It’s one thing to lead a team down the field with the game on the line. It’s another thing entirely to lead a nationwide ad campaign while your stat sheet screams backup energy.
These quarterbacks somehow found themselves starring in commercials more often than they starred in meaningful wins. Whether it was their smile, their social media charm, or just being in the right place at the right time, these QBs cashed in off the field—even if they never quite cashed in on it.
14. Matt Leinart
Leinart came into the league with Hollywood looks and Heisman hype, which translated perfectly to the camera. Too bad it didn’t translate to consistent quarterback play.
13. Tim Tebow
Tebow’s face was on everything from cereal boxes to inspirational billboards. His throwing motion, however, was never quite ready for primetime.
12. Jimmy Garoppolo
Between the jawline and the starting gigs, Jimmy G was built for endorsements. But when it came to big games, his best ability might’ve been availability until it wasn’t.
11. Johnny Manziel
Early media attention and lucrative brand deals made him a magnet for endorsements. Wins? Not so much.
10. Blake Bortles
Bortles had the charisma of a beer-league legend and the occasional commercial to match. His NFL record, though, mostly mirrored a rollercoaster in decline.
9. Robert Griffin III
RG3 burst onto the scene with a smile that could sell shoes—and did. But injuries and instability quickly turned him into a brand more than a baller.
8. Marcus Mariota
Mariota had the clean-cut image and quiet charisma that brands loved. But despite flashes, he never quite commanded the spotlight on the field the same way.
7. Baker Mayfield
Baker’s house-as-a-stadium ad campaign was charming, funny, and everywhere. Unfortunately, his win total has never quite matched the number of national airings.
6. Carson Wentz
Wentz had the franchise face look and plenty of endorsements. Then came the rapid descent and the awkward brand hangover.
5. Chase Daniel
Chase Daniel is the king of being in the room without actually playing. He made enough money and appeared in commercials to live like a starter without the win total to prove it.
4. Trevor Siemian
He had the classic quarterback build, the generic name, and enough screen time to confuse casual fans. Meanwhile, wins were more rumor than reality.
3. Colt McCoy
Colt’s name popped up in national campaigns now and then, likely because it just sounded marketable. As a starter, however, he primarily played a supporting role.
2. Mark Sanchez
The “Sanchize” had a marketable look and a New York spotlight—perfect for commercials. But for every ad gig, there was a butt fumble lurking in the background.
Read More: 17 NFL Quarterbacks Who Let Fame Get to Their Heads
1. Joe Namath (Post-Retirement Edition)
Broadway Joe won big early but truly became a commercial icon long after his playing days. These days, more people know him from Medicare ads than from the AFL.
Read More: 10 Quarterbacks Who Were Drafted to the Wrong Team at the Wrong Time
