The quarterback is often called the on-field coach, but some guys took that a little too literally. While most QBs buy into the game plan, these ten made it pretty clear they had some “better” ideas of their own.
Whether it was audibling out of plays like they were allergic to them or calling out the coaching staff through the media, these quarterbacks let their football IQ shine—whether or not it was asked for. Let’s count down the signal-callers who acted like they knew more than the guys holding the clipboard.
10. Jay Cutler
Cutler always had that “I got this” face, even when things were clearly off the rails. He rarely seemed interested in what the coaches were saying, and honestly, they probably noticed.
9. Jeff George
George had one of the best arms in football and made sure people knew it. His problem? He didn’t seem to think anyone, especially his coach, had a better plan than his.
8. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers is a wizard with the football, but he’s also not shy about expressing his displeasure with coaching decisions. Whether it’s play calls or personnel, he tends to let the world know he’s not always on board.
7. Baker Mayfield
Baker came into the league with swagger and a tendency to challenge authority. He wasn’t afraid to say what he really thought, even when that meant shading the guys wearing headsets.
6. Johnny Manziel
Manziel played by his own rules—on and off the field. Game plan? What game plan? He acted like freelancing was the only real system worth running.
5. Rex Grossman
Grossman had a gunslinger’s confidence, even if his decision-making didn’t quite back it up. He often played like the coach’s playbook was just a suggestion.
4. Donovan McNabb
McNabb had a complicated relationship with multiple coaches and occasionally let his thoughts leak out. Whether it was disagreements about tempo or play selection, he wasn’t afraid to second-guess the strategy.
3. Jameis Winston
Jameis could make brilliant plays—and head-scratching ones. He often played with the vibe of a guy who was going rogue, trusting his instincts more than any sideline signal.
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2. Colin Kaepernick
Kaepernick had a strong personality and wasn’t afraid to push back on scheme fits. When he was at his peak, he seemed to believe his style should dictate the offense—not the other way around.
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1. Brett Favre
Favre was basically the poster child for ignoring coaches and just winging it. He made it work, but you got the feeling he treated every play call like a polite suggestion.
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