Quarterbacks are supposed to be the calm, collected leaders of the team. But now and then, the face of the franchise throws a tantrum, pouts on the sidelines, or completely loses their cool like a toddler denied a juice box.
Whether it was a meltdown on national television or a passive-aggressive press conference, these QBs had moments where maturity left the chat. From sideline sulking to diva behavior, here are 17 quarterbacks who acted like big babies at one point or another.
17. Jay Cutler
The king of the “I don’t care” face, Cutler, often looked like someone just told him nap time was canceled. His body language alone could cause an entire fan base to roll their eyes.
16. Jeff George
Jeff George had a cannon for an arm and a permanent chip on his shoulder. He burned more bridges than a pyromaniac contractor and was never shy about airing grievances.
15. Kyler Murray
Kyler’s sideline sulks and visible frustration have drawn attention even in his young career. When things don’t go his way, it shows—and not in a quiet, stoic way.
14. Baker Mayfield
Baker has always played with a chip on his shoulder, but sometimes that chip turns into a full-blown meltdown. Whether it’s calling out the media or throwing teammates under the bus, he’s not shy about his emotions.
13. Cam Newton
When Cam lost, he ensured everyone knew how much he hated it. That post–Super Bowl 50 presser? Peak pout.
12. Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben has had his fair share of dramatic moments, from vague retirement threats to “poor me” press conferences. He had a habit of making every minor injury feel like a Shakespearean tragedy.
11. Zach Wilson
Zach hasn’t just struggled on the field, but has also had trouble owning up to his performances. His infamous “No” when asked if he let the defense down will live in baby QB infamy.
10. Jim McMahon
McMahon was as moody as flashy, with a rebel streak that often crossed into brat territory. He could dish it out but didn’t always take criticism well.
9. Eli Manning
Eli’s pouty sideline faces were meme material before memes were a thing. Whether throwing picks or getting sacked, he wore his frustration like a badge of honor.
8. Deshaun Watson
Between his trade demands, off-field drama, and public sulking, Watson’s tenure in Houston ended like a breakup with much passive-aggression. It’s been more soap opera than sports story.
7. Johnny Manziel
Manziel didn’t just act like a big baby—he acted like a baby with a trust fund and no bedtime. From partying to pouting, his short NFL stint was a toddler tantrum in cleats.
6. Philip Rivers
Rivers had elite numbers—and elite whine levels. His constant yelling at refs and opponents, and sometimes, the air was a weekly display of QB-level complaining.
5. Ryan Leaf
Leaf’s blow-ups were legendary for all the wrong reasons. He could go from zero to tantrum faster than a toddler in a toy store without Wi-Fi.
4. Brett Favre
Favre might be a legend, but let’s not forget the retirement-unretirement saga that dragged on longer than it ever needed to. The guy couldn’t handle not being the center of attention.
3. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers gives off the main “I’m not mad, just disappointed” energy, but he’s mad. From cryptic interviews to offseason drama, he’s turned brooding into an art form.
Read More: 20 MLB Stars Who Acted Like Icons Before Earning It
2. Tom Brady
Yes, he’s the GOAT, but he’s also thrown more sideline tantrums than a daycare at snack time. Broken tablets, screaming fits, eye rolls—Brady brought the baby energy when things didn’t go his way.
Read More: 13 NFL Coaches Who Acted More Immature Than Their Players
1. Josh Rosen
From declaring there were “nine mistakes ahead of him” on draft night to his short-lived NFL career, Rosen always seemed more offended than motivated. He wanted to prove the doubters wrong—he didn’t like being doubted.
Read More: 20 NFL Wide Receivers Who Always Acted Like Big Babies
