While Joe Namath deserves recognition, Len Dawson arguably stood as the AFL’s top quarterback, boasting impressive statistics including leading the league in completion percentage seven times, passer rating six times, and touchdown passes four times. Dawson secured three championships, including two AFL titles in 1962 and 1966 before the Super Bowl era, and a decisive victory in Super Bowl IV. Additionally, he defied age expectations, playing until he was 40 and solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s early elite passers. Despite his achievements, Dawson’s nickname “Lenny the Cool” often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves.

Tarkenton is often remembered for starting and losing three Super Bowls, but his career is defined by much more. Tarkenton’s uniqueness at the quarterback position shines through his remarkable consistency, starting in every one of his 18 NFL seasons. His journey included a trade from the Minnesota Vikings to the New York Giants in 1967, only to return to the Vikings in 1972. It was during this latter stint that Tarkenton’s brilliance truly shone, leading the Vikings to three NFC Championship Games and earning an MVP award. Remarkably, he also topped the league in passing yards in his final season in 1978, cementing his place among the all-time greats.

Warren Moon’s placement on lists of greatest quarterbacks often sparks debate. While some argue he could be ranked higher due to his exceptional talent and achievements, others point to his limited playoff success, winning only three postseason starts in his 17-year career without advancing to a conference title game. However, what sets Moon apart is his resilience and perseverance. He spent the first six years of his professional career in the Canadian Football League before finally getting the chance to play quarterback in the NFL, defying racial stereotypes that suggested he should play wide receiver instead. Moon’s success in the NFL, including leading the league in passing yards for consecutive seasons, showcases his prowess as one of the finest pure throwers of the football, rivaling even legends like Joe Namath.

Setting aside the four Super Bowl losses, Jim Kelly’s leadership and contributions to the Buffalo Bills’ success cannot be understated. Despite his struggles in those championship games, Kelly’s performance in the playoffs leading up to them was noteworthy. However, his statistics may not stack up to some of his contemporaries due to various factors. Firstly, Kelly spent his first three seasons lighting up the United States Football League (USFL) before transitioning to the NFL. Additionally, playing in Buffalo meant facing challenging weather conditions in late-season games, which impacted his statistical output despite providing the Bills with a formidable home-field advantage.

When evaluating Kurt Warner, many people fixate on his mid-career challenges, overlooking the circumstances beyond his control. Critics argue he didn’t have a prolonged prime, but should we ignore the talent evaluators who overlooked him in college or the teams that mishandled him? The Rams benched him in 2003 despite his injuries, favoring Marc Bulger. The Giants opted for Eli Manning over Warner, despite Warner’s solid performance. The Cardinals initially prioritized Matt Leinart over Warner, with less than stellar results. Despite these setbacks, Warner achieved remarkable success as a starting quarterback, winning two league MVPs, a Super Bowl MVP, starting in three Super Bowls, and retiring while still at the top of his game. His ability to excel despite adversity, deliver under pressure, and withstand hits, particularly on deep dropbacks, remains a testament to his skill and resilience.

Ben Roethlisberger presents a challenging case for evaluation. At his best, he has displayed brilliance, leading the NFL in passing yards in 2018 and posting impressive statistics throughout his career, including a stellar 14-1 record as a starter in his rookie season. With two Super Bowl victories and a third appearance, his accomplishments on the field warrant consideration for a higher ranking than 19th. However, questions linger about whether he has ever been the absolute best or second-best quarterback in the league, as well as concerns about his off-field behavior and potential distractions to his team. Undoubtedly, Roethlisberger’s current status as a Hall of Famer is secure, but his place among the all-time greats may hinge on his performance in the coming seasons.

Despite his relatively short time in the league compared to other all-time greats, Russell Wilson’s first seven seasons as a starter rival those of any quarterback in NFL history. With two Super Bowl appearances and consistent playoff appearances, Wilson has proven his ability to lead his team to success. Over the past four seasons, he has showcased his talent by carrying his team to victory despite the decay of the roster around him. While early in his career Wilson may have relied on defense to secure wins, he has evolved into a player whom the entire Seattle fan base relies on to turn the tide of a game. Wilson’s effectiveness in utilizing his legs and decision-making skills distinguishes him as one of the most impactful players in the league. With a career passer rating exceeding 100, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and execute in clutch situations, as exemplified by his memorable performances, such as the 2015 Divisional Round game against Carolina.

