14 Quarterbacks Who Were Always Their Own Biggest Fans

Quarterbacks need confidence to survive in the NFL, but some guys took that self-belief to another level. Whether it was in interviews, on social media, or just how they carried themselves on the field, these signal-callers never lacked swagger.

Some of them had the game to back it up. Others, not so much. Either way, these 14 quarterbacks were always their own biggest fans—whether fans liked it or not.

14. Baker Mayfield

Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6), running back Bucky Irving (7) and team mates take the field against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Baker never met a microphone he didn’t like. From planting flags to fiery pressers, he’s always been convinced he’s the main character.

13. Ryan Leaf

Oct 25, 1998; San Diego, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Diego Chargers quarterback Ryan Leaf (16) in action against the Seattle Seahawks at Jack Murphy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Even before he took an NFL snap, Ryan Leaf talked like he was already a legend. The league humbled him quickly, but his early confidence was through the roof.

12. Cam Newton

Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs with the ball against