Legacy Defined: When we talk about the NFL, quarterback legacies take center stage. Their leadership, precision, and game-changing plays can make or break championships.
Debates and Discussions: From living rooms to sports bars, the debate over the greatest quarterback never ceases. Is it the rings, the records, or the sheer talent?
Timeless Talents: From the golden age of gridiron greats to the modern-era maestros, some names always come up in the “Greatest QB” discussions.
The Ranking: With so much talent across decades, ranking the best becomes a challenging but exciting endeavor. Dive in as we countdown the legendary names and make our case for the greatest NFL quarterback of all time.
52. Bernie Kosar
Bernie Kosar didn’t have a cannon arm or speedy legs, but he had an uncanny football IQ. Running the innovative Browns offense, he made Cleveland playoff contenders. And after being cut, he gladly backed up Aikman, winning one last ring.
Kosar wasn’t flashy, but he was fiercely intelligent. With surgical precision, he executed game plans to perfection. Kosar brought consistent winning back to Cleveland, making the Dawg Pound bark proud once more.
51. Archie Manning
When it comes to the Manning legacy, Archie was the one who set the stage. Armed with an uncanny ability to throw on the run and scramble out of tight spots, Manning was a beacon of talent on some less-than-stellar New Orleans Saints teams in the ’70s.
Though the wins were few, Archie’s dynamic playstyle and status as the patriarch of the Manning family make him impossible to overlook. Manning’s athletic prowess laid the foundation for one of the NFL’s most iconic families.
50. Andrew Luck
The name Andrew Luck conjures mixed emotions, especially among Colts fans. His career, although short-lived, was like a meteor shower—bright and spectacular but gone too soon. Hindered by a subpar offensive line, Luck’s knack for making big plays with limited support was nothing short of miraculous.
Luck earned four Pro Bowl selections and a Comeback Player of the Year award, Which proved that quality often trumps quantity, leaving fans to wonder, “What if.”
49. Sammy Baugh
Before Slingin’ Sammy Baugh, quarterbacks were thought of as too frail to play defense. But the tough Texan shattered that myth with his gritty versatility. Baugh could do it all as both a QB and ball-hawking defender, revolutionizing the game.
Winning an astonishing six passing titles, Baugh pioneered the modern QB position as a star passer, punter, and defender. Quite simply, he was a football legend decades ahead of his time. The term “triple threat” was coined just for Baugh.
48. Boomer Esiason
With a name like Boomer, you’d expect fireworks and Esiason delivered. Though he never clinched the Lombardi, Esiason was a high-voltage competitor, coming agonizingly close in Super Bowl 23.
A one-time MVP and Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient, Esiason’s influence went beyond the gridiron. His radiant personality and playstyle make him one of the most memorable quarterbacks, even if he never got to hoist the championship trophy.
47. Doug Williams
Doug Williams’ Super Bowl explosion changed perceptions forever. His record-setting 5 TD performance put to rest bigoted notions about Black quarterbacks. Williams’ heroic victory resonates as deeply culturally as it does athletically.
Williams assumed the NFL throne in storybook fashion with 353 yards and 4 TDs in one dominant quarter. Beyond his on-field brilliance, his groundbreaking triumph opened doors for countless others.
46. Bob Waterfield
If you’ve never heard of Bob Waterfield, it’s time to acquaint yourself with this NFL pioneer. With accuracy that could knock a spoon out of someone’s mouth from 15 yards away, Waterfield was a marksman ahead of his time.
Sharing the field with another legend, Norm Van Brocklin, didn’t deter him; it only elevated his game. Two NFL championships and an MVP award speak to his football brilliance in an era where passing was still finding its footing.
45. Y.A. Tittle
Y.A. Tittle is synonymous with Giants’ lore, holding the single-season passing touchdown record for the franchise—no mean feat given the Q.B.s who’ve suited up for New York.
His 242 career touchdowns were groundbreaking for his era and would translate to astronomical numbers in today’s NFL. With seven Pro Bowl selections and an MVP to his name, Tittle is a high-rolling quarterback who certainly ranks among the best.
44. Jim Hart
Jim Hart is an unsung hero in the quarterback conversation. With over 34,000 career yards and 209 touchdowns, he navigated the turbulent waters of the 60s and 70s NFL with aplomb.
