Ranking the 20 Most Down-to-Earth Quarterbacks of All Time

Quarterbacks are often the face of the franchise, the stars of the show, and the first ones on the highlight reel. But now and then, a guy comes along who reminds you that not all QBs are high-maintenance divas with personal brand managers and six endorsement deals.

This list is for the quarterbacks who kept it honest. The ones who signed autographs, stayed humble, and looked more like your neighbor than a superhero. From backup legends to Hall of Fame greats, these are the 20 most down-to-earth quarterbacks the sport has ever seen.

20. Tyrod Taylor

Tyrod Taylor
Flickr

He’s played for what feels like every team in the league and never once made a fuss. Just shows up, does his job, and mentors younger guys like a true pro.

19. Brad Johnson

Brad Johnson
Wikipedia

Nothing flashy, but always steady and respectful. He won a Super Bowl and still somehow flew under the radar.

18. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Ryan Fitzpatrick
Wikimedia Commons

Fitzmagic had a big beard and an even bigger heart. He had an Ivy League brain and a journeyman soul and was always quick to credit his teammates.

17. Doug Flutie

Doug Flutie
Vanilla Vick, via YouTube

He never fit the traditional quarterback mold, making fans love him even more. He played with grit and humility in the NFL, CFL, or backyard.

16. Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater
Flickr

Teddy Two Gloves always carries himself with class, no matter the situation. He’s the kind of guy teammates rave about long after he’s gone.

15. Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme
Flickr

He made it to the Super Bowl but acted like another guy in line at the DMV. He was always approachable, respectful, and never one for the spotlight.

14. Trent Green

Trent Green
Church of the Resurrection, via YouTube

He had some great years with the Rams and Chiefs, but never let it go to his head. Humble in victory, gracious in defeat.

13. Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton
Flickr

He’s been the butt of jokes, but he never bit back. Dalton’s calm demeanor and community work made him a beloved figure, especially in Cincinnati.

12. Jeff Garcia

Jeff Garcia
Wikimedia Commons

Garcia had a scrappy career and was always honest about his journey. He never had a big ego; he was just a guy who worked his tail off and made the most of every opportunity.

11. Jim Zorn

Jim Zorn
Wikimedia Commons

Before coaching, he was one of the more grounded players in the league. He was soft-spoken, hardworking, and never too calm for the fans.

10. Matt Hasselbeck

Matt Hasselbeck
Flickr

Whether playing or broadcasting, Hasselbeck has always kept things light and humble. He was a leader in Seattle but never came off as self-important.

9. Rich Gannon

Rich Gannon
Wikipedia

He took the long road to stardom and appreciated every minute of it. Gannon was a grinder who connected well with teammates and media alike.

8. Steve Beuerlein

Duke Wilson 14, via YouTube

A journeyman with a big heart, Beuerlein quietly built a solid career. He never made waves off the field and was always a team-first guy.

7. Alex Smith

Alex Smith
Flickr

His comeback story is incredible, but he was admired even before that. Smith always lets his play do the talking and treats everyone with respect.

6. Kerry Collins

Kerry Collins
Wikimedia Commons

He had ups and downs, but Collins was honest about it all. There were no frills or drama—just a guy who wanted to play football.

5. Marc Bulger

Marc Bulger
Wikipedia

Despite being a top-tier passer for a stretch, he never made a big show of anything. Soft-spoken and private, he was all about the team.

4. Kurt Warner

Kurt Warner
Wikipedia

Warner went from stocking shelves to winning Super Bowls, and he never lost touch with that humility. He’s remained as gracious off the field as he was clutch on it.

3. Josh McCown

Josh McCown playing a football
Wikimedia Commons

The ultimate mentor and teammate, McCown bounced around the league but earned everyone’s respect. He genuinely loved the game, which showed how he treated others.

Read More: 15 Backup QBs from the Past Who Would Crush It Today

2. Philip Rivers

Philip Rivers
Flickr

Despite his fiery on-field persona, Rivers was a family man through and through. He stayed grounded, avoided the spotlight, and played for the love of the game.

Read More: The 10 Shortest Quarterbacks Who Ever Made NFL History

1. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning
Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth/Wikipedia

He may be one of the greatest of all time, but he never acted above anyone. Funny, generous, and refreshingly self-deprecating, Peyton made everyone feel like a teammate.

Read More: 10 Former NFL Quarterbacks Who Deserved a Better Supporting Cast

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