Quarterbacks are supposed to be the leaders, the face of the team, the steady hand in the storm. But sometimes, instead of leading with grace, they’re throwing tantrums, pointing fingers, or letting their egos run wild.
Some of these guys didn’t know how to take a loss, accept blame, or share the spotlight. Whether it was a press conference meltdown or a sideline sulk, these quarterbacks were anything but gracious when things didn’t go their way.
20. Cam Newton
Cam brought flair and flash to the field, but when it came to losing, the mood changed really fast. That infamous Super Bowl press conference is still the poster child for storming off.
19. Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler never looked like he wanted to be there—win or lose. The sulking, the staring, the complete lack of interest in everything around him made him the king of cold shoulders.
18. Jeff George
Arm talent through the roof, but his attitude was always a problem. If something went wrong, it was never his fault, and coaches were usually the first to feel his wrath.
17. Deshaun Watson
Even before his off-field issues, Watson was known for sidestepping blame and subtly throwing shade. Not exactly the kind of accountability you’d want in a franchise leader.
16. Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben was great at throwing touchdowns—and throwing teammates under the bus. He had a knack for making postgame interviews sound like solo mission debriefs.
15. Baker Mayfield
Baker came into the league with a chip on his shoulder and a mic in his hand. Trash talk was fun until he stopped backing it up and started pointing fingers.
14. Carson Palmer
Palmer was never one to radiate joy or humility in defeat. His exit from Cincinnati and later stints came with a side of “don’t blame me” energy.
13. Vince Young
Things started hot, but when the pressure mounted, so did the passive-aggressive behavior. He clashed with coaches and disappeared when things didn’t go his way.
12. Philip Rivers
Rivers talked nonstop trash on the field and had no problem letting opponents know exactly how he felt. But when he lost, it was mostly griping about everything but himself.
11. Kyler Murray
Kyler has a talent for days but doesn’t exactly scream team-first. The body language, the reports of detached leadership, and the reluctance to take blame haven’t helped his reputation.
10. Joe Namath
Namath will always be a legend, but humility wasn’t his strong suit. Even in defeat, he carried himself like someone who thought he deserved a statue on every corner.
9. Kerry Collins
Collins often came off like he was too cool to care—especially when things weren’t clicking. Leadership wasn’t his priority, and grace under pressure didn’t cut.
8. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football could dish it, but couldn’t take it. When things fell apart, he disappeared into excuses and distractions instead of owning the moment.
7. Donovan McNabb
McNabb had a long and mostly successful career, but he wasn’t exactly known for taking responsibility. He deflected criticism and occasionally aired grievances at the worst times.
6. Matt Leinart
Leinart loved the Hollywood lifestyle more than postgame accountability. He fizzled fast and didn’t go down quietly when the league moved on.
5. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers is undeniably elite, but let’s just say he’s not the first to say “my bad.” From blaming play-calling to cryptic jabs at teammates, grace hasn’t always been his strong suit.
4. Jay Schroeder
Schroeder tended to bristle under pressure and alienate those around him. His leadership style leaned more toward “me-first” than “team-first.”
3. Ryan Leaf
Leaf’s meltdowns are legendary. His outbursts, finger-pointing, and general lack of accountability were a masterclass in how not to lead a team.
Read More: 19 NFL Players Who Fumbled Their Legacy
2. Brett Favre
Favre was beloved, but he didn’t exactly handle criticism or retirement with poise. The waffling, the drama, and the occasional ego trip took a little shine off his legend.
Read More: 15 NFL QBs Who Threw More Tantrums Than Dimes
1. Tom Brady
Yes, the GOAT. But for all the rings and accolades, Brady was often a sore loser, a sideline yeller, and not exactly the most gracious when things didn’t go his way.
Read More: 15 Times a Quarterback Thought He Was the Entire Franchise