Though he may not be a household name, Hart’s stats speak volumes. Considered a Hall of Famer in many an expert’s book, this quarterback could sling it like the best of them, making him an oft-overlooked yet crucial piece of NFL history.
43. Norm Van Brocklin
The man who shared snaps with Bob Waterfield, Norm Van Brocklin, wasn’t overshadowed but rather shone in his own light. His masterful play led the Rams to an NFL Championship in 1951.
With a completion rate of 53.6% during a time when passing wasn’t the game’s focus, Van Brocklin was ahead of the curve. Nine Pro Bowl appearances and an MVP award tell the tale of a man whose impact reverberates through NFL history.
42. Bobby Layne
Forget Matthew Stafford; Bobby Layne was the true King of the Lions’ den. Known as the “Blonde Bomber,” Layne was an undisputed winner with three NFL championships under his belt.
His stats, while not as flashy by modern standards, were astronomical in the context of his era. Layne wasn’t just a thrower; he was a complete quarterback who dominated his contemporaries and set the standard for future Lions’ Q.B.s.
41. Sid Luckman
Sid Luckman’s 1943 season was nothing short of legendary—28 touchdown passes on just 202 pass attempts! That’s efficiency and effectiveness bundled into a Q.B. whose arm would make today’s passers green with envy.
With four NFL championships, Luckman was a winner in an era where the aerial game was still developing. His statistics in today’s NFL would’ve been record-shattering, making him one of the most fascinating “what-if” players in the sport’s annals.
40. Tony Romo
Undone by fate far too often, Tony Romo was the tragic hero of Dallas. The backbreaking botched snap unfairly haunted him, even as Romo played with flair and grit. Injuries derailed his daring style late in his career, robbing fans of his improvisational brilliance.
While Romo never grasped the Lombardi, his deep bombs and Houdini acts thrilled. He followed in Staubach and Aikman’s steps, playing with a gambler’s gusto. Romo’s daring style built his legacy, even as bad luck kept him from the top.
39. Daryle Lamonica
Known as the “Mad Bomber,” Daryle Lamonica was a true gunslinger in the NFL. While accuracy was not his calling card, the man had one of the strongest arms in the game’s history. Lamonica’s daring deep passes often lit up the field and thrilled the fans.
Despite his sometimes-risky plays, his prowess earned him five Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods, solidifying his position as a high-risk, high-reward quarterback who was always exciting to watch.
38. Joe Theismann
With bravado and a cannon arm, Joe Theismann led Washington’s high-flying offense. His breakneck style ushered in a new era of explosive scoring as he rang up gaudy stats. But a horrific injury cut short his swashbuckling style far too soon.
Before the brutal sack ended his career, Theismann thrived on high-risk throws. He played with a visible swagger, shredding defenses before they could touch him. Theismann brought Broadway to DC, even if the final curtain fell prematurely.
37. Vinny Testaverde
Bouncing between seven teams over 21 seasons, Vinny Testaverde was the ultimate NFL nomad. With his New York toughness, he endured every setback, always persevering. And for one brief, brilliant year with the Jets, he took center stage.
In 1998, Testaverde lifted the woeful Jets atop the AFC. Showing gritty resilience and sharp decision-making, he enjoyed his lone playoff run. While never spectacular, Testaverde’s longevity and determination still inspire.
36. Philip Rivers
The passionate Philip Rivers pumps life into the Chargers offense with a funky throwing motion and fiery competitive spirit. Despite his pinpoint accuracy and 8 Pro Bowls, Rivers’ regular season magic never fully translated to the playoffs.
Rivers plays with visible joy, talking trash and slinging darts in equal measure. While a ring has proven frustratingly elusive, his machine-like consistency gives hope. Rivers’ emotion and laser precision keep Chargers’ loyalists bolted with optimism.
35. Otto Graham
Otto Graham was more machine than man. The Cleveland general was built to play QB with cybernetic accuracy and a winning algorithm for a brain. Almost impossibly, Graham reached the title game every season of his 10-year career.
Graham bombed defenses into oblivion with a heat-seeking missile of a downfield arm, winning 7 championships. Nearly 70 years later, no quarterback in history can match Graham’s sheer dominance. His stats and success remain in a league of their own.
