Few teams truly know how to develop a young QB despite craving a franchise signal‑caller.
Andrew Luck's Overwhelming Transition
- Andrew Luck felt overwhelmed by NFL intensity despite an unusually pro‑ready college background.
- Luck said transitioning was like drinking from a firehose and then pouring gasoline on it.
Alex Smith's Solitary Early Learning
- Alex Smith described learning alone and lacking guidance early in his career.
- He asked coaches to switch him into shotgun on third down because he didn't know what to request otherwise.
