Every NFL quarterback has to show a little fire now and then, but some have taken sideline outbursts to a new level. These guys spent as much time throwing fits as they did throwing touchdowns, and while their tantrums sometimes made for viral moments, they didn’t always translate to Ws on the field.
Here are 15 QBs who might have broken as many tablets as they did passing records.
15. Ryan Leaf
Leaf’s NFL career was short, but his temper was legendary. Between yelling at reporters and feuding with teammates, he managed to flame out faster than a rookie kicker in a blizzard.
14. Jeff George
George had a cannon for an arm and a fuse just as short. His sideline rants were a staple of 90s NFL broadcasts, and his frustration often overshadowed his impressive throws.
13. Jay Cutler
Few quarterbacks had a more famous pout than Jay Cutler. Whether it was a broken play or a missed block, his body language screamed, “I’d rather be anywhere else.”
12. Jim Everett
Everett was a solid QB, but he’s best remembered for nearly throwing hands with Jim Rome on live TV. He didn’t take kindly to being called “Chris” and ensured the world knew it.
11. Baker Mayfield
Mayfield wears his emotions on his sleeve, sometimes leading to fiery sideline moments. He’s not shy about letting his linemen hear it when things go south.
10. Philip Rivers
Rivers might be the only QB who could throw a fit without swearing. He was as likely to jaw with a linebacker as he was to celebrate a touchdown pass.
9. Kerry Collins
Collins had his share of strong seasons, but he also had a notoriously hot temper early in his career. His sideline blowups made him a polarizing figure among fans and teammates.
8. Cam Newton
Newton’s passion for the game is undeniable, but so is his ability to let frustrations boil over. You could usually tell just by his body language when things weren’t going his way.
7. Johnny Manziel
Manziel’s NFL career flamed out quickly, but not before he fully displayed his frustration. From helmet slams to sideline shouts, he let his emotions get the better.
6. Matt Ryan
Ryan’s normally calm demeanor can crack when things get ugly. Ask any Falcons fan who’s seen him barking at his offensive line after a blown lead.
5. Donovan McNabb
McNabb’s leadership was sometimes questioned because of his visible frustration. When the wheels came off, his body language did him no favors.
4. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers has made a second career out of passive-aggressive jabs and exasperated sideline glares. If looks could kill, a few of his former coaches would have been in trouble.
3. Jim McMahon
McMahon was known for his punk attitude, which extended to the sidelines. He never shied away from letting teammates and coaches know when he was unhappy.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Immature NFL Players Ever
2. Dan Marino
Marino’s fiery personality made him one of the most intense competitors ever. When a receiver ran the wrong route, you could see the steam coming out of his helmet.
Read More: 25 Athletes Who Made Sideline Meltdowns Their Signature Move
1. Tom Brady
The GOAT of sideline meltdowns, Brady has shattered tablets, yelled at teammates, and given the death stare to coaches on national TV. No one blends tantrums and touchdowns quite like him.
Read More: Screaming from the Sidelines: The NFL’s 14 Angriest Ever Coaches, Ranked
