Ranking the 15 Best NFL Players Under Pressure

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, certain quarterbacks have set themselves apart with their incredible ability to perform under pressure. These legendary athletes have secured their places in football history through iconic comebacks, game-winning drives, and stellar performances in playoff situations.

This listicle highlights some of the greatest quarterbacks renowned for their clutch performances when the stakes are highest.

15. Steve Young

In the high-stakes world of Super Bowl XXIX, Steve Young emerged as a true champion, setting a record with an astounding six touchdown passes. His career ended on a high note, boasting the highest passer rating of 96.8 at the time of his retirement.

Not just once, but twice, Young was crowned the NFL’s Most Valuable Player. His impressive stats and undeniable skill have solidified his place in football history.

14. Joe Namath

“Broadway Joe” Namath, with his unshakeable confidence, boldly promised a victory for the New York Jets in Super Bowl III. Despite the Baltimore Colts being the favorites, Namath led his team to a triumphant 16-7 win, earning himself the Super Bowl MVP title.

His professional football career spanned 13 impressive seasons, mostly spent with the Jets. Namath made history as the first quarterback to throw over 4,000 yards in a single season, a feat he accomplished in 1967.

13. Russell Wilson

With a knack for making crucial plays when it matters most, Russell Wilson is a force to be reckoned with on the football field. His agility and quick thinking allow him to dodge defenders and keep the game moving, even under intense pressure.

His impressive tally of touchdowns and high passer rating are testament to his skill and consistency. Wilson’s dynamic style of play keeps fans on the edge of their seats and opponents on their toes.

12. Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes is so good under pressure because he thrives when the stakes are high, making impossible plays look effortless. His ability to stay calm, read defenses, and adjust on the fly is unmatched, even when the game is on the line.

Whether it’s a no-look pass or launching a deep bomb while being chased, Mahomes has the uncanny knack to deliver in clutch moments, making him a true master of turning chaos into something beautiful. His confidence and mental toughness turn pressure into an opportunity, and that’s what makes him so dangerous on the field.

11. Eli Manning

Eli Manning, the star quarterback for the New York Giants, steered his team to two impressive victories in the Super Bowl. Both times, in 2008 and 2012, they outplayed the New England Patriots.

Manning’s exceptional performance in these games earned him the title of Super Bowl MVP twice, a testament to his skill and leadership on the field.

10. Ben Roethlisberger

From 2004 to 2021, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a true champion at the helm. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, with his knack for pulling off plays in the toughest of situations, led the team to glory not once, but twice in the Super Bowl. His shining moment came in Super Bowl XLIII, where he threw the touchdown pass that clinched the game.

Roethlisberger’s career was marked by a series of thrilling victories, with over 50 game-winning drives to his name. Even in the high-stakes world of playoffs, he held his own, boasting a winning record. His legacy is one of grit, determination, and an uncanny ability to come through when it mattered most.

9. Roger Staubach

In the high-stakes world of professional football, few could match the grit and determination of Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Roger Staubach. From 1969 to 1979, Staubach, fondly known as “Captain Comeback,” showcased his exceptional skills under pressure, leading his team to an impressive 23 comeback victories in the fourth quarter.

His prowess on the field didn’t stop there. Staubach’s dynamic playing style, marked by his remarkable passing ability and agility when running with the ball, helped the Cowboys clinch two Super Bowl titles. His outstanding performance didn’t go unnoticed, earning him six Pro Bowl selections.

8. Terry Bradshaw

With the Pittsburgh Steelers, Terry Bradshaw clinched four Super Bowl victories, proving himself a force to be reckoned with on the field. His exceptional performance earned him two Super Bowl MVP awards and an NFL MVP award.

Bradshaw’s impressive postseason passer rating of 83.0 further highlights his knack for delivering in crucial games.

7. Brett Favre

Brett Favre, a legendary figure in the NFL, spent the majority of his 20-year career as the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. His ironman streak of 297 consecutive starts is unmatched in NFL history. Favre’s exceptional skills earned him the NFL Most Valuable Player award three times in a row, from 1995 to 1997.

He steered the Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 1997, cementing his legacy. Upon retirement, he held numerous NFL records, including the most passing yards and touchdowns. His remarkable career was recognized with an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

6. Dan Marino

With a knack for delivering when it mattered most, Dan Marino was a force to be reckoned with on the football field. His ability to rack up passing yards was unmatched, leading the NFL five times in this category. Marino’s record-breaking performances didn’t stop there. He orchestrated 47 game-winning drives throughout his career, showcasing his clutch ability.

In 1984, his exceptional skills earned him the coveted MVP title. Marino’s prowess on the field was recognized with nine Pro Bowl selections and a well-deserved induction into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

5. Aaron Rodgers

Despite recent injuries, Aaron Rodgers remains a formidable force on the football field. His ability to handle pressure, particularly during blitzes, is impressive. This season, his performance against blitzes earned him a solid grade, proving that his quarterback skills are as sharp as ever.

His recent games have been particularly strong, demonstrating that Rodgers is still a player to watch.

4. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning, a master of the gridiron, consistently delivered under pressure. With a knack for turning the tide in the final quarter, he orchestrated 43 comeback victories and led his team to triumph in 54 nail-biting, down-to-the-wire games. His exceptional skill earned him the Most Valuable Player title five times over.

Manning’s prowess also shone on the biggest stage, clinching two Super Bowl victories with different teams. His 18-year NFL career, predominantly with the Indianapolis Colts and later the Denver Broncos, culminated in a well-deserved spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

3. John Elway

For 16 thrilling years, John Elway commanded the field as the Denver Broncos’ star quarterback. He was a master of suspense, steering the team to 47 nail-biting comebacks or game-tying drives. Elway’s leadership and skill propelled the Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances, with two triumphant victories. His impressive career saw him throw for an astonishing amount of yards and hundreds of touchdowns.

After hanging up his cleats, Elway didn’t leave the Broncos behind. Instead, he transitioned into an executive role, continuing to shape the team’s future. His remarkable contributions to the sport were recognized in 2004 when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2. Joe Montana

With a cool head and a steady hand, Joe Montana steered his team to victory in the final quarter 32 times throughout his NFL career. His leadership on the field led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl wins, and his exceptional performance earned him the Super Bowl MVP title three times.

His ability to remain unflappable under intense pressure earned him the fitting nickname “Joe Cool.”

1. Tom Brady

In the high-stakes world of professional football, few have demonstrated the same level of poise and prowess as Tom Brady. His record-breaking career is studded with impressive achievements, including an unmatched tally of playoff victories and a quartet of Super Bowl MVP awards.

Brady’s knack for turning the tide of a game is perhaps best exemplified by the unforgettable Super Bowl LI. Trailing 28-3, Brady orchestrated a stunning comeback, leading the Patriots to a thrilling 34-28 overtime victory. This remarkable feat underscores Brady’s unparalleled ability to deliver under pressure.