When it comes to the best NFL quarterbacks to ever play the game, several names immediately come to mind. Joe Montana, known for his clutch performances and ability to win Super Bowls, is often regarded as one of the greatest.
While there are numerous exceptional quarterbacks, this particular list showcases the crème de la crème, featuring the absolute best of the best.
Let’s acquaint ourselves with a few of the all-time greatest NFL quarterbacks to have graced the sport.
20. Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner, a quarterback who achieved great success, had a notable Super Bowl record with one championship win and one loss. In addition to his Super Bowl triumph, he earned the prestigious title of Super Bowl MVP.
Warner’s career was not without its challenges as he faced instances where injuries, team decisions, and the emergence of young talents affected his opportunities.
The Rams, Giants, and Cardinals made quarterback changes that prevented Warner from fully capitalizing on his prime years.
19. Ben Roethlisberger
At the peak of his career, Ben Roethlisberger showcased his prowess by leading the NFL in passing yards, specifically an impressive 5,129 yards in 2018.
His accomplishments extend beyond statistical achievements, as he boasts two Super Bowl victories and a third Super Bowl appearance as a starting quarterback.
Notably, Roethlisberger has maintained a remarkable level of success in the passing game, consistently averaging over 290.3 passing yards per game since turning 30, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier quarterback.
18. Russell Wilson
Despite being in the league for a relatively short time since 2012, Russell Wilson has already established himself as a Seattle Seahawk legend. He has consistently showcased his exceptional skills and has made a significant impact on the franchise.
Notably, since 2016, Wilson leads all quarterbacks in passing yards outside the tackle box, an impressive feat of mobility and playmaking ability. Additionally, he has also rushed for over 2,000 yards himself, displaying his dual-threat capabilities.
Wilson’s contributions have led the Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances, and his passer rating surpasses 100, emphasizing his efficiency and effectiveness as a quarterback.
17. Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw, renowned for his 13-year tenure as the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is a figure often subject to differing opinions regarding his skill level.
While some may perceive him as a mediocre quarterback, it is undeniable that Bradshaw’s legacy is fortified by his remarkable achievement of winning four Super Bowl championships.
Notably, Bradshaw holds the distinction of being the top quarterback to have attempted at least 40 passes in a single Super Bowl game while averaging over 11.1 yards per attempt.
16. Sid Luckman
During his illustrious 12-year career as a Chicago Bear from 1939 to 1950, Sid Luckman left an indelible mark on the franchise, winning four NFL titles.
As the Bears’ quarterback, Luckman achieved an outstanding 98-32-3 record, establishing himself as a driving force behind the team’s success. Luckman’s exceptional performances were highlighted by leading the league in passing yards, passer rating, and touchdown passes on three separate occasions.
Particularly astonishing was his remarkable average of 10.9 yards per throw during the 1943 season.
Even more impressive was his astounding 19.9 yards per completion during that same season, a testament to his ability to connect on deep passes and make big plays downfield.
15. Steve Young
Steve Young, often hailed as the 20th-century triple-threat quarterback, possessed exceptional skills in running, throwing, and throwing on the move. Although it took him five seasons to secure the starting position with the San Francisco 49ers from 1987 to 1999, Young’s undeniable talent propelled him to great heights.
He led the 49ers to a Super Bowl victory and earned the distinction of leading the NFL in passer rating an impressive six times.
Additionally, Young was honored with two MVP awards. A remarkable feat in his career was being the only quarterback in history to lead the league in passer rating for four consecutive seasons, from 1991 to 1994.
14. Troy Aikman
Troy Aikman undoubtedly deserves recognition for his contributions during his career with the Dallas Cowboys from 1989 to 2000. Aikman was known for his strength, composure, and quick release, allowing him to make timely throws.
However, Aikman’s statistics might not fully reflect his abilities, primarily due to the Cowboys’ emphasis on a run-heavy offensive strategy during the 1990s. The team’s commitment to the running game often limited Aikman’s passing opportunities and statistical output.