While some, including NFL Research expert Jack Andrade, argue that Terry Bradshaw was merely an average NFL quarterback, especially considering his regular-season performance from 1970 to 1974, his legacy is solidified by his postseason prowess. Despite facing challenges like injuries and a demanding coach in Chuck Noll, Bradshaw proved to be highly effective from 1977 to 1982. What sets Bradshaw apart is his remarkable performance in big games, particularly the Super Bowl. His iconic pass to Lynn Swann in Super Bowl X is often hailed as one of the greatest throws in Super Bowl history. Bradshaw’s standout performances in Super Bowl XIII and XIV further cemented his legacy, earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While some quarterbacks may have won a Super Bowl or two while being above average, Bradshaw’s ability to win four rings and perform at a high level in those championship contests sets him apart as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Luckman is severely and vastly underrated, with his contributions often overlooked in the annals of football history. Despite this, several of the Chicago Bears’ passing records still stand as a testament to his greatness. Luckman was the Peyton Manning to Sammy Baugh’s Tom Brady, a comparison that highlights his exceptional talent and success. Winning four NFL titles and leading his team to numerous victories, Luckman’s career was hindered by the interruption of World War II, during which he and many of his teammates served. Nonetheless, Luckman’s statistical achievements speak volumes—he led the league in passing yards, touchdown passes, and passer rating multiple times, with his 8.4 yards per attempt ranking second all-time. The Bears’ impressive record during Luckman’s tenure further solidifies his legacy as one of the game’s greatest quarterbacks. Despite the passage of time, Luckman’s remarkable feat of throwing seven touchdowns in a game in 1943 remains a testament to his enduring greatness.

Steve Young, though retired from the NFL since the previous century, epitomizes the modern quarterback prototype with his ability to throw, run, and excel on the move. Regarded by some as the most complete quarterback ever, Young showcased exceptional athleticism, reminiscent of today’s Russell Wilson, while maintaining a keen sense of when to utilize his legs or defer to the passing game. Known for his precision akin to Drew Brees and unrivaled toughness, Young’s touch and accuracy remain unmatched in today’s NFL. Despite not becoming the San Francisco 49ers’ full-time starter until his fifth season with the team, Young’s accomplishments were remarkable, including one Super Bowl victory as a starter, two MVP awards, and leading the league in passer rating six times. Additionally, he ranks among the all-time leaders in rushing yards by a quarterback. Crucially, Young delivered brilliant performances on the biggest stage, contributing significantly to the 49ers’ fifth Lombardi Trophy triumph.

Troy Aikman epitomized the classic NFL quarterback sought after for decades. With a strong arm and quick release, he excelled in executing precise throws, despite the Cowboys’ run-heavy offense. Aikman’s focus on quality over quantity in passing resulted in fewer yards but more wins. He boasted a remarkable 11-4 playoff record, known for his accuracy and clutch performances when it mattered most.

Starr often finds himself ranked third among Packers quarterbacks, but his 9-1 postseason record sets him apart like no other. While his career had its ups and downs, especially without Vince Lombardi, it doesn’t diminish his greatness. In fact, Lombardi’s success might not have been the same without Starr. In the postseason, Starr boasted a remarkable 104.8 passer rating, with 15 touchdowns and just three interceptions, during an era when an 80 passer rating was considered exceptional. While the Packers’ offense was renowned for the sweep, Starr’s ability to go deep on third-and-1 showed his versatility. His finest moment came in the 1966 NFL Championship Game, where he threw four touchdowns, including two crucial deep balls, paving the way for the iconic QB sneak in the Ice Bowl a year later.

