15 Quarterbacks Who Needed Less Coaching and More Therapy

Quarterbacks are often labeled as field generals, masterminds, or the calm in the chaos. But sometimes, all the clipboard talks and playbook rewrites in the world can’t fix what’s really going on underneath the helmet.

From sideline meltdowns to baffling decision-making, these quarterbacks didn’t just need a new offensive coordinator—they could’ve used a therapist on speed dial. Some had all the talent, others had all the drama, and a few had both in dangerous doses.

15. Jay Cutler

Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler (6) runs for a first down against Auburn defense at Jordan-Hale Stadium in Auburn, Ala., Sept. 14, 2002.
Imgn Images

Cutler always looked like he was one rough day away from walking off the field and never coming back. His talent was real, but the apathy? Even stronger.

14. Zach Wilson

Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson (4) before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High.
Ron Chenoy / Imagn Images

Nothing says “I’m fine, really” like blaming the defense after throwing for 77 yards. The Jets tried coaching him up, but maybe what he really needed was a safe space and a hug.

13. Jameis Winston

New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) speaks at a press conference during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
John Jones / Imagn Images

He throws touchdowns, picks, and chaos with equal enthusiasm. Coaching couldn’t stop the madness—only therapy could’ve unpacked the decision-making tree.

12. Johnny Manziel

Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Scott R. Galvin / Imagn Images

Every coach tried to rein him in, but Johnny was running his own playbook, and it usually involved Vegas. The league wasn’t ready for the Manziel experience, and neither was he.

11. Carson Wentz

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz (11) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome
Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images

He went from MVP front-runner to awkward locker room presence in record time. You can’t coach confidence back into someone when it’s clearly been shattered.

10. Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws during the second quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium.
Kim Klement Neitzel / Imagn Images

Baker never met a chip on his shoulder he didn’t want to make into a personality trait. Less coaching and more inner peace might have done wonders.

9. Rex Grossman

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Rex Grossman (8) drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome.
Brett Davis / Imagn Images

The Bears made the Super Bowl with him, but it often felt like Rex was fighting more than just defenses—like maybe himself, the moment, and the concept of consistency. Coaches could only hold on and pray.

8. Josh Rosen

Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh Rosen (19) runs the ball against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Scott Galvin / Imagn Images

He was branded as “too smart for football,” which is just a mean way of saying no one really knew what to do with him. But maybe he just needed someone to help him process life in the NFL rather than force him into a scheme.

7. Cam Newton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton yells "I'm back!" after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in a game in 2021
Rob Schumacher / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cam didn’t always vibe with traditional coaching—and the media scrutiny clearly wore him down. He needed more mindfulness exercises and fewer postgame lectures about dress code.

6. Ryan Leaf

San Diego Chargers quarterback Ryan Leaf (16) on the sideline against the Seattle Seahawks at Jack Murphy Stadium.
RVR Photos / Imagn Images

Coaches had no chance against the tidal wave of pressure, expectations, and self-destruction. Leaf was always going to need a lot more help than a clipboard could offer.

5. Tony Romo

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium.
Tim Heitman / Imagn Images

Romo was constantly one mistake away from a total fan base breakdown. He probably didn’t need new play calls—just someone to remind him it wasn’t always his fault.

4. Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half at MetLife Stadium.
Robert Deutsch / Imagn Images

Everyone was waiting for him to “take the leap,” but the leap was actually a cry for help. At some point, coaching turned into coping.

3. Mitchell Trubisky

Buffalo Bills quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (11) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images

Trubisky tried to carry Chicago’s hopes on his back while being compared to Mahomes and Watson every week. That’s not a QB issue, that’s a therapy bill waiting to happen.

2. Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson, quarterback with the NY Giants, is shown during a practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center
Anne-Marie Caruso / Imagn Images

Things went from “Let’s Ride” to “Please Stop Talking” faster than anyone expected. At a certain point, the self-help needed actual help.

Read More: 15 Retired QBs Who’d Dominate with Modern NFL Playbooks

1. Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) may have played his last game for Gang Green, Sunday January 5, 2025, in East Rutherford.
Kevin R. Wexler / Imagn Images

Rodgers doesn’t need coaching—he needs a podcast, a retreat, and someone to ask him how he’s really doing. He’s still brilliant, but the vibes are… complicated.

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