Not all heroes wear capes—some wear clipboards, carry earpieces and are always just one snap away. The NFL has given us plenty of backup quarterbacks who never became superstars but carved out fan-favorite status through memorable moments, charisma, or sheer longevity.
These guys weren’t always the most talented on the field, but they had something special that fans connected with. From cult legends to the ultimate locker room glue guys, here are the 25 most beloved backup quarterbacks in NFL history.
25. Frank Reich
Before he was a head coach, Frank Reich was the guy you wanted waiting in the wings. His playoff comeback with the Bills is the stuff of backup QB folklore.
24. Matt Moore
Matt Moore had a knack for stepping in and keeping the ship afloat. Teams loved him because he was steady, smart, and always ready.
23. Chase Daniel
Has there ever been a more successful clipboard-holder than Chase Daniel? He cashed checks and earned love across the league without breaking a sweat.
22. Charlie Batch
Charlie Batch was a Steelers staple who brought veteran leadership and occasionally delivered clutch performances. Pittsburgh fans adored him for always being ready.
21. Mike White
For a brief moment, Mike White was the savior of the Jets. That alone earned him cult hero status in New York and beyond.
20. Seneca Wallace
Seneca Wallace was mobile, confident, and lowkey electric when called upon. He played with heart and earned respect everywhere he went.
19. Trevor Siemian
Trevor Siemian started more than expected but always gave a solid effort and stayed professional. Fans respected his poise, even in the midst of chaos.
18. Colt McCoy
Colt McCoy has seemingly been in the NFL forever, quietly doing the job no one else wants. Coaches love him, and fans trust him.
17. Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett has had moments of starting brilliance, but he’s flourished as a backup. He’s tough, team-first, and always says the right things.
16. Luke McCown
Luke McCown bounced around but always kept teams in games when given the chance. His steady demeanor and underrated arm earned him plenty of love.
15. Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill looked like your uncle but played like a reliable vet. He was never flashy, but fans appreciated his dependability.
14. Brian Hoyer
Brian Hoyer has been everywhere and seen it all. He’s the definition of “trusted backup” and earned a fan base in nearly every city he played.
13. Kelly Holcomb
Kelly Holcomb had a magical playoff run with the Browns that Browns fans still talk about to this day. That performance alone made him a legend in Cleveland.
12. Nick Mullens
Nick Mullens wasn’t supposed to do much, but he came in and slung it with swagger. He instantly became a fan favorite with the 49ers.
11. Jeff Garcia
Jeff Garcia had Pro Bowl years, but late in his career, he was the go-to veteran backup. His fiery personality and grit kept him beloved well past his prime.
10. Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton never looked like he just walked out of a gym, but he balled anyway. Fans loved his unbothered attitude and ability to sling it when needed.
9. Kellen Moore
Before he was a rising star coach, Kellen Moore was a backup that Cowboys fans quietly believed in. He was brainy, likable, and easy to root for.
8. Doug Flutie
Doug Flutie wasn’t just a backup—he was a spark. Whether in Buffalo or San Diego, fans rallied around his underdog story.
7. Josh McCown
Josh McCown mentored half the league’s young quarterbacks. He brought leadership, charm, and just enough talent to always be in demand.
6. Taysom Hill
Is he a quarterback? A tight end? A fullback? Who knows—but Saints fans love the chaos and effort Taysom Hill brings every single snap.
5. Jason Garrett
Long before he was clapping on the Cowboys’ sideline, Jason Garrett was the ultimate teammate in the QB room. His Thanksgiving Day start is still a Cowboys cult classic.
4. Ryan Fitzpatrick
FitzMagic was supposed to be a journeyman backup but kept stealing starting jobs with epic performances. The beard, the smarts, the energy—what’s not to love?
3. Ty Detmer
Ty Detmer was the little guy with a big arm and an even bigger football IQ. He earned love as the classic “coach-on-the-field” backup.
Read More: 15 Backup QBs from the Past Who Would Crush It Today
2. Nick Foles
He didn’t just step in—he won the whole thing. Nick Foles went from backup to Super Bowl MVP and became a Philly sports icon in the process.
Read More: Unsung Heroes: The 30 Best Backup Quarterbacks in NFL History
1. Steve Young
Yes, he started as a backup—and not just any backup, but Joe Montana’s backup. Steve Young’s time on the bench only made fans love him more when it was finally his time to shine.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Boring Quarterbacks of All Time