Favre’s legacy often centers on his remarkable ironman streak of 297 consecutive starts, a feat unparalleled in NFL history. Yet, what’s sometimes overlooked is his extraordinary achievement of winning three consecutive MVP awards—an accomplishment that may never be replicated. To be recognized as the most valuable player in the league for three consecutive years speaks volumes about Favre’s consistency and impact on the game. Even iconic quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning couldn’t achieve this feat, despite their numerous accolades. Favre’s true impact extended beyond statistics; his toughness and stature as the best player in football for multiple seasons defined his legacy. His ability to improvise, akin to John Elway or Patrick Mahomes, and his exceptional throwing ability placed him among the best quarterbacks ever. Despite some late-game postseason errors, Favre’s overall contribution to the sport remains undeniable, making him a legitimate choice over Aaron Rodgers.

Sammy Baugh defies the era he played in, revolutionizing the passing game during the prehistoric days of the NFL. His rookie season saw him lead his team to victory in the 1937 NFL Championship Game with a remarkable 335 yards and three touchdowns—a feat ahead of its time. Known as “Slingin’ Sammy,” he transformed passing from a mere threat to a potent offensive weapon. Baugh’s accuracy was unmatched, leading the NFL in completion percentage eight times and achieving remarkable statistics, like a 70.3% completion rate in 1945. His impact on the game extends beyond quarterbacking, positioning him among the greatest football players of all ti

Ranking Aaron Rodgers at 10th was the toughest decision, especially when comparing him to legends like Starr, Favre, and Baugh. Statistically, Rodgers stands out with a remarkable 4.23:1 touchdown-interception ratio and a career passer rating over 100. Despite fierce competition from Manning, Brady, and Brees, he has secured two MVP awards. However, Rodgers lacks multiple Super Bowl rings, unlike Starr and Favre, who have each led their teams to numerous championship games. While winning is crucial, judging a quarterback solely on rings overlooks the contributions of the entire team. Rodgers consistently elevates his team’s performance, often shining in clutch moments and pulling out wins from seemingly hopeless situations. The Packers’ struggles without him underscore his value to the team. Additionally, Rodgers passes the eyeball test with his remarkable throws, reminiscent of Dan Marino’s awe-inspiring talent. Considering his regular-season record and overall impact on the game, the back end of the top 10 feels appropriate for Rodgers at this time.

Determining the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history based solely on winning, as some suggest, would certainly elevate John Elway’s career, particularly with his back-to-back Super Bowl wins in 1997 and 1998. Immediately following these victories, some even compared him to the legendary Johnny Unitas. However, evaluating Elway’s career requires examining it through various lenses. Critics often downplay his greatness, attributing Denver’s late ’90s championships more to the team’s dominant running game led by Terrell Davis. Yet, in the early stages of his career, Elway was a one-man force, leading the Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances in his first seven years. From a pure talent perspective, Elway’s arm strength and mobility were unmatched, reminiscent of modern-day stars like Patrick Mahomes. While Davis deserves credit, the ’97 and ’98 teams relied heavily on Elway’s leadership and veteran presence. This is why he deserves to be ranked highly among the all-time greats, even warranting mention alongside Unitas.

Roger Staubach’s legacy in the NFL is unparalleled, embodying excellence both on and off the field. Serving in the Navy before his football career, Staubach exemplified professionalism and dedication. In just eight seasons as a starter, he led the Dallas Cowboys to four Super Bowl appearances, winning two, and earned numerous accolades, including leading the league in passer rating four times. Despite his relatively short career due to military service and injuries, Staubach continued to excel, ending his career with remarkable achievements, including a perfect 13-0 record in his first full season as a starter and a Super Bowl victory. His impact on the game remains undeniable, solidifying his place as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Dan Marino defies the notion that a quarterback must win a Super Bowl to be considered great. His exceptional talent and prolific passing numbers set him apart from his peers. In his sophomore season in 1984, Marino shattered records with 5,084 passing yards and 48 touchdowns, showcasing a level of dominance rarely seen in the NFL. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Marino’s impact on the game is undeniable, solidifying his place as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, ranked seventh in this list.

