Quarterbacks get all the glory — and some of the best nicknames in sports history. Whether it’s based on their play, their vibe, or just something that stuck in the locker room, these monikers have become as iconic as the players themselves.
Here are the 10 greatest QB nicknames ever, ranked with love, laughs, and a little nostalgia.
10. “The Red Rifle” – Andy Dalton
It sounds like a superhero… or maybe a Nerf gun. Either way, it gave Andy Dalton way more swagger than his stat lines ever did.
9. “Danny Dimes” – Daniel Jones
Nothing like dropping a few accurate throws and getting a Wall Street-level nickname. The dimes haven’t always been consistent, but the name stuck like a good throw on 3rd and long.
8. “Matty Ice” – Matt Ryan
Cool under pressure and colder than a dome in December. Even if the 28-3 jokes won’t die, the nickname is still absolute gold.
7. “The Snake” – Ken Stabler
Slick, slithery, and somehow always escaping trouble in the pocket. The Snake was a left-handed legend with a vibe as cool as his name.
6. “Joe Cool” – Joe Montana
He played like he had an ice cube for a heartbeat. Never rattled, always in control — the name practically called itself.
5. “Broadway Joe” – Joe Namath
Flashy fur coats, big-time swagger, and a guarantee that actually came true. Nobody ever made the New York spotlight look smoother.
4. “Captain Comeback” – Roger Staubach
You’re not called Captain Comeback unless you’re built for late-game chaos. Staubach made fourth quarters must-watch TV before it was trendy.
3. “The Sheriff” – Peyton Manning
He controlled the offense like he was running the whole town. Omaha, hand signals, laser vision — The Sheriff didn’t mess around.
Read More: The Absolute Coolest QB Nicknames In The NFL
2. “Big Ben” – Ben Roethlisberger
Massive in the pocket, impossible to bring down, and surprisingly mobile for a guy built like a vending machine. The name just fit like a stiff-arm on a blitzing linebacker.
Read More: Ranking the 30 Best NFL Quarterbacks Playing Now
1. “Tom Terrific” – Tom Brady
He might not have trademarked it successfully, but the name still sums him up perfectly. Love him or loathe him, the guy was just… terrific.
Read More: The 20 Best NFL Nicknames of All Time, Ranked
