Quarterbacks are the face of the franchise, the leaders of the huddle, and the ones who make the biggest plays when the game is on the line. Over the years, some of the best to ever do it have earned legendary nicknames—whether from their style of play, their personality, or just something that stuck.
These nicknames aren’t just labels—they’re part of the game’s history. Whether they were earned through legendary performances, personal traits, or just the way they played, these quarterbacks made sure their nicknames would be remembered forever.
“Broadway Joe” – Joe Namath
Joe Namath was as famous off the field as he was on it. Playing most of his career with the New York Jets (1965–1976), he guaranteed and then delivered a stunning victory in Super Bowl III. His flashy fur coats, charisma, and life in the spotlight earned him the nickname “Broadway Joe.” Namath wasn’t just a showman—he was a trailblazer for modern superstar athletes.
“Joe Cool” – Joe Montana
Few quarterbacks ever handled pressure as smoothly as Joe Montana. The San Francisco 49ers legend (1979–1994) won four Super Bowls and was known for his clutch performances, including “The Catch” in the 1981 NFC Championship Game. His calm demeanor in high-pressure moments earned him the nickname “Joe Cool.” Whether it was a two-minute drill or a game-winning drive, Montana never seemed rattled.
“The Sheriff” – Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning controlled the line of scrimmage like no other. Playing for the Indianapolis Colts (1998–2011) and Denver Broncos (2012–2015), he was famous for barking out audibles and dissecting defenses. His nickname, “The Sheriff,” came from his command over the game and the way he kept everything in order. He rode off into the sunset with a Super Bowl 50 victory.
“Big Ben” – Ben Roethlisberger
Standing 6’5″ and weighing over 240 pounds, Ben Roethlisberger was a nightmare to bring down. Playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2004 to 2021, he led them to two Super Bowl wins and was known for his toughness in the pocket. The nickname “Big Ben” fit perfectly—not just because of his size, but also because of his ability to deliver in crunch time like the famous clock in London.
“The Gunslinger” – Brett Favre
Brett Favre played with a fearless, backyard-football mentality that made him a fan favorite. The Green Bay Packers legend (1991–2010) threw for over 71,000 yards and loved taking risks, sometimes to a fault. His nickname, “The Gunslinger,” came from his tendency to fire passes into tight windows, no matter the risk. That aggressive style made him one of the most exciting QBs in NFL history.
“Matty Ice” – Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan was known for staying cool under pressure, especially in the clutch. As the longtime quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons (2008–2022), he won NFL MVP in 2016 and led the team to Super Bowl LI. His nickname, “Matty Ice,” came from his ability to stay calm and make big plays late in games. Even though that Super Bowl didn’t go his way, his career was filled with impressive moments.
“Captain Comeback” – Roger Staubach
Roger Staubach made a name for himself leading late-game rallies for the Dallas Cowboys. Playing from 1969 to 1979, he won two Super Bowls and was famous for his ability to bring his team back from the brink of defeat. His nickname, “Captain Comeback,” reflected his knack for pulling off dramatic wins. He was also a Navy veteran, adding to his leadership reputation.
“The Snake” – Ken Stabler
Ken Stabler played with a cool, almost reckless confidence that made him a perfect fit for the Oakland Raiders. He led them to a Super Bowl victory in the 1976 season and was known for his ability to slip away from defenders. His college coach at Alabama, Bear Bryant, gave him the nickname “The Snake” because of the way he slithered around the pocket. That name stuck throughout his Hall of Fame career.
“Cam Bam” – Cam Newton
Cam Newton’s combination of size, speed, and arm strength made him a unique force at quarterback. Playing mostly for the Carolina Panthers (2011–2021), he won an MVP and led his team to Super Bowl 50. His nickname, “Cam Bam,” came from his ability to run over defenders despite playing quarterback. His Superman celebrations and electrifying style made him one of the most exciting players of his era.
“The Mad Bomber” – Daryle Lamonica
Daryle Lamonica wasn’t afraid to go deep—constantly. As quarterback for the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders (1963–1974), he was known for his aggressive, long-ball passing style. His nickname, “The Mad Bomber,” perfectly captured his love for launching deep throws. In an era before modern passing offenses, Lamonica was a true gunslinger.
“Johnny Football” – Johnny Manziel
Johnny Manziel took college football by storm at Texas A&M before a short NFL career (2014–2015). His flashy plays, scrambling ability, and cocky personality led to the nickname “Johnny Football.” While his NFL career didn’t last, his legend from college remains strong. At his peak, he was one of the most entertaining players to watch.
“The Comeback Kid” – Joe Montana
Joe Montana was so good, he had two great nicknames. “The Comeback Kid” was given to him for his ability to rally his team from behind, especially in the biggest moments. His Super Bowl XXIII game-winning drive against the Bengals was a perfect example. No lead was safe when Montana had the ball in his hands.
Read More: The 10 Most Inspirational Career-Defining Comebacks in NFL History
“The Red Rifle” – Andy Dalton
Andy Dalton spent most of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals (2011–2020), leading them to multiple playoff appearances. His bright red hair and strong throwing arm earned him the nickname “The Red Rifle.” While he never won a Super Bowl, he had a solid career as a starting quarterback. His nickname remains one of the most memorable for a modern QB.
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“The Snake” – Jake Plummer
Like Ken Stabler, Jake Plummer also earned the nickname “The Snake,” but for a different reason. Playing for the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos (1997–2006), he was known for his ability to escape pressure and make plays on the run. His unpredictable, exciting style of play made him a fan favorite. Whether scrambling for a first down or throwing on the move, he always kept defenses guessing.
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“The Blonde Bomber” – Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s. His powerful arm and golden hair earned him the nickname “The Blonde Bomber.” He wasn’t always the most accurate passer, but he made big plays when it mattered most. His leadership and toughness helped define the Steelers’ dynasty years.
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