34. Aaron Rodgers
With a cannon arm and magician’s mastery of the pocket, Aaron Rodgers plays quarterback like a Jedi wielding a lightsaber. Already winning 1 Super Bowl and 4 MVPs, Rodgers boasts stats that rival any QB ever. However, his legacy remains incomplete.
To cement his place among the GOATs, Rodgers must lead the Packers back to the Promise Land at least once more. With his obscene talent and flair for the dramatic, don’t bet against the Bad Man capturing one last ring and going down as the greatest ever.
33. Carson Palmer
After being drafted by the struggling Bengals, Carson Palmer took Cincinnati from rags to riches. With two Pro Bowl nods and a league-leading touchdown total in 2005, he gave hope to generations of anguished Bengals fans. However, fed up with ownership, he retired early, only to triumphantly return with the Cardinals.
In 2015, Palmer enjoyed a legendary season, achieving a 13-3 record and bringing the Cardinals to within minutes of the Super Bowl. Through trials and tribulations, Palmer proved he deserved to be among the NFL quarterback elites.
32. Patrick Mahomes
The youngest name on this list, Patrick Mahomes, is already breaking norms. In a few short years, Mahomes has notched a Super Bowl win, a Super Bowl MVP, and an Offensive Player of the Year award. His playstyle is electric, marked by no-look passes and come-from-behind victories that leave audiences in awe.
While the sample size is small, Mahomes’ trajectory suggests that we’re witnessing a legend in the making, and his already hefty trophy cabinet is bound to need extra room.
31. Ken Anderson
The king of Cincinnati, Ken Anderson, brought credibility and winning to the woeful Bengals. With pinpoint accuracy and 4 Pro Bowls, Anderson took the struggling franchise to new heights. He led Cincy to their first Super Bowl, though his efforts fell short against the 49ers dynasty.
Anderson operated the Bengal’s offense with mechanical precision. While he couldn’t beat the Niners, Anderson showed a losing franchise how to win with grit and efficiency. He set records that still stand today, becoming Cincinnati royalty for his heroics, lifting a floundering team.
30. Ben Roethlisberger
Nicknamed “Big Ben,” the 6’5″ Roethlisberger was built like a linebacker but played quarterback with grace. After nearly toppling the mighty Patriots as a rookie, Roethlisberger led Pittsburgh to NFL glory the very next season, winning his first of two rings.
Playing through gruesome injuries that would sideline normal men, Roethlisberger embodied the toughness of Pittsburgh. He carried the proud Steelers on his broad shoulders with his cannon arm and brute strength.
29. Ken Stabler
With epic hair flowing from his helmet, the charismatic “Snake” easily slithered through defenses. Stabler unleashed deep bombs with a devil-may-care flair, winning impressively and living dangerously. His gutsy gambles paid off with a Super Bowl, even as his rockstar lifestyle drew headlines.
Stabler played football like a scene out of an action movie. He threw caution to the wind, winging the ball into the tightest windows with no fear. Winning with a cool confidence, the Snake brought an outlaw edge to the 1970s Raiders.
28. Jim Kelly
In the 90s, Jim “Machine Gun” Kelly unleashed an aerial assault on the NFL, blitzing defenses with the speedy no-huddle Bills offense. Appearing in a record 4 straight Super Bowls, Kelly became Buffalo’s favorite adopted son. However, heartbreak struck each time as the Bills always came up just short.
Kelly’s legacy is bittersweet. His Bills revolutionized offense forever, but those 4 painful Super Bowl losses leave fans wondering what could have been. Still, with his competitive fire, Kelly made Buffalo football a spectacle few have matched since.
27. Joe Namath
Armed with movie-star looks and a rebel attitude, Broadway Joe transformed the NFL forever. Namath brought an excitement and swagger that the league had never seen before. And he backed it up by leading the underdog Jets to a shock upset in Super Bowl III.
Playing most of his career on two good knees (his right knee was mangled), Namath was one of the most athletic QBs ever. He pioneered the modern passing game with his quick feet, rocket arm, and guts and became an American icon.
