Every NFL team needs a backup quarterback, but some of these guys took the role to another level. They weren’t just clipboard holders—they were vibe setters, sideline generals, and in their minds, the next face of the league.
Even if they rarely saw the field, you could count on these backups to exude confidence, talk like franchise players, and carry themselves like they were one throw away from Canton. Whether it was pregame swagger or postgame quotes, these guys made sure you never forgot who they thought they were.
10. Chad Henne
Chad Henne knew his role, but that didn’t stop him from walking around like a wily veteran who could still win 12 games. Every time he stepped in for Mahomes, he acted like he’d been waiting his whole life for the moment.
9. Colt McCoy
Colt McCoy has made a career out of being the confident guy in the quarterback room who looks like he just got done filming a Gatorade commercial. He may not have played a ton, but he always gave off “this is my team” energy.
8. Mike Glennon
Mike Glennon looked like a giraffe in shoulder pads, but that never seemed to shake his confidence. No matter the team, he always showed up like he was QB1—just waiting for the coaches to realize it.
7. Trevor Siemian
Trevor Siemian got a starting gig once and never really let that mentality go. You could always count on him to walk into camp like he was there to take your job, not win a backup spot.
6. Blaine Gabbert
Blaine Gabbert had the golden hair, the first-round pedigree, and the self-assurance of a guy who still believed he was elite. Even on the bench, he carried himself like he was ready to storm the field and save the season.
5. Josh Johnson
Josh Johnson has been on nearly every NFL roster, and on every one, he carried himself like the smartest QB in the room. You could always count on him to look ready, even if he was signed two days before kickoff.
4. Matt Barkley
Matt Barkley talked like a starter, walked like a starter, and occasionally played like one—but never consistently enough to be one. That didn’t stop him from projecting “future Pro Bowler” energy his entire career.
3. Nathan Peterman
Nathan Peterman has had some historically rough outings, but you wouldn’t know it from his body language. Despite the turnovers, he always carried himself like a comeback story just waiting to happen.
Read More: Unsung Heroes: The 30 Best Backup Quarterbacks in NFL History
2. Gardner Minshew
Minshew Mania was a cultural movement, and no one bought in harder than Minshew himself. Even when he’s not starting, he wears the jorts and the shades like the league revolves around him.
Read More: The 10 Worst Backup QBs Who Got Paid Like Starters
1. Chase Daniel
No one in NFL history has been more confident about doing less. Chase Daniel walked around like he was a Super Bowl MVP in waiting, all while cashing checks and barely breaking a sweat.
Read More: 15 Backup NFL Quarterbacks Who Had a Long Career
