Some quarterbacks dominate the game with their arms, legs, and football IQ. But when it comes to being humble? Let’s say they often fumbled that part of the job.
Whether it was nonstop trash talk, excessive celebration, or constantly reminding the world just how great they were, these QBs never quite mastered the art of quiet confidence. From legends to one-hit wonders, here are 20 quarterbacks who couldn’t help but let you know they were the main character.
20. Baker Mayfield
Baker plays every snap like he’s the underdog in a movie montage, but somehow still manages to come off like the villain. From flag-planting to sideline chirping, humility was never really part of the playbook.
19. Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler had the arm talent to impress, and the facial expressions of a man who couldn’t care less what you thought. He never asked for your approval, and definitely didn’t need your advice.
18. Jameis Winston
Jameis has had some unforgettable highs and puzzling lows, but he’s always believed he was that guy. Even while throwing picks, the confidence never wavered.
17. Cam Newton
Cam brought flair to everything he did—from touchdown dances to postgame outfits. His MVP-level play was matched only by his MVP-level belief in himself.
16. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers is a Hall of Fame talent with a Hall of Fame-sized ego to match. He’s never been shy about telling you how brilliant he is—on the field or in a darkness retreat.
15. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football burst onto the scene with swagger and never looked back, even when he maybe should’ve. Confidence was never in short supply, even when the wins were.
14. Jeff George
Jeff George had one of the strongest arms in NFL history—and he made sure you knew it. Teammates didn’t always love him, but Jeff never seemed to mind.
13. Michael Vick
Vick changed the game with his athleticism and made sure everyone knew just how different he was. He was electric, confident, and sometimes just a little too into his legend.
12. Joe Namath
Broadway Joe was flash before flash was a thing. He guaranteed a Super Bowl win and then strutted into history like it was just another Saturday night.
11. Justin Fields
Fields is still writing his story, but his confidence has never been in question. Even when the Bears were floundering, he carried himself like a future MVP.
10. Brett Favre
Favre was gunslinger personified—and he wanted the world to know it. His “aw-shucks” persona didn’t always match the way he constantly made himself the center of attention.
9. Jim McMahon
McMahon was the original rebel QB—headbands, shades, and all. He didn’t just want to beat you; he wanted you to know he was cooler than you while doing it.
8. Deshaun Watson
On the field, Watson showed elite skill and confidence. Off the field, well, let’s say humility hasn’t exactly been his strong suit.
7. Eli Manning
Eli’s face might’ve screamed “humble,” but his playoff mic drops and sarcastic swagger told a different story. The man had two rings and a low-key smirk that said, “Yeah, I did that.”
6. Josh Rosen
Rosen declared there were “nine mistakes” taken ahead of him in the draft. That quote aged like milk, but the confidence never left the building.
5. Philip Rivers
Rivers talked more trash than almost any QB ever—and somehow never cursed while doing it. He was fiery, loud, and never afraid to let you know he was better than your entire defense.
4. Kyler Murray
Kyler plays with a chip on his shoulder the size of a linebacker, and it shows in every presser. Whether it’s his gaming habits or sideline demeanor, humility hasn’t exactly been his vibe.
3. Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben always had a “my way or the highway” attitude, and teammates felt it. He put up numbers and wins, but never quite embraced the idea of taking responsibility.
Read More: 20 NFL Players Who Made You Proud to Be a Football Fan
2. Patrick Mahomes
Yes, he’s generational, but humility sometimes takes a backseat to the theatrics. The no-look passes and sideline antics make it clear—he knows he’s the best, and he wants you to know it too.
Read More: Ranking the 30 Most Respectful Athletes of All Time
1. Tom Brady
No quarterback has done more winning—or more flexing about it—than Tom. Between the rings, the shouting, the sideline tantrums, and the documentaries, modesty was never part of the TB12 method.
Read More: Ranking the 25 Most Universally Respected Athletes Ever
