Being an NFL quarterback comes with a spotlight brighter than most positions in sports. But some guys, even with fame, fortune, and franchise QB pressure, still manage to give off the vibe of someone you’d split a six-pack with on a random Tuesday night.
Whether it’s their humility, goofy interviews, or how they carry themselves like it’s not that deep, these quarterbacks feel more like neighbors than national celebrities. Here are 15 NFL QBs who acted like regular guys—even while living anything but regular lives.
15. Kirk Cousins
He rocks the dad vibes like it’s a full-time job and somehow made wearing Kohl’s outfits look cool. Whether grilling burgers or dancing awkwardly on a team plane, Cousins always leans into being delightfully average.
14. Andy Dalton
He never chased headlines or drama—just quietly showed up, did the job, and went home. Dalton’s low-key demeanor and mild-mannered interviews made him feel more like an accountant than a longtime NFL starter.
13. Gardner Minshew
Despite the mustache and occasional flair, Minshew gives off serious “fun uncle who drives a beat-up truck” energy. He’s the kind of guy who probably prefers gas station coffee and talks to strangers at the bar.
12. Derek Carr
Even as the face of a franchise, Carr always came off like the overly friendly youth group leader you knew in high school. He’s never tried to be flashy or cool, and that’s precisely what made him likable.
11. Nick Foles
You’d think the guy who led Philly to its first Super Bowl would demand attention, but not Foles. He stayed grounded, soft-spoken, and almost allergic to the spotlight.
10. Mac Jones
Sure, things haven’t always gone smoothly, but Mac still acts like a freshman, happy to be included. He talks like a guy trying to win over a room of assistant coaches with dad jokes.
9. Ryan Tannehill
Never one to chase the camera, Tannehill has always carried himself like someone who’d rather be fishing. Even as a playoff QB, he somehow stayed just under the radar.
8. Joe Flacco
He once said he was “an elite quarterback” and somehow it still didn’t sound cocky. Flacco’s vibe was less superstar and more suburban dad with a cannon for an arm.
7. Case Keenum
One of the ultimate journeymen, Keenum always seemed genuinely grateful for every snap. He’s got that “thankful backup” energy, even after leading a playoff run.
6. Brock Purdy
Despite the “Mr. Irrelevant” story turning into a fairytale, Purdy still acts like a guy excited to be here. He plays with poise but talks like a college sophomore who just finished midterms.
5. Taylor Heinicke
From the beer-chugging celebrations to his gamer energy, Heinicke feels like someone you went to high school with. He’s not trying to be a star—he wants to ball out and have fun doing it.
4. Josh McCown
McCown spent nearly two decades bouncing around teams and still felt like a guy filling in at rec league. He never carried himself like a star, just someone happy to help and give his best.
3. Chad Pennington
Even when winning games for the Jets and Dolphins, Pennington felt more like the polite guy who holds the elevator for you. Calm, collected, and incredibly normal for a pro athlete.
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2. Eli Manning
Two-time Super Bowl champ and still somehow one of the most unassuming dudes in NFL history. His “aw shucks” personality and goofy charm made him feel more like your awkward cousin than a New York icon.
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1. Josh Allen
Despite having the skillset of a Madden cheat code, Allen acts like a Labrador in cleats. Whether he’s cracking jokes, goofing around with teammates, or poking fun at himself, he’s the superstar who never takes himself too seriously.
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