Nevertheless, Aikman’s impact is better reflected in his impressive 11-4 playoff record, showcasing his ability to perform and lead the team in crucial postseason games.
13. Bart Starr
Despite being ranked below Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre in certain discussions, Bart Starr’s contributions as a quarterback should not be underestimated. With a remarkable 9-1 record in postseason play, Starr demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and deliver in crucial moments.
Notably, Starr holds the record for the highest postseason passer rating with a minimum of 150 pass attempts, an impressive mark of 104.8. He exhibited great success in throwing during deep third and one situations, showcasing his skill and precision in critical moments.
One of his defining moments came in the 1966 NFL Championship Game, where he threw four touchdowns without an interception. However, Starr is often remembered for his iconic quarterback sneak in the 1967 Ice Bowl, a play that exemplified his determination and resilience.
12. Brett Favre
Brett Favre’s career was characterized by remarkable consistency and his ability to excel on the field, regardless of the team he played for, be it the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, or Minnesota Vikings.
Favre’s prowess as a player extended beyond his exceptional quarterbacking skills, as he was widely regarded as one of the best players in the league. His throwing arm was often described as laser-like, capable of making incredible throws.
Favre’s accomplishments include winning three MVP awards and being the first quarterback to throw 35 touchdowns in a season for three consecutive years.
11. Sammy Baugh
Sammy Baugh, a legendary quarterback who played for the Washington Redskins from 1937 to 1952, left an indelible mark on the game during a time when offensive statistics were considerably different.
Notably, as a rookie, Baugh’s performance in the 1937 NFL Championship Game stood out with three touchdowns and 335 yards, which was exceptional given the era’s average yardage per game. Baugh earned the nickname “Slingin’ Sammy” for his accurate and powerful arm.
His completion rate of 70.3% in 1945 and throwing for 3,000 yards in 1947 were remarkable achievements, especially when compared to the league average of 45% during the same year.
10. Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers, a highly accomplished quarterback, has enjoyed significant success throughout his career. Despite having one Super Bowl victory,
Rodgers has been honored with two MVP awards and consistently maintained a passer rating over 100, showcasing his exceptional efficiency and skill.
His regular season record of 100-57-1 is impressive, and his touchdown-to-interception ratio of 4.23 to 1 demonstrates his ability to make smart decisions and protect the football.
However, it is true that Rodgers has not led the Green Bay Packers back to the Super Bowl in recent years.
9. John Elway
John Elway, renowned for his exceptional career with the Denver Broncos, achieved great success as a quarterback. He led the Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998, solidifying his legacy as a champion.
Elway holds the distinction of being the first quarterback in NFL history to start in five Super Bowls, a testament to his consistency and ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Known for his remarkable athleticism, Elway possessed both speed and a strong arm, making him a dual-threat on the field.
One of his notable accomplishments is retiring with the second-most game-winning drives since the 1950s era, with an impressive total of 40.
8. Roger Staubach
Roger Staubach’s impact as a quarterback is truly remarkable. In his first season as a full-time starter, he achieved an undefeated 13-0 record, leading his team to a Super Bowl victory while maintaining a passer rating of over 100.
Throughout his career, Staubach demonstrated incredible consistency and success, boasting the second-highest winning percentage among quarterbacks with a remarkable .746% over 100 starts.
In his eight highly successful seasons, Staubach started in four Super Bowls, won two championships, and led the league in passer rating four times.
7. Dan Marino
Dan Marino’s 1984 season was truly exceptional and is often regarded as one of the greatest individual seasons by a quarterback in NFL history. Even when adjusting for the era, Marino’s statistics remain impressive.
Jack Andrade of the NFL Network Researcher noted that Marino’s performance in 1984, when adjusted for the era, would equate to a quarterback throwing for an astonishing 5,668 yards and 58 touchdowns in 2018.
However, in reality, Marino still achieved remarkable numbers, throwing for 48 touchdowns and surpassing 5,000 passing yards, a feat that had never been accomplished before.
Additionally, what made Marino’s season even more remarkable was the fact that he was sacked just 13 times throughout the entire year, further highlighting his ability to deliver accurate and efficient passes despite facing limited pressure.
6. Drew Brees
Drew Brees may not possess the physical stature or athleticism of some other quarterbacks, but his consistency and record-breaking performances speak for themselves.
Brees stands out as one of the most prolific passers in NFL history, as evidenced by his incredible feat of throwing for over 5,000 yards in a single season on five different occasions, a record unmatched by any other quarterback.
Furthermore, Brees has led the league in passing yards for a remarkable seven seasons, solidifying his reputation as a premier passer.
Despite not always receiving the same level of recognition as some of his peers, Brees has carved out a remarkable legacy marked by consistency, statistical achievements, and the ability to lead his team’s offense with precision and skill.
5. Otto Graham
Otto Graham’s career is nothing short of remarkable, particularly considering his incredible consistency and success in reaching the Championship Game in each of his 10 seasons.
It is worth noting that four of those appearances came during his time in the All-America Football Conference, which was a rival league to the NFL at the time.
Despite an era when the passing game was not as prevalent, Graham’s statistics are impressive. With an average of nine yards per attempt, he consistently moved the ball down the field effectively, essentially averaging a first down every play.
Graham achieved a highly impressive 99.1 passer rating and maintained a 2-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, highlighting his efficiency and ability to make plays.
4. Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas, despite experiencing challenges off the field later in his life, left an enduring legacy for his on-field performances. With the exception of one season as a San Diego Charger in 1973, Unitas spent his entire career as a Baltimore Colt from 1956 to 1972.
He led the Colts to three NFL Championships in 1958, 1959, and 1968, but could only secure one Super Bowl victory in 1971.
However, Unitas’ career record of 124-65-4 is highly impressive, showcasing his ability to win games consistently. He was recognized as one of the league’s top quarterbacks, being named to the Pro Bowl in 10 out of his 12 seasons.
3. Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning’s career was indeed remarkable, with notable stints as an Indianapolis Colt and a Denver Bronco. While he began his career in Indianapolis, Manning’s impact and legacy extend far beyond his time with the Colts.
One of Manning’s defining traits was his exceptional football intelligence and ability to read and dissect defenses at the line of scrimmage.
Known for his pre-snap adjustments and play-calling, Manning had a unique command of the game and the ability to exploit opposing defenses. His mastery of audibles and changing the play at the line of scrimmage became a hallmark of his playing style.
Despite his throws sometimes being described as “wobbly,” Manning’s skill and accuracy were undeniable. He was voted league MVP an impressive five times throughout his career, a testament to his excellence and impact on the game.
2. Joe Montana
Joe Montana’s career is etched in NFL history, characterized by his precision and clutch performances. His accurate throws, notably highlighted in John Taylor and Jerry Rice highlight videos, played a crucial role in his success.
Montana earned the distinction of being a four-time Super Bowl champion, winning Super Bowls XVI, XIX, XXIII, and XXIV. In three of those victories, he was also named Super Bowl MVP, underlining his exceptional performances on the grandest stage.
With a touchdown-interception ratio of 273-139, Montana’s ability to protect the football while finding the end zone was evident. While he played a brief period with the Kansas City Chiefs, Montana’s legacy is primarily associated with the San Francisco 49ers.
During his time with the 49ers, Montana led the team to numerous successes, including his two MVP seasons in 1989 and 1990.
1. Tom Brady
Tom Brady’s status as a legendary quarterback is unquestionable, with a plethora of achievements and records to his name.
His list of accolades is indeed impressive, with six Super Bowl championships (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, and LIII) and four Super Bowl MVP awards (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XLIX, and LI) highlighting his success on the grandest stage.
Brady’s consistency and excellence are further exemplified by his 14 Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors. He has also led the league in passing touchdowns four times, passing yards three times, and earned two NFL Offensive Player of the Year awards.
These achievements underline his ability to perform at an elite level for an extended period. Brady’s longevity and sustained success have elevated him to the status of an NFL legend.
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