The quarterback position in American football is often considered the most pivotal on the field, with certain players leaving an indelible mark on the NFL through their exceptional performances and leadership.
In this article, we take a look at some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, each bringing their own unique style and achievements to the game. From the rocket arm of Brett Favre to the poised precision of Tom Brady, these legends have each played a crucial role in shaping the sport we love today.
19. Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers retired in 2021 after an illustrious 17-year career, primarily with the Chargers. He amassed 63,440 passing yards and 421 touchdowns, earning eight Pro Bowl selections. Rivers’ durability was legendary, starting 240 consecutive games. Known for his unorthodox throwing motion and fiery competitiveness, he led the Chargers to multiple playoff appearances.
18. Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson’s career has been marked by consistent excellence. With a career passer rating of 100.0, he’s one of the most efficient quarterbacks in NFL history. Wilson’s ability to extend plays and make accurate throws on the run has been a hallmark of his game. Despite a recent dip in performance, his nine Pro Bowl selections speak to his enduring impact.
17. Fran Tarkenton
Fran Tarkenton revolutionized the quarterback position with his scrambling ability. In his 18-year career, he amassed 47,003 passing yards and 342 touchdowns, both NFL records at retirement. Tarkenton’s 3,674 rushing yards showcased his dual-threat capabilities. He led the Minnesota Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential quarterbacks in NFL history.
16. Jim Kelly
Jim Kelly led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1990-1993, an unprecedented feat. Known for his toughness and leadership, Kelly threw for 35,467 yards and 237 touchdowns in his career. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002, cementing his legacy as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
15. Warren Moon
Warren Moon’s career spanned 23 seasons across the CFL and NFL. He threw for 49,325 yards and 291 touchdowns in the NFL alone, earning nine Pro Bowl selections. Moon’s success as an undrafted African-American quarterback paved the way for future generations, culminating in his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2006.
14. Troy Aikman
Troy Aikman led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. He threw for 32,942 yards and 165 touchdowns over his 12-year career, earning six Pro Bowl selections. Aikman’s accuracy and leadership skills made him one of the most efficient quarterbacks of his era, culminating in his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
13. Ben Roethlisberger
“Big Ben” led the Pittsburgh Steelers for 18 seasons, winning two Super Bowls and earning six Pro Bowl selections. Known for his toughness and ability to extend plays, Roethlisberger retired in 2022 ranking 5th all-time in NFL career passing yards (64,088) and completions (5,440). His career 64.4% completion rate and 165-81-1 record solidify his legacy as one of the best.
12. Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner’s journey from grocery store clerk to NFL legend is unparalleled. He led the “Greatest Show on Turf” Rams to a Super Bowl victory, earning MVP honors. Warner later revitalized his career with the Cardinals, reaching another Super Bowl. His career stats include 32,344 passing yards, 208 touchdowns, and a 93.7 passer rating. Warner was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
11. Roger Staubach
Roger Staubach, nicknamed “Captain America,” led the Dallas Cowboys to five Super Bowl appearances and two victories. Known for his fourth-quarter comebacks, Staubach retired with the highest career passer rating in NFL history at the time (83.4). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever.
10. Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s. Known for his powerful arm and on-field leadership, Bradshaw passed for 27,989 yards and 212 touchdowns in his 14-season career. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and has since become a popular TV analyst.
9. Drew Brees
Drew Brees revolutionized the quarterback position with his precision passing. He holds NFL records for career passing yards (80,358) and completion percentage (67.7%). Brees led the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl victory in 2010 and was named Super Bowl MVP. His 571 career touchdown passes rank second all-time in NFL history.
8. Steve Young
Steve Young revolutionized the quarterback position with his dual-threat abilities. He led the 49ers to three Super Bowl victories, earned two NFL MVP awards, and set numerous passing records. Young’s career passer rating of 96.8 ranks among the highest in NFL history, showcasing his exceptional accuracy and efficiency.
7. Brett Favre
Brett Favre’s legendary career spanned 20 seasons, primarily with the Green Bay Packers. He holds NFL records for consecutive starts (297) and was the first quarterback to reach 70,000 yards, 10,000 passes, and 500 touchdowns. Favre led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 1997 and earned three consecutive MVP awards from 1995-1997.
6. Dan Marino
Dan Marino revolutionized the quarterback position with his quick release and powerful arm. In his 17-year career with the Miami Dolphins, Marino set numerous NFL records, including 61,361 passing yards and 420 touchdown passes. A nine-time Pro Bowler, Marino led the Dolphins to the playoffs ten times and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.
5. Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, recently achieved a milestone by becoming the fifth player in NFL history to throw 500 career regular-season touchdown passes. Known for his precision and arm strength, Rodgers has consistently maintained a high passer rating throughout his career, showcasing his efficiency and skill as a quarterback.
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4. John Elway
John Elway’s 16-year career with the Denver Broncos solidified his status as an NFL legend. With 51,475 passing yards, 300 touchdowns, and 3,407 rushing yards, Elway’s dual-threat capabilities were unmatched. He led the Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances, winning two championships before retiring in 1999.
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3. Joe Montana
Known as “Joe Cool,” Montana led the 49ers to four Super Bowl victories in the 1980s. He threw for 40,551 yards and 273 touchdowns over his 16-season career, earning three Super Bowl MVP awards. Montana’s ability to remain calm under pressure and orchestrate game-winning drives cemented his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever.
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2. Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning’s illustrious 18-year NFL career solidified his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. He threw for 71,940 yards and 539 touchdowns, winning two Super Bowls and a record five MVP awards. Manning’s football IQ, precision passing, and ability to read defenses set him apart, revolutionizing the quarterback position.
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1. Tom Brady
Tom Brady, widely regarded as the GOAT, retired in 2023 with an unparalleled legacy. His career stats are staggering: 89,214 passing yards, 649 touchdowns, and a record seven Super Bowl wins. Brady’s longevity and consistency over 23 seasons cemented his status as the most accomplished quarterback in NFL history.
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