Some quarterbacks dazzle fans with their arm talent, leadership, and poise under pressure. Others, well, leave a legacy that’s as messy as it is memorable.
Whether it was off-the-field antics, locker room drama, or head-scratching decisions, these quarterbacks stirred the pot at every turn. Let’s take a look at 15 QBs who left a trail of controversy wherever they went.
15. Ryan Leaf
Once touted as a future star, Ryan Leaf’s NFL career quickly unraveled thanks to poor play and a bad attitude. His public outbursts and off-field issues became more famous than anything he did on the field.
14. Colin Kaepernick
Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem ignited a cultural firestorm that extended far beyond the game. Love him or hate him, he’s become one of the most polarizing figures in sports history.
13. Deshaun Watson
Serious allegations about it have overshadowed Watson’s talent on the field. Even after returning to play, the controversy around him hasn’t faded.
12. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football brought swagger, hype, and a mountain of red flags with him to the NFL. His party lifestyle and lack of discipline turned his career into a cautionary tale.
11. Michael Vick
Vick was a human highlight reel—until his dogfighting scandal brought his career to a screeching halt. He served time and eventually returned, but the controversy never entirely disappeared.
10. Cam Newton
Cam’s flashy style and bold attitude have always divided fans and analysts. Whether it was dabbing after touchdowns or walking out of pressers, he stirred strong opinions.
9. Jameis Winston
From college scandals to bizarre NFL moments, Winston’s career has been anything but quiet. Off-field headlines have always accompanied his talent.
8. Jay Cutler
Cutler’s body language alone sparked endless debates about his leadership. Mix that with injuries, questionable effort, and a polarizing personality, and you’ve got a QB fans loved to scrutinize.
7. JaMarcus Russell
Russell’s career flamed out quickly, but not before being weighed down by a poor work ethic and questionable dedication. His name became synonymous with wasted potential and draft bust drama.
6. Baker Mayfield
Baker came into the league with swagger and wasn’t shy about calling people out. But that confidence often walked a fine line with cockiness, rubbing many the wrong way.
5. Brett Favre
Favre’s legendary career came with plenty of drama—multiple retirements, awkward comebacks, and some troubling off-field headlines. His post-retirement controversies only added fuel to the fire.
4. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers may be one of the best, but he’s also developed a reputation for being, well, complicated. Whether it’s vaccines, dark retreats, or cryptic comments, he keeps the headlines rolling.
3. Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben won plenty on the field, but serious accusations and questionable behavior marred his early career. He eventually cleaned up his image, but the baggage never entirely left.
Read More: 16 Quarterbacks Who Lost the Locker Room
2. Carson Wentz
Wentz went from MVP front-runner to locker room question mark in record time. Between whispers about leadership and multiple teams moving on quickly, he’s left a trail of awkward exits.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Dramatic Quarterbacks in NFL History
1. Tom Brady
Even the GOAT couldn’t escape controversy—Deflategate, sideline rants, and rule-bending accusations followed him throughout his career. Love him or loathe him, Brady stirred up more than just touchdowns.
Read More: 20 NFL Quarterbacks Who Were All About the Locker Room
