Quarterbacks are supposed to be the calm in the storm, the leaders who keep their cool when everything around them is falling apart. But some signal-callers couldn’t help but let the fire inside spill out—on teammates, coaches, refs, or even fans.
Whether it was screaming on the sidelines, throwing tablets, or getting into postgame shouting matches, these quarterbacks made it clear they were never ones to bottle up their emotions. From outbursts that became memes to meltdowns that left us speechless, here are 20 quarterbacks whose tempers were just as famous as they are.
20. Jake Plummer
“Jake the Snake” had a real venomous side when things didn’t go his way. He was known for flipping off fans and jawing at the media like he was ready for a UFC fight instead of a press conference.
19. Jay Cutler
Cutler’s glare could freeze lava, and his body language screamed, “I’d rather be anywhere else.” When frustrated, he didn’t hold back—whether it was barking at a coach or sulking so hard the sideline needed therapy.
18. Jeff George
Jeff George had a cannon for an arm and a fuse that burned out way too fast. His fiery arguments with coaches and teammates became legendary—and not in a good way.
17. Philip Rivers
He may not have cursed, but Rivers could trash-talk with the best of them and let refs have it with animated meltdowns. The guy practically turned tantrums into a form of performance art.
16. Jim McMahon
McMahon had a rebellious streak and a mouth that matched his headbands. He’d throw fits on the field and didn’t care who he offended in the process.
15. Jameis Winston
Winston plays with a ton of energy, but that sometimes boils over into chaotic sideline behavior. Whether screaming at himself or others, he’s always one second away from boiling over.
14. Baker Mayfield
Baker brings the heat, both in his throws and his temper. He’s been known to let his emotions get the better of him, especially when things start unraveling mid-game.
13. Ken Dorsey
He didn’t show it much as a player, but as a coach? Dorsey’s infamous tablet-smashing meltdown in the booth reminded everyone that QB rage doesn’t go away—it just evolves.
12. Kerry Collins
Collins could be cool under pressure or completely unhinged, depending on the day. He didn’t hesitate to let loose when things got ugly on the scoreboard.
11. Ryan Leaf
Leaf’s talent was undeniable, but his temper was impossible to ignore. His locker room blow-ups and media tirades overshadowed what could’ve been a solid NFL career.
10. Dan Marino
Marino was all fire and passion—and sometimes that boiled over into heated exchanges with teammates and coaches. He demanded excellence, and when he didn’t get it, everyone heard about it.
9. Cam Newton
Cam wears his emotions on his sleeve and doesn’t hide them when he’s frustrated. From sideline outbursts to tense postgame moments, his competitive fire sometimes burns a little too hot.
8. Jim Harbaugh
Before becoming a coach with sideline rage issues, Harbaugh was a QB with pretty much the same energy. He wasn’t afraid to get in a teammate’s face—or anyone else’s when he lost his cool.
7. Steve Young
Young was passionate and precise, but don’t let the Hall of Fame résumé fool you—he could lose it on the sideline like the best of them. His competitive edge made him an all-time great and an all-time yeller.
6. Trent Dilfer
Dilfer didn’t just get fired up—he exploded. From throwing helmets to yelling at receivers, he had a temper that often overshadowed his play.
5. Donovan McNabb
When the pressure ramped up, McNabb didn’t always respond with calm leadership. His sideline flare-ups were just as memorable as his deep throws.
4. Tom Brady
Brady’s greatness came with a lot of sideline fire—tablet tosses, screaming matches, and full-on tantrums. He hated losing, and his temper made sure everyone knew it.
3. Joe Namath
Broadway Joe had swagger, charm, and a short fuse. He wasn’t afraid to blow up at coaches, teammates, or anyone who crossed him on or off the field.
Read More: 25 Athletes Who Made Sideline Meltdowns Their Signature Move
2. Brett Favre
Favre was fiery and fearless, but that also meant you’d occasionally see a full-blown meltdown when things weren’t clicking. His love for the game came with a side of sideline fireworks.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Childish Meltdowns in NFL History
1. Peyton Manning
Manning wasn’t just a genius on the field—he was a perfectionist with a fiery temper. From scolding linemen to dressing down receivers, he had no patience for mistakes and didn’t hide it one bit.
Read More: Screaming from the Sidelines: The NFL’s 14 Angriest Ever Coaches, Ranked