26. Matt Ryan
Thrust into the spotlight after Michael Vick’s dramatic fall from grace, Matt Ryan ushered in a new era for the Atlanta Falcons. After bringing Atlanta to the NFC Championship game in 2012, Ryan entered the MVP conversation. In 2016, he silenced all critics by winning league MVP and leading the Falcons to Super Bowl 51.
Up 28-3 in the 3rd quarter, Atlanta collapsed as Tom Brady executed the most remarkable comeback ever. The gut-wrenching loss will forever haunt Ryan, but his pinpoint precision and competitive fire cements his status as an all-time great quarterback.
25. Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb is often remembered for what he didn’t accomplish, overshadowing an objectively brilliant career. A six-time Pro Bowler, McNabb was a driving force behind the Philadelphia Eagles’ run to five NFC Championships and a Super Bowl appearance.
McNabb’s agility and ability to extend plays with his legs made him a dual threat. His career remains a tale of “so close yet so far,” but his skill set places him among the league’s greats.
24. Drew Bledsoe
Before Brady, there was Bledsoe. The rocket-armed patriarch brought winning back to New England. With 251 TDs and 3 Pro Bowls, Bledsoe earned his place among the Pats’ legends. His injury opened the door for Brady’s ascension.
Bledsoe was built like a linebacker but had finesse in the pocket. When healthy, he carried teams on his broad shoulders. Bledsoe laid the foundation for the Patriots dynasty, even as his own ended prematurely.
23. Kurt Warner
From bagging groceries to collecting MVPs, Kurt Warner’s story is the stuff of Hollywood films. An unknown backup, Warner seized the moment, going from zero to hero almost overnight. With a rocket arm and underdog passion, he captured two improbable Super Bowl berths.
Warner inspired the NFL masses with his fearless play. An unlikely legend, he made the extraordinary feel ordinary with his rags-to-riches journey. Warner achieved true football immortality with guts, faith, and uncanny accuracy.
22. Eli Manning
Easygoing Eli Manning transforms when the pressure hits hardest. Seemingly flipping a switch, he instantly goes from zero to hero in the postseason. With two shocking Super Bowl upsets on his resume, especially over the Patriots, Manning has incredible big-game poise.
While Eli struggles through ups and downs in the regular season, he saves his magic for the playoffs. With NFL royalty in his veins, Manning was built to handle the spotlight. When the game is on the line, few quarterbacks compare to Easy Eli.
21. Phil Simms
Gritty and gutsy, Phil Simms embodied the blue-collar ethos of New York’s Big Blue Wrecking Crew. Simms played his best with two rings when the Giants needed it most. He didn’t post gaudy stats but made winning throws when it mattered.
Simms led with his toughness, playing through pain to lift his teammates. He brought Lombardis back to the Big Apple with opportunistic play in the clutch. Unheralded among casual fans, Simms occupies a special place in Giants’ lore.
20. Dan Fouts
With a bushy beard and high-flying offense, Dan Fouts made Air Coryell take flight. Triggering lightning touchdowns with his quick release, Fouts lit up scoreboards even with limited surrounding talent. Despite never reaching the Super Bowl, his revolutionary attack still awes.
Fouts’ Chargers evolved offense forever, stretching defenses like taffy. He proved a team could win on the arm alone, mastering the vertical passing game decades before its time. Fouts brought excitement, even as bad defenses spoiled his dreams.
19. Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw was far from a stat machine, but he transformed when the stakes were highest. Leading Pittsburgh to 4 Super Bowls with his gutsy swagger, Bradshaw saved his best for last. He led epic comebacks with cool confidence with the game on the line.
Critics dismiss Bradshaw’s modest regular season numbers, but he soared on the big stage. With his southern drawl and cowboy toughness, he embodied the blue-collar Steelers. Bradshaw proved that champions shine brightest with the Super Bowl lights beaming.
18. Drew Brees
Drew Brees didn’t just resurrect the Saints post-Katrina; he resurrected a city’s spirit. With pinpoint precision and a tireless work ethic, the diminutive Brees ascended to the peak of the NFL mountain. The Super Bowl XLIV MVP brought New Orleans its first championship ever.
Along the way, Brees broke every major passing record, including career yards and completions. An inspiration on and off the field, Brees forever changed football in the Big Easy, transforming the Saints into perennial contenders.
