20 NFL Quarterbacks Who Were All About the Locker Room

When it comes to NFL quarterbacks, flashy plays and big contracts tend to get the spotlight. But behind the scenes, the guys who keep teams ticking are the ones who bring everyone together — the glue guys, the leaders, the ones who make the locker room feel like a family.

These quarterbacks weren’t always the loudest or most celebrated, but teammates swore by them. Whether cracking jokes during a losing streak or keeping everyone focused during a playoff run, these QBs had serious locker room presence. Here are 20 quarterbacks who were truly all about the locker room.

20. Colt McCoy

Colt McCoy, former Texas football and NFL athlete, is recognized as he is inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor as the Texas Longhorns take on ULM at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024
Mikala Compton/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

McCoy was never the star, but he was always the guy you wanted in your QB room. His attitude and support made every team he joined a little better.

19. Tyrod Taylor

Former Buffalo Bills and current New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor interacts with fans during the 49th annual Hornell Sports Night Saturday, March 29, 2025
Chris Potter/The Spectator / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Quiet, steady, and always a pro, Tyrod had the respect of every locker room he walked into. He’s the kind of guy younger players leaned on for guidance.

18. Case Keenum

Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Case Keenum during the NFLPA press conference in advance of Super Bowl LIX at the New Orleans Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Teammates love Case because he shows up ready, puts the team first, and doesn’t complain about his role. He’s been the go-to backup and morale booster for years.

17. Andy Dalton

Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during pregame warmups against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Dalton has played the mentor role perfectly and has always kept things professional. He’s the steady presence you want around when things get chaotic.

16. Jeff Garcia

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Gibert Brown celebrates his sacking of quarterback Jeff Garcia in the first play of the game. The Green Bay Packers defeated San Francisco, 25-15, on Sunday, Jan. 13th, 2002, at Lambeau Field, in the first round of the playoffs
Dale Guldan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Garcia had a fiery edge but was deeply respected by his teammates. He wasn’t afraid to speak up, and guys rallied around his intensity.

15. Teddy Bridgewater

Jan 18, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (12) hands the ball off during the second quarter against the Washington Commanders in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Teddy has that calm, comforting presence — a true locker room favorite everywhere he’s played. He brings good vibes, leadership, and perspective.

14. Taylor Heinicke

Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Taylor Heinicke (8) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Heinicke’s scrappy play style is part of the charm, but his teammates also love his hard work. He never phones it in, no matter where he lands.

13. Jacoby Brissett

Dec 22, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots quarterack Jacoby Brissett (7) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Brissett is as dependable as they come and brings strong big-brother energy to any team. Coaches love him, and teammates trust him.

12. Chad Pennington

2000: Chad Pennington, 18th overall, quarterback, West Virginia Jets QB Chad Pennington passes during game against the Giants at the Meadowlands Aug. 26, 2005
Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Pennington didn’t make many headlines but was the ultimate team-first quarterback. He had a quiet confidence that rubbed off on the whole locker room.

11. Doug Flutie

Doug Flutie on the ground at St. John Fisher College in pain after he suffered a groin injury during the Bills first training camp in Pittsford.
Jamie Germano / USA TODAY NETWORK

Flutie had that underdog magic, and teammates fed off it. He brought energy, positivity, and a “let’s shock the world” mindset.

10. Josh McCown

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

McCown had a second career as the NFL’s favorite backup QB/mentor. He made every quarterback room smarter, tighter, and better prepared.

9. Donovan McNabb

Feb 8, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Donovan McNabb on the Fox Super Bowl LIX set at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

McNabb kept things light and fun, even during tense moments. He had a knack for bringing people together with humor and leadership.

8. Marc Bulger

August 1, 2010; Westminster, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Marc Bulger (9) during the Baltimore Ravens training camp at McDaniel College. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Bulger flew under the radar, but teammates always praised his work ethic and humility. He had a low-maintenance vibe that kept the locker room balanced.

7. 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. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Say what you want about his play, but Jimmy G has always been beloved in the locker room. His teammates consistently talk about how easy he is to follow and be around.

6. Trent Dilfer

Sep 14, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; UAB Blazers head coach Trent Dilfer in the third quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Dilfer knew he wasn’t the star on those Ravens teams and didn’t care. He focused on leadership, unity, and doing whatever it took to win.

5. Rich Gannon

Jan 29, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL former quarterback Rich Gannon speaks on Sirius XM on radio row in preparation for Super Bowl XLVIII at the Sheraton Times Square. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-Imagn Images
Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

Gannon was all about keeping things professional and focused. He brought serious accountability and elevated the tone of the locker room.

4. Drew Brees

Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints retired quarterback Drew Brees (9) reacts during his hall of fame ceremony at halftime against the Denver Broncos at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Brees was more than a Hall of Famer — a unifying force. He set the standard and made sure everyone in the building felt included.

3. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA;  New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37 to 31. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Fitzmagic brought energy, joy, and chaos in the best way. Players loved how he embraced the fun without losing the room’s respect.

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2. Alex Smith

Jan 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith (11) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Smith mentored younger QBs with class and helped stabilize every locker room he entered. After everything he overcame, his presence alone inspired teammates.

Read More: 10 NFL Quarterbacks Who Went in Round 1 – But Shouldn’t Have

1. Nick Foles

Westlake quarterback Nick Foles walks off the field as the final seconds tick off the clock during a 35-32 win over Pearland at the Class 5A Division 1 state semifinal at Kyle Field in College Station on Saturday Dec. 16, 2006
Jay Janner / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

From backup to Super Bowl MVP, Foles earned legendary status — not just for his play, but for his humility and poise. Every locker room he joined swore by his leadership and calm under pressure.

Read More: 15 NFL Players Who Burned Bridges With Their Former Teams

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