Drew Brees is the epitome of consistent excellence in the NFL, much like Dan Marino. Despite lacking the physical presence of some quarterbacks, Brees has amassed a record-breaking 74,437 passing yards through reliable and steady play. He’s been compared to duct tape for his versatility and dependability, masking deficiencies for the New Orleans Saints over the years. Brees boasts an impressive five 5,000-yard seasons and has proven doubters wrong time and again, earning numerous Pro Bowl selections and setting multiple NFL records. While Sean Payton’s coaching has been crucial, Brees’ ability to maneuver within the pocket and deliver under pressure sets him apart as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Arguments for an old-timer like Otto Graham ranking high on this list may not resonate with all football fans, but his legacy is undeniable. In his illustrious career spanning ten seasons, Graham led his team to the championship game every single year, a feat unmatched in football history. His dominance began in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), where he propelled the Cleveland Browns to four consecutive titles while putting up impressive passing numbers in an era where the passing game was still in its infancy. Transitioning to the NFL in 1950, Graham continued his winning ways, leading the Browns to a championship in his rookie NFL season. Over the next five years, he showcased his adaptability, excelling against tougher NFL defenses and leading the league in various passing categories. Graham

Unitas is revered as an innovator in the quarterback position, revolutionizing the game in a manner akin to modern quarterbacks like Peyton Manning. His impact on the passing game resonates even today, with many aspects of contemporary strategies attributed to him. Unitas transformed the haphazard approach of late-game comebacks into the precision-driven two-minute drill we see today, emphasizing clock management and precise passing. His legendary connection with Raymond Berry set the standard for prolific quarterback-wide receiver duos, influencing generations of quarterbacks and receivers to come. Unitas’s early-career success with the Baltimore Colts, including back-to-back championships and a Super Bowl win, solidified his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Manning’s impact on the quarterback position transcends his statistical achievements. While he boasts impressive records in passing yards and touchdowns, his true legacy lies in his innovative approach to the game. Manning revolutionized the role of quarterbacks by reintroducing the practice of calling plays at the line of scrimmage, a skill that had largely faded from the game by the time he entered the NFL. His ability to read defensive formations, adjust plays accordingly, and deceive opponents with dummy calls set a new standard for quarterback intelligence and strategy. Manning’s cerebral approach to the game challenged defenses and elevated the quarterback position to new heights, cementing his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Manning’s style, akin to Dan Fouts, delivered wobbly yet effective passes. He outwitted defenses with his strategic play-calling, and his impact even altered fantasy football seasons. His five MVP awards are testament to his unparalleled influence. Though criticized for “big game” performances, his two Super Bowl victories and clutch plays, like in Super Bowl 50, cement his legacy among the greatest quarterbacks ever.

Joe Montana’s legacy in football is monumental. He was instrumental in revolutionizing the game under Bill Walsh’s West Coast offense. Despite not having the strongest arm, Montana’s precision passing and mobility set him apart. He excelled in crucial moments, especially in Super Bowls, winning all four appearances and earning three MVP titles. His postseason record of 16-7 includes memorable comebacks and historic performances. Montana’s career was filled with impressive numbers, including his 1984 season with an 18-1 record and a 100 passer rating, and his 1989 MVP-winning campaign with over 70% completion rate and a 112.4 passer rating. Even with the Kansas City Chiefs, Montana continued to shine, guiding them to their first AFC Championship Game since the AFL-NFL merger. His impact on the game and his ability to perform under pressure cement his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Tom Brady’s unparalleled success in football is rooted in his record-breaking number of wins, with 207 regular-season victories and 30 postseason triumphs. Known for his accuracy, intelligence, and clutch play, Brady led the New England Patriots to their first Super Bowl win in 2002 and has since accumulated an astonishing six Super Bowl titles. His commitment to winning extends beyond the field, as he’s willing to take less money to support his team’s success. While not always leading in statistical categories, Brady’s ability to minimize mistakes and elevate his team when it matters most sets him apart as the greatest quarterback of all time.