15 Quarterbacks With Main Character Energy

Every NFL team has a quarterback, but not every quarterback has main character energy. You know the type—they walk into a room and everyone’s watching, they say something and it becomes a meme, they throw a touchdown and the camera never leaves them. These aren’t just QBs, they’re the stars of the show.

Whether it’s their playmaking magic, unshakable confidence, or chaotic charisma, these 15 quarterbacks feel like they were born for the spotlight. From Hollywood vibes to action-hero toughness, they give off that unmistakable aura that makes everything revolve around them.

15. Gardner Minshew

Nov 24, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) throws the ball against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The mustache, the headbands, the jorts—Minshew lives like he’s in a football-themed indie movie. He might not always be the starter, but he’s always unforgettable.

14. Jalen Hurts

Dec 20, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Hurts carries himself with calm, cool control, like a protagonist who already knows how the story ends. Every move feels intentional, and every moment feels cinematic.

13. Johnny Manziel

Johnny Manziel
Scott R. Galvin / Imagn Images

For a brief, wild moment, he was the main character of football. Manziel brought chaos, drama, and flash—and the plot twists never stopped coming.

12. Tony Romo

Tony Romo
Bill Streicher / Imagn Images

Romo’s career felt like a romantic comedy mixed with a thriller—heartbreak, heroics, and one-liners galore. Even in the booth, he narrates games like he’s still under center.

11. Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson reacts to not getting the two-point conversion attempt during second half action at the Buffalo Bills divisional game against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 19, 2025.
Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

When Lamar gets loose, it feels like a Marvel superhero just activated his powers. His running style, swagger, and smile make him the electric lead in every highlight reel.

10. Cam Newton

Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs with the ball against the New York Jets during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Cam didn’t just play football—he performed. From MVP seasons to his iconic outfits, he made sure the spotlight found him on and off the field.

9. Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen throws a pass to a tight end during Bills Training Camp at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford on Aug.6, 2025.
Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Allen gives off lovable-action-hero vibes—big throws, bigger hits, and a sense that he’s having the time of his life out there. He’s the quarterback version of a summer blockbuster.

8. Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield
Kirby Lee / Imagn Images

Baker’s always in the thick of the drama, win or lose. Whether he’s planting flags or throwing darts, he’s never been a background character.

7. Michael Vick

Michael Vick
James D. Smith / Imagn Images

Vick played with cheat-code speed and unmatched flair, like a video game character that broke into real life. He changed the way QBs looked—and moved—forever.

6. Brett Favre

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre is able to get off a pass despite being dragged by Detroit Lions Luther Ellis during the second quarter of their game on Dec. 10, 2000 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis
Dale Guldan / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Favre was the gunslinger who just wouldn’t quit, grinning through picks and miracle throws alike. Every game felt like an epic saga starring No. 4.

5. Joe Burrow

Nov 22, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) attempts a pass against the Washington Football Team during the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Burrow walks, talks, and throws like someone who knows he’s him. The shades, the cigar, the icy demeanor—it’s all very leading-man behavior.

4. Aaron Rodgers

Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass during minicamp at their South Side facility. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images
Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

Rodgers has always carried himself like the QB who knows more than everyone else—and sometimes he’s right. Whether he’s throwing jaw-dropping bombs or delivering cryptic quotes, he’s the mysterious anti-hero the league can’t stop watching.

3. Peyton Manning

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) attempts to break free from Tennessee Titans defensive end Antwan Odom (98) at the Adelphia Coliseum in Nashville on Sept. 19, 2004. The Titans lost 31-17 in their home opener.
Shelley Mays / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Peyton ran offenses like a master tactician and delivered press conference punchlines like a sitcom star. Somehow, he made being a football nerd look like star power.

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2. Tom Brady

Jan 9, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) runs onto the field for warmups prior to the Buccaneers' game against the Washington Football Team at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Brady wasn’t just in the spotlight—he was the spotlight. From comebacks to controversy, he headlined the league like it was his scripted destiny.

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1. Patrick Mahomes

Oct 17, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gestures at the line of scrimmage against the Washington Football Team at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Mahomes is the undisputed face of the NFL, and he plays like the script revolves around him. No-look passes, absurd comebacks, and effortless greatness—he’s the main character and the director at this point.

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