14 Quarterbacks Who Got More Commercials Than Wins

It’s one thing to lead a team down the field with the game on the line. It’s another thing entirely to lead a nationwide ad campaign while your stat sheet screams backup energy.

These quarterbacks somehow found themselves starring in commercials more often than they starred in meaningful wins. Whether it was their smile, their social media charm, or just being in the right place at the right time, these QBs cashed in off the field—even if they never quite cashed in on it.

14. Matt Leinart

Houston Texans quarterback Matt Leinart (11) prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium
Mitch Stringer / Imagn Images

Leinart came into the league with Hollywood looks and Heisman hype, which translated perfectly to the camera. Too bad it didn’t translate to consistent quarterback play.

13. Tim Tebow

Aug 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tim Tebow (11) walks off the field after a victory against the Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Tebow’s face was on everything from cereal boxes to inspirational billboards. His throwing motion, however, was never quite ready for primetime.

12. Jimmy Garoppolo

Jul 29, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (11) hands off to running back Zach Evans (21) during training camp at Loyola Marymount University. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Between the jawline and the starting gigs, Jimmy G was built for endorsements. But when it came to big games, his best ability might’ve been availability until it wasn’t.

11. Johnny Manziel

Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Scott R. Galvin / Imagn Images

Early media attention and lucrative brand deals made him a magnet for endorsements. Wins? Not so much.

10. Blake Bortles

Nov 7, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Blake Bortles (9) warms up before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Bortles had the charisma of a beer-league legend and the occasional commercial to match. His NFL record, though, mostly mirrored a rollercoaster in decline.

9. Robert Griffin III

Oct 4, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III (3) shakes hands with teammates on the bench prior to their game against the Washington Football Team at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

RG3 burst onto the scene with a smile that could sell shoes—and did. But injuries and instability quickly turned him into a brand more than a baller.

8. Marcus Mariota

Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (18) runs for a first down against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Mariota had the clean-cut image and quiet charisma that brands loved. But despite flashes, he never quite commanded the spotlight on the field the same way.

7. Baker Mayfield

Feb 1, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws the ball during NFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Baker’s house-as-a-stadium ad campaign was charming, funny, and everywhere. Unfortunately, his win total has never quite matched the number of national airings.

6. 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 had the franchise face look and plenty of endorsements. Then came the rapid descent and the awkward brand hangover.

5. Chase Daniel

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Chase Daniel (4) scrambles in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High
Ron Chenoy / Imagn Images

Chase Daniel is the king of being in the room without actually playing. He made enough money and appeared in commercials to live like a starter without the win total to prove it.

4. Trevor Siemian

Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian (14) throws a pass against the New England Patriots in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
David Butler II-Imagn Images

He had the classic quarterback build, the generic name, and enough screen time to confuse casual fans. Meanwhile, wins were more rumor than reality.

3. Colt McCoy

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy (12) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at State Farm Stadium
Joe Camporeale / Imagn Images

Colt’s name popped up in national campaigns now and then, likely because it just sounded marketable. As a starter, however, he primarily played a supporting role.

2. Mark Sanchez

Aug 14, 2009; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) warms up before the game against the St. Louis Rams at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

The “Sanchize” had a marketable look and a New York spotlight—perfect for commercials. But for every ad gig, there was a butt fumble lurking in the background.

Read More: 17 NFL Quarterbacks Who Let Fame Get to Their Heads

1. Joe Namath (Post-Retirement Edition)

Aug 1969; New Haven, CT, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath (12) on the sideline against the New York Giants during the 1969 pre-season at the Yale Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images

Broadway Joe won big early but truly became a commercial icon long after his playing days. These days, more people know him from Medicare ads than from the AFL.

Read More: 10 Quarterbacks Who Were Drafted to the Wrong Team at the Wrong Time

Related Articles
Umpire Eric Goldstein of Worcester holds a ball from the Savannah Bananas.
Former Red Sox Star Gets Robbed by Fan in Banana Ball Game
Ex-Red Sox champ Brock Holt was hilariously robbed by a fan during a Banana Ball game at Fenway Park....
Read More
Jul 6, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics starting pitcher Jacob Lopez (57) is removed from the game during the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Las Vegas A’s New Stadium Facing Major Financial Trouble
The Las Vegas A’s stadium project may hit a $2 billion wall—and economists are questioning if it will...
Read More
Jul 22, 2024; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt talks with media after training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Kansas City Chiefs Owner Suffers Tragic Loss in Texas Floods
A young cousin of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt’s family was among the victims of the deadly Texas floods that...
Read More

As an Amazon Associate, The Quick Report earns from qualifying purchases.

Part of the Castaway Studios media network.