12 Quarterbacks Everyone Secretly Loved to See Fail

There’s something oddly satisfying about watching a quarterback who’s been hyped to the moon crash back down to Earth. Whether it’s because of arrogance or just plain bad vibes, some QBs invited a level of schadenfreude that made their struggles must-see TV.

This isn’t about who was actually the worst—it’s about the ones people quietly rooted against. Maybe they were overpaid, overhyped, or just rubbed folks the wrong way. Either way, when things fell apart, more than a few fans were smirking.

12. Blake Bortles

Green Bay Packers quarterback Blake Bortles (9) warms up before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Jay Biggerstaff / Imagn Images

There was a wild stretch where people acted like Bortles was a future star, and that just felt wrong. Every pick he threw felt like the football gods restoring balance to the universe.

11. Carson Wentz

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz (11) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Wentz went from MVP frontrunner to locker room question mark faster than you could say “Nick Foles.” It was hard not to smirk when he forced throws or gave postgame interviews like nothing was wrong.

10. 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.
Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images

He had the looks, the contract, and the stacked roster—but still managed to make even the easiest throws look stressful. Fans couldn’t help but roll their eyes every time the hype returned, only for reality to slap it back down.

9. Tony Romo

Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) walks off the field after a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Romo was either going to lead a comeback or throw the backbreaking pick—there was rarely a middle ground. And for non-Cowboys fans, that unpredictability was part of the fun.

8. Mac Jones

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws a pass to warm up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Marc Lebryk / Imagn Images

With the aura of “Patriots heir” around him, the expectations were sky-high—and the meltdowns were even more enjoyable. His sideline tantrums and weekly regression gave haters plenty to chew on.

7. Zach Wilson

Nov 24, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson (4) warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

From the moment he was drafted second overall, the pressure was on—and so were the turnovers. His confident attitude never quite matched his performance, making each misstep feel like an internet meme waiting to happen.

6. Mitch Trubisky

Mitchell Trubisky
Dennis Wierzbicki / Imagn Images

Drafted before Mahomes and Watson, Trubisky was always going to be judged harshly—and often unfairly. But even still, fans couldn’t help but snicker when yet another pass sailed five yards out of bounds.

5. Jay Cutler

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) looks to pass to wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Tim Fuller / Imagn Images

That forever-bored face and cannon arm made for a maddening combo. Watching him casually lob picks while barely blinking was oddly hypnotic for people who loved to see him unravel.

4. Tim Tebow

Aug 29, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tim Tebow (5) exits the field after the game against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Giants 28-20. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
David Butler II-Imagn Images

Even during his miracle run, there was a huge portion of fans convinced it was all smoke and mirrors. When the magic ran out, those same fans felt weirdly vindicated.

3. Mark Sanchez

Dec 16, 2018; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) look on prior to the game at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

You can’t talk about QB faceplants without bringing up the Butt Fumble. Sanchez never shook that reputation, and honestly, people never wanted him to.

Read more: Ranking the 12 Most Arrogant Tennis Stars Ever

2. Johnny Manziel

Dec 20, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) greets players after a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Manziel’s swagger far outpaced his actual production, and his off-field antics made him a lightning rod. When it all came crashing down, no one was really surprised—and too many were thrilled.

Read more: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams Based on How Arrogant They Are

1. Russell Wilson (Post-Seattle)

Jun 18, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
John Jones-Imagn Images

The “Mr. Unlimited” persona, combined with awkward press conferences and a massive contract, made Russ an easy target. Watching the Denver debacle unfold in real time was like slow-motion comedy for those who were already over the act.

Read more: 15 College Quarterbacks Who Got Overdrafted Off One Good Season

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