The Best NFL Quarterbacks of the 2000s, Ranked

The 2000s were a transformative decade for the NFL, marked by the emergence of several exceptional quarterbacks who reshaped the game.

Here’s a list of the top 15 quarterbacks of the decade — ones who showcased the talents and achievements that set them apart. From record-breaking performances to leading their teams to Super Bowl victories, these QBs were the best of the best.

15. Carson Palmer

Carson Palmer emerged as a top-tier quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals in the mid-2000s. He led the NFL with 32 touchdown passes in 2005 and earned two Pro Bowl selections during this period. Palmer’s strong arm and accuracy made him a formidable passer, throwing for over 3,000 yards in five consecutive seasons from 2004 to 2008.

14. Chad Pennington

Chad Pennington, known for his accuracy, led the NFL in completion percentage twice. He guided the Jets to an AFC East title in 2002 and repeated the feat with the Dolphins in 2008. Pennington’s career passer rating of 90.1 and completion percentage of 66% showcase his efficiency as a quarterback during this era.

13. Trent Green

Trent Green was a prolific passer for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2001-2006. He threw for over 4,000 yards three times and made two Pro Bowls during this period. Green’s career was highlighted by his accuracy and leadership, helping transform the Chiefs into an offensive powerhouse in the early 2000s.

12. Matt Hasselbeck

Matt Hasselbeck led the Seattle Seahawks to six playoff appearances, including Super Bowl XL. He threw for 29,434 yards and 174 touchdowns during 2000-2010, earning three Pro Bowl selections. Hasselbeck’s most impressive season came in 2007, with career-highs of 3,966 passing yards and 28 touchdowns.

11. Ben Roethlisberger

“Big Ben” led the Steelers to two Super Bowl victories during the 2000s. Known for his physical play and ability to extend plays, Roethlisberger earned Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2004 and his first Pro Bowl selection in 2007. He finished the decade with 21,991 passing yards and 144 touchdowns.

10. Michael Vick

Michael Vick tries to evade tackle Eagles vs. 49ers — Openverse

Michael Vick revolutionized the quarterback position with his electrifying speed and arm strength. He made four Pro Bowls and set the NFL record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,039 in 2006. Vick’s career was interrupted by legal issues, but he made a successful comeback, winning NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2010.

9. Daunte Culpepper

Culpepper’s 2004 season was historic, setting an NFL record with 5,123 total yards. A three-time Pro Bowler, he led the Vikings to the NFC Championship in 2000. His career was derailed by a knee injury in 2005, but he finished with 149 touchdowns and over 24,000 passing yards.

8. Rich Gannon

Rich Gannon’s career peaked with the Oakland Raiders from 2000-2002. He earned four consecutive Pro Bowl selections and was named NFL MVP in 2002, throwing for 4,689 yards and 26 touchdowns. Gannon’s precision in the West Coast offense made him one of the era’s most efficient passers.

7. Steve McNair

Steve “Air” McNair was a dual-threat quarterback known for his toughness and leadership. He led the Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV, shared the 2003 NFL MVP award, and made three Pro Bowls. McNair’s career highlights include 31,304 passing yards, 174 touchdowns, and 3,590 rushing yards. He retired in 2008 after 13 seasons.

6. Donovan McNabb

McNabb led the Eagles to five NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl appearance from 2000-2010. He threw for 32,873 yards and 216 touchdowns with Philadelphia, earning six Pro Bowl selections. McNabb’s dual-threat ability and leadership made him one of the era’s most successful quarterbacks despite never winning a championship.

5. Kurt Warner

Kurt Warner led the “Greatest Show on Turf” Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 2000 and won two NFL MVP awards (1999, 2001). He later revitalized his career with the Cardinals, guiding them to their first Super Bowl appearance in 2009. Warner’s rags-to-riches story, from grocery store clerk to Hall of Fame quarterback, is legendary in NFL history.

4. Drew Brees

Drew Brees dominated the NFL from 2000-2010, particularly after joining the New Orleans Saints in 2006. He led the league in passing yards six times and touchdowns four times during this period. Brees’s accuracy and leadership culminated in a Super Bowl victory in 2010, solidifying his status as one of the era’s elite quarterbacks.

3. Brett Favre

Brett Favre dominated the NFL from 2000-2010, throwing for 38,010 yards and 255 touchdowns. He led the Packers to six playoff appearances, earned three Pro Bowl selections, and set records for consecutive starts (297) and career passing yards (71,838). Favre’s gunslinger style and durability made him a fan favorite throughout his career.

2. Tom Brady

Tom Brady dominated the NFL from 2000-2010, leading the New England Patriots to three Super Bowl victories. He threw for 30,844 yards and 225 touchdowns during this period, earning six Pro Bowl selections. Brady’s 2007 season was particularly remarkable, setting records with 50 touchdown passes and a perfect 16-0 regular season record.

1. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning dominated the NFL from 2000-2010, leading the Indianapolis Colts to consistent success. He won four MVP awards, threw for over 4,000 yards nine times, and led the league in touchdown passes three times. Manning’s precision passing and ability to read defenses made him the premier quarterback of the decade.

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