Ranking the 25 Most Adorable Quarterbacks of All Time

Quarterbacks are supposed to be fearless leaders, but sometimes they’re just flat-out adorable. Whether it’s a charming smile or a personality that makes you melt, these QBs brought more than just touchdown passes to the table.

From throwback heartthrobs to modern-day cuties, this list celebrates the signal-callers who made us swoon just as much as they made us cheer. We’re not saying looks win games, but these guys definitely won our hearts.

25. Chad Pennington

Jets quarterback Chad Pennington walks off the field after the first half with Wayne Chrebet, during game against the Lions at the Meadowlands Aug. 13, 2005.
Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK

With his kind eyes and clean-cut vibe, Pennington had serious “boy next door” energy. He looked like the guy who’d help you carry groceries, then casually throw for 250 yards.

24. Jimmy Clausen

Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jimmy Clausen (8) catches a football against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings win 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

He may not have had a long NFL career, but Jimmy’s perfectly tousled hair and California charm left a mark. He looked like a surfer who accidentally became a quarterback.

23. Colt McCoy

Sep 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA;  Former Texas Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy acknowledges the crowd after being introduced as a member of the Texas Longhorns Hall of Fame during the first half of the game against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

With a name like Colt and a Texas accent to match, McCoy had southern charm written all over him. He always looked like he had just finished praying and baking cookies for the team.

22. Teddy Bridgewater

Miami Northwestern head coach Teddy Bridgewater talks to media following the team's win over Raines in the Class 3A state championship at Florida International University on Dec. 14, 2024.
Chet Peterman / Special to The Post / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Teddy’s soft smile and calm demeanor made him instantly likable. He radiates sweetness, like someone who gives really thoughtful birthday gifts.

21. Ken Dorsey

Jun. 13, 2009; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Ken Dorsey (center) sits in the lockerroom  prior to the United Football League workout at Sam Boyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Dorsey had the look of a high school heartthrob who somehow ended up calling plays in the NFL. He was tall, chill, and always looked like he just woke up from a nap—in a cute way.

20. Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield
Kirby Lee / Imagn Images

There’s a cocky edge to Baker, but that mischief in his eyes makes it work. He gives off “class clown who wins prom king” vibes.

19. Kellen Moore

Sep 17, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Kellen Moore (17) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Kellen was always a little undersized for the NFL, which made him even more lovable. He had that dorky-cute energy you can’t help but root for.

18. Tony Romo

Nov 9, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo acknowledges the crowd prior to a game between the Missouri Tigers and the Oklahoma Sooners at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Romo’s relaxed smile and natural charisma made him a Dallas darling on and off the field. He looked like the guy who would beat you in golf and then insist on paying for lunch.

17. Russell Wilson

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) leaves the field after facing the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium and Indianapolis. The Seahawks defeated the Colts, 28-16. Indianapolis Colts And Seattle Seahawks On Nfl Week 1 At Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday Sept 12 2021
Jenna Watson/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Russ has that polished, wholesome look that feels very rom-com lead. He’s like a guy who would pick your parents up from the airport without being asked.

16. CJ Stroud

Jul 23, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

CJ has a calm confidence and a smooth style that makes him instantly likable. He gives off “cool guy in your group project who actually does the work” energy.

15. Doug Flutie

Doug Flutie
Wiki Commons

Flutie’s small stature and scrappy charm made him an instant fan favorite. He looked like the underdog hero in every sports movie—and had the smile to match.

14. Brock Purdy

Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA;  San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) looks on after losing to the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Brock has that golden retriever energy that just feels warm and dependable. His everyman charm and fresh-faced smile made him an instant fan favorite.

13. Matt Hasselbeck

Jan 25, 2019; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Matt Hasselbeck throws a pass during the Play Football Celebrity Flag Game at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Hasselbeck’s bald head and dad-joke face made him the NFL’s lovable uncle. He looked like he barbecues in cargo shorts and gives great advice.

12. Jordan Love

Jordan Love (10) reacts after winning then home run derby during the Green Bay Charity Softball Game on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute, Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jordan has smooth features and a quiet, gentle presence that gives him major heartthrob potential. He seems like the type who brings you flowers just because.

11. Trevor Lawrence

Trevor Lawrence
Openverse

With flowing locks and the poise of a movie prince, Trevor was born to make people swoon. He looks like he could star in a Disney Channel Original Movie at any moment.

10. Tim Tebow

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tim Tebow (11) after a preseason NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lincoln Financial Field
Derik Hamilton / Imagn Images

Tebow’s all-American looks and wholesome attitude were made for a Hallmark movie. He had the clean-cut charm of a youth group leader with a cannon for an arm.

9. Mark Sanchez

Aug 14, 2009; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) warms up before the game against the St. Louis Rams at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Sanchez’s thick hair and movie-star face made him one of the most photogenic QBs of his time. He could throw a spiral and light up a room in the same breath.

8. Aaron Rodgers (early years)

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12)] celebrates during the Green Bay Packers 24-16 win over the Carolina Panthers in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Sunday, November 10, 2019. RICK WOOD/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
Rick Wood / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Before the beard and the darkness retreated, young Rodgers had a scruffy, mischievous charm. He looked like the fun friend who always brought snacks and sarcasm.

7. Tom Brady

Tom Brady
Openverse

Brady was the full package—jawline, dimples, and a supermodel wife to prove it. Whether you loved or hated him, you couldn’t deny the guy had serious dreamboat energy.

6. Jimmy Garoppolo

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (11) against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images

With a face made for magazine covers and a smile that could melt turf, Jimmy G’s simply unbeatable in the adorable department.

5. Justin Herbert

Jul 25, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

With his sleepy eyes and low-key demeanor, Herbert feels like a heartthrob who doesn’t know he’s a heartthrob. That humble vibe just adds to his cuteness.

4. Joe Burrow

Jul 23, 2025; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass during training camp at Kettering Health Practice Field. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Burrow has the swagger of a model and the smirk of someone who knows exactly what he’s doing. He gives off “cool guy who reads for fun” energy.

3. Jalen Hurts

Jul 23, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) reacts as he addresses media during training camp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Jalen’s quiet confidence and smooth smile have made him a modern-day NFL crush. He radiates calm, cool, and collected—like a guy who’s always five steps ahead.

Read more: 20 Golfers With the Most Infectious Smiles in the Game

2. Tua Tagovailoa

Jul 23, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) speaks to reporters during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Tua’s soft-spoken charm and bright smile make him one of the most endearing QBs of the modern era. He’s got that “always texts back” energy.

Read more: Hottest NFL Quarterbacks of 2025: The Ultimate Ranking

1. Josh Allen

Bills quarterback Josh Allen throws on the sidelines during the opening day of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University Wednesday, July 23, 2025 in Pittsford.
Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Allen’s farm-boy roots and big goofy grin are a winning combo. He looks like the sweet jock from a teen movie who secretly writes poetry.

Read more: 19 MLB Stars Who Cashed In Just For Being Cool

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