Ranking the 19 Most Self-Important Quarterbacks in NFL History

There’s confident, and then there’s “center of the universe” energy. Some quarterbacks just can’t help but act like the team, the league, and maybe even the planet revolves around them, and they’ll gladly tell you about it.

Whether it was constant sideline antics, press conference soundbites, or just an aura of untouchable arrogance, these quarterbacks mastered the art of believing their own hype. Here are the most self-important signal-callers in NFL history, ranked from “kind of unbearable” to “built a shrine to themselves.”

19. Jimmy Garoppolo

He always carried himself like a superstar, even when his resume didn’t quite match the swagger. Jimmy G’s confidence never wavered, even as his teams often won in spite of him, not because of him.

18. Carson Wentz

Wentz has walked into every locker room like he’s still an MVP candidate, even though that ship sailed years ago. His self-assurance was never in short supply, but team chemistry often was.

17. Tony Romo

He played with flair, talked with confidence, and sometimes acted like the Cowboys’ playoff struggles had nothing to do with him. Romo had main character energy before it was trendy.

16. Deshaun Watson

Between the off-field controversies and the guaranteed money, Watson has carried himself like a top-tier legend regardless of performance. He’s got the ego of a Hall of Famer and the recent stats of a backup.

15. Jeff George

Known for his cannon arm and not much else, Jeff George never lacked for bravado. Coaches, teammates, and cities changed, but his self-image remained MVP-level.

14. Cam Newton

Cam didn’t just enter the league—he made an entrance. Whether dabbing in the end zone or giving postgame sermons in funky fonts, he’s always been the most important person in the room (in his own eyes).

13. Jay Cutler

Few quarterbacks have ever looked more visibly over it while simultaneously carrying themselves like they were above it all. That famous Jay Cutler shrug became a personality trait.

12. Kyler Murray

Even when he’s injured or underperforming, Kyler manages to give off the vibe that he’s playing 4D chess while everyone else is stuck in Madden. That independent film study clause didn’t help his case either.

11. Matthew Stafford

For years in Detroit, he seemed to act like he was dragging the franchise by himself, while critics pointed out he wasn’t exactly lighting it up in big moments. He got his ring, but the self-importance came long before it.

10. Johnny Manziel

Johnny Football might be the textbook case of hype over substance. He walked into the NFL acting like a rock star and quickly showed he was more interested in the lifestyle than the playbook.

9. Ben Roethlisberger

Big Ben always made sure people knew he was a warrior, a leader, and a quarterback who didn’t get enough credit—just ask him. His press conference tone was often “martyr with a cannon arm.”

8. Eli Manning

Eli always had a “chosen one” vibe, despite looking perpetually confused on the field. He might’ve won two rings, but his self-assured demeanor never quite matched the rollercoaster ride that was his career.

7. Baker Mayfield

Swagger was basically baked into his DNA. From planting flags to jawing at reporters, Baker has always operated like he’s the star of his own underdog movie—even when the script has flopped.

6. Matt Ryan

Matty Ice carried himself with the confidence of a Super Bowl champ, even after that whole 28-3 thing. He never let the collapse dent his cool, even if everyone else still hasn’t forgotten.

5. Russell Wilson

DangerRuss truly believes he’s a one-man brand. Whether he’s dropping catchphrases, doing high knees on planes, or dropping oddly rehearsed pep talks, Russ radiates “I’m the moment” energy.

4. Brett Favre

Favre’s career was basically a one-man saga, complete with retirements, comebacks, and drama-filled trades. He played like a gunslinger and talked like the NFL’s elder statesman, even when he was just exhausting.

3. Joe Namath

Broadway Joe wasn’t just a quarterback—he was a celebrity in cleats. He guaranteed wins, wore fur coats, and acted like football was lucky to have him.

Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Phony NFL Quarterbacks of All Time

2. Tom Brady

Brady’s greatness is undeniable, but let’s not pretend humility was ever a key part of the brand. He built a TB12 empire, fired off cryptic videos, and made sure every move felt like a royal proclamation.

Read More: Big Money, No Wins: The 10 Highest-Paid NFL QBs Without a Playoff Victory

1. Aaron Rodgers

No quarterback has leaned harder into the “I’m smarter than everyone else” persona. From ayahuasca retreats to cryptic interviews and conspiracy-tinged monologues, Rodgers always makes sure the spotlight is firmly on him, even when he’s not throwing passes.

Read More: 15 Quarterbacks Who Thought the Franchise Revolved Around Them