Trash talk is an art form in the NFL. Some players use it to get in their opponents’ heads, while others do it just for fun. Love them or hate them, these quarterbacks had big mouths—and backed it up on the field. Some let their play do the talking, but these guys did both.
Whether you loved them or hated them, they made the game a lot more fun. Here are 15 of the biggest trash-talkers in NFL history.
Philip Rivers (2004–2020, Chargers, Colts)
Philip Rivers talked more than almost any quarterback in NFL history—without ever using curse words. The longtime Chargers quarterback was famous for his fiery competitive spirit, constantly chirping at defenders, refs, and even teammates. He once yelled “Ninety-yard touchdown!” at the Dolphins’ defense before throwing the pass. Rivers’ trash talk was playful, but it definitely got under opponents’ skin.
Tom Brady (2000–2022, Patriots, Buccaneers)
Brady is the GOAT, and he let you know it. From shouting “Let’s go!” in defenders’ faces to reminding teams he owned them (looking at you, Bills and Colts), Brady backed up his talk with seven Super Bowls. He once told Tyrann Mathieu, “I’m coming for you” before throwing a touchdown in Super Bowl LV. Brady wasn’t loud every game, but when he talked, you listened.
Aaron Rodgers (2005–Present, Packers, Jets)
Rodgers doesn’t just talk—he delivers verbal daggers. In 2021, he famously screamed “I still own you!” at Bears fans after scoring a touchdown. His relaxed, confident attitude often frustrates defenses, and he never hesitates to remind them when they miss a sack. Whether calling out opponents, doubting his doubters, or trolling on podcasts, Rodgers keeps things interesting.
Brett Favre (1991–2010, Packers, Jets, Vikings)
Favre was an old-school gunslinger who loved talking trash with a smile. He’d joke with defenders right before dodging their sack attempts and throwing a deep bomb. Warren Sapp once said Favre was the only quarterback who would trash talk back to defensive linemen. Even late in his career with the Vikings, he was still chirping away.
Cam Newton (2011–2021, Panthers, Patriots)
Cam didn’t just talk—he celebrated in your face. The 2015 MVP was famous for dabbing, pointing first downs, and handing footballs to kids after scoring on your defense. His “You mad, bro?” moment with Clay Matthews became legendary. Defenders hated it, but his confidence was electric.
Joe Namath (1965–1977, Jets, Rams)
Broadway Joe was one of the original NFL trash-talkers. Before Super Bowl III, he boldly guaranteed a win over the Colts—then delivered. He had swagger, confidence, and wasn’t afraid to taunt defenses. Namath talked big and lived even bigger.
Joe Burrow (2020–Present, Bengals)
Burrow doesn’t scream—he smirks. His confidence oozes, and he casually drops lines that sting. After beating the Chiefs in 2022, he said, “Better send those refunds” when tickets for a Chiefs-Bills game had already been sold. He plays with an old-school swagger, and his trash talk is just as smooth as his game.
Peyton Manning (1998–2015, Colts, Broncos)
Peyton wasn’t a loudmouth, but his sarcasm and intelligence made him elite at trash talk. He famously mocked defenders who tried to blitz him, once telling Ray Lewis, “Nice try!” before dodging a sack. He’d call out defensive disguises, saying things like, “Oh, real scary!” before snapping the ball. Manning’s trash talk was subtle but ruthless.
Ben Roethlisberger (2004–2021, Steelers)
Big Ben wasn’t flashy, but he had an old-school toughness that came with plenty of trash talk. He’d shrug off sacks and tell defenders, “That all you got?” before launching a deep pass. He loved jawing with Ravens defenders, especially Terrell Suggs. His confidence fueled Pittsburgh’s rivalry games for years.
Steve Young (1985–1999, Buccaneers, 49ers)
Young followed Joe Montana in San Francisco but brought more fire. He’d chirp at defenses while scrambling for first downs and wasn’t afraid to tell defenders they couldn’t catch him. After taking over for Montana, he silenced doubters by winning Super Bowl XXIX—and probably let them know about it.
Michael Vick (2001–2015, Falcons, Eagles, Jets, Steelers)
Vick’s speed was his trash talk—he’d outrun defenders and let them know it. He once told a defender, “You need a new angle” before juking him out of his cleats. His confidence on the field made him one of the most exciting players ever. When he was on, nobody could stop him.
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Jay Cutler (2006–2017, Broncos, Bears, Dolphins)
Cutler’s trash talk was unique. He wasn’t loud—he was dismissive. His “Don’t care” attitude frustrated defenders more than words ever could. He once told Philip Rivers, “You ain’t got the arm for this,” despite Rivers being a legendary talker himself.
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Jim McMahon (1982–1996, Bears, Chargers, Eagles, Vikings, Packers, Browns)
McMahon was the rebel quarterback. He wore headbands with messages, clashed with coaches, and never held back against defenders. After scoring a touchdown, he once flipped into the end zone just to taunt the other team. He made the 1985 Bears even more intimidating.
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Eli Manning (2004–2019, Giants)
Eli was sneaky with his trash talk. He didn’t yell—he just humiliated defenses in clutch moments. After beating Tom Brady twice in the Super Bowl, he threw shade by simply smirking. He also roasted Peyton in commercials, proving his trash talk wasn’t just for the field.
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Johnny Manziel (2014–2015, Browns)
Manziel’s NFL career was short, but his trash talk was elite. He taunted defenses with his signature “money sign” celebration, even when losing. In college, he famously told Alabama fans to “get out of here” after shredding their defense. He may not have lasted in the league, but his confidence never wavered.
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