There’s nothing wrong with a bit of swagger—confidence is a requirement to play quarterback in the NFL. But sometimes the bravado doesn’t quite match the performance on the field, and that’s when fans start rolling their eyes.
From big talk in press conferences to flashy celebrations after a routine first down, these quarterbacks had the swagger. Unfortunately, their play didn’t always live up to the hype, leaving us wondering if they should’ve toned it down just a bit.
15. Matt Leinart
He arrived in the NFL with Hollywood looks, a Heisman Trophy, and a reality TV vibe. However, once the games began, the production failed to live up to the presentation.
14. Johnny Manziel
No one doubted he had flair—on or off the field. However, the NFL spotlight proved too bright for someone more interested in nightlife than game preparation.
13. Jake Locker
He was built like a linebacker and hyped like a franchise savior. However, despite the toughness and talk, the consistency never materialized.
12. Jay Cutler
Cutler had the arm, the attitude, and the smirk. But year after year, the swagger didn’t turn into wins when it mattered most.
11. Robert Griffin III
RGIII burst onto the scene with confidence, charisma, and elite athleticism. But injuries and internal drama quickly derailed a career that never lived up to the early hype.
10. Jameis Winston
Always confident, always loud, and always entertaining. But the turnovers piled up just as fast as the quotes, and fans were left scratching their heads.
9. Blake Bortles
He was relaxed, funny, and never short on confidence. But “good vibes only” didn’t translate into good quarterback play for very long.
8. Vince Young
He let the world know he belonged—and after the Rose Bowl, who could argue? Unfortunately, the swagger didn’t age well once the NFL got real.
7. Deshone Kizer
He had a calm demeanor and franchise QB swagger from day one. But in Cleveland, the only thing that showed up consistently was the L column.
6. Jimmy Clausen
Clausen showed up to the draft with first-round confidence and a shiny new suit. The league promptly humbled him before he could even get settled.
5. Carson Wentz
Wentz exuded confidence, especially during his MVP-caliber stretch. But when the wheels fell off, the swagger remained—just not the results.
4. Josh Rosen
He declared that nine teams made a mistake by passing on him. Turns out, they might’ve been on to something.
3. Cam Newton (late career version)
Early Cam backed it all up—he was a box-office success. But as the skills faded, the swagger stayed loud, and the results stopped following.
Read more: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams Based on Who Has the Most Swagger
2. Zach Wilson
He oozed confidence, from flashy pro days to press conferences. But on the field, it was all misfires and missed expectations.
Read more: Ranking the 13 Most Unapologetically Brash Golfers
1. Baker Mayfield (Cleveland edition)
He planted flags, barked at opponents, and had endless bravado. But once the spotlight intensified, the swagger got louder—and the performance got shakier.
Read more: 20 Athletes Who Made Their Swagger Their Entire Personality