17. Russell Wilson
Too short to play QB? Yeah right. The diminutive Russell Wilson has shattered every myth about height in the NFL. With magician-like escapes from the pocket and moonshot deep balls, Wilson makes the miraculous look routine.
Hitting walk-off touchdowns in the playoffs and clutch strikes in the Super Bowl, Wilson always delivers when it matters most. Leading the Seahawks to two Super Bowls before 30, the best is yet to come for this pint-sized playmaker.
16. Bob Griese
The cool captain of Miami’s perfect season, Bob Griese, played with poised precision. Griese orchestrated the NFL’s only undefeated campaign in 1972 and used an efficient rhythm passing attack to make history. Despite his understated style, Griese’s two rings and 6 Pro Bowls speak for themselves.
Griese never danced in the pocket, simply executing with military efficiency. Critics called him a “game manager,” but Griese’s quick thinking and mistake-free play made the unbeaten ’72 Dolphins sing. He proved that sometimes, the conductor matters more than the orchestra.
15. Randall Cunningham
Randall “The Ultimate Weapon” Cunningham exploded offenses with his slippery running and cannon arm. Shredding defenses like taffy, he dazzled with video game improvisation. Cunningham brought the NFL into the modern era with his playground style.
Cunningham danced through defenses with breathtaking ease, using his track speed to skate past tacklers. Though lacking jewelry, Cunningham’s innovation paved the way for dual-threat playmakers. He proved quarterbacks didn’t have to conform to rigid labels.
14. Len Dawson
With a stoic poise and picture-perfect throws, Len Dawson ushered the Chiefs from losers to winners. The cig-chomping gunslinger delivered Kansas City their first Lombardi trophy in dominant fashion. While never flashy, Dawson executed with elite efficiency.
Dawson didn’t try trick throws or dazzling runs. He simply shredded defenses with crisp spirals to open targets. A classic drop-back passer, Dawson gave KC an efficient, mistake-free field general who finally delivered a title.
13. Troy Aikman
The blond-haired, blue-eyed Aikman had the looks of a Hollywood leading man and the skills of a truly great quarterback. Inheriting a floundering Cowboys franchise, Aikman molded them into a dynasty. He went a perfect 3-0 in Super Bowls, claiming Super Bowl XXVII MVP.
Unfortunately, concussions cut Aikman’s Hall of Fame career short. But make no mistake, he was elite. Aikman led with poise and accuracy, unleashing Emmitt Smith as the centerpiece of an unstoppable Cowboys attack.
12. Fran Tarkenton
A ghostly blur in the backfield, Fran Tarkenton dashed around with his legs as much as his arm. The original scrambler prototype he confounded defenses with his off-script improvisation. Despite his 9 Pro Bowls and 47,000 yards, Tarkenton could never exorcise his Super Bowl demons.
Tarkenton pioneered the mobile QB, extending plays Houdini-style decades before it was common. While the Lombardi trophy eluded him, Tarkenton brought excitement under center not seen before. He changed fans’ perceptions of what a quarterback could be forever.
11. Warren Moon
Shunned by prejudiced scouts, Warren Moon proved true talent can’t be denied. After dominating the CFL, Moon brought his electrifying skills to the NFL, redefining offense with his fast-paced attack. The first Black QB in the Hall of Fame, Moon trailblazed for every mobile passer since.
Moon followed his own path, overcoming racism and doubters to excel at the game he loved. With nine Pro Bowls across both leagues, he built a legendary career on the field while opening doors for countless others off it.
10. Bart Starr
Before Tom Brady, it was Bart Starr who dominated the big game. The heroic Starr led the Packers to victory in the first two Super Bowls ever played. A true champion, Starr always saved his best for last.
The MVP of the “Ice Bowl,” Starr completed perhaps the most iconic quarterback sneak ever to send Green Bay to Super Bowl II. Cool and courageous in the clutch, Starr was the perfect leader for the glory days of Titletown.
9. Steve Young
Replacing Joe Montana seemed impossible, but Steve Young seized the opportunity with both hands. After years as a backup, Young captured MVPs and Super Bowls for San Francisco, proving the Niners dynasty was far from done.
With electrifying scrambles, deep bombs, and late-game heroics, Young forged his own legacy. His six-TD performance in the Super Bowl XXIX victory finally silenced the critics. Joe Who? Young’s magic made 49ers fans quickly forget Montana.
8. Brett Favre
A gunslinger like the Old West, Brett Favre played with childlike joy and reckless abandon. Favre never met a throw he didn’t like, winging rockets into the tightest windows with no fear. Winning a record-setting 3 MVPs in a row, he became the NFL’s all-time passing leader.
Favre played with an infectious spirit, pumping up teammates and fans alike. Sure, he roasted a few bridges with his retirement flip-flopping. But with his cannon arm and smiling love for football, Favre was truly one of a kind.
7. Roger Staubach
With movie-star good looks and a gunslinger’s swagger, Roger “Captain Comeback” Staubach embodied America’s Team. His Hail Mary passes and miracle comebacks became the stuff of legend. Without Staubach’s heroics, the Cowboys’ would never have become a juggernaut.
Staubach was one of football’s first crossover superstars, leading Dallas to five Super Bowls and two championships. After retiring due to concussions, his name still evokes images of the glory days when the Cowboys ruled the NFL.
6. John Elway
With helicopter spins and laser rockets, John Elway finally landed the big one late in his career. After years of Super Bowl letdowns, Elway overcame the narrative and won back-to-back rings on his way out. Then, as GM, he built another champion.
Elway played every game like it was his last, making jaw-dropping improvisational plays. After retiring following two hard-fought titles, Elway continued his Broncos legacy from the front office. His fire and determination still stoke Denver fans today.
5. Johnny Unitas
With buzzcut hair and black hightops, Johnny Unitas looked like a 1950s crewcut kid playing sandlot ball. But Unitas was all business between the lines, executing with military precision. His legendary poise in the two-minute drill earned him the nickname “Mr. Clutch.”
Unitas pioneered the vertical game for the Baltimore Colts dynasty as the first true passing star. Winning three championships and a Super Bowl, Unitas set the mold for every statuesque pocket passer since with his quick release and ice-cold veins.
4. Dan Marino
With quick feet and an even quicker release, Dan “The Man” Marino brought video game numbers to real-life football. He obliterated defenses with robotic precision, setting a blizzard of passing records that stand untouched today. However, Marino’s unbelievable stats never translated to rings.
Despite his lone Super Bowl appearance ending in defeat, Marino redefined quarterbacking. His lightning release and mile-high production raised fans’ expectations forever. Marino proved gaudy stats alone can’t win titles, but his breakneck air assault revolutionized offense.
3. Peyton Manning
Nicknamed “The Sheriff,” Peyton Manning wasn’t just an NFL megastar but an American icon. With a cannon arm and a brain even brighter than his brother Eli, Manning shattered record after record. Winning a jaw-dropping 5 MVP awards, he led the explosive Indianapolis Colts offense like a maestro conducts an orchestra.
Although his statue-like mobility in the pocket often led to crushing sacks, Manning memorized playbooks like they were children’s books. His insane football IQ allowed him to pick apart defenses better than anyone in NFL history. They didn’t call him “The Sheriff” for nothing.
2. Tom Brady
The GOAT. With icy precision, teammates’ trust, and a maniacal drive to win, Tom Brady has taken the NFL hostage, collecting rings and records with ease. At 45, his reign of terror atop the league shows no signs of stopping.
Brady has turned 10 Super Bowl appearances into 7 Lombardi trophies so far. The NFL has become his own personal video game – and he’s playing in easy mode. With his killer instinct and fountain of youth, Brady may just play until he’s 50 and retire with 10+ rings.
1. Joe Montana
Called “Joe Cool” for his chill presence in high-pressure moments, Montana was simply unflappable. He marched the 49ers to 4 Super Bowl wins without a single loss, claiming 3 Super Bowl MVPs. Even with the game on the line, Montana remained calm and heroic, leading breathtaking game-winning drives.
The definition of a winner, Montana, lifted his teammates to greatness. While he lacked gaudy stats, he delivered when it mattered most. Standing tall in the pocket with ice in his veins, Montana is perhaps the most clutch quarterback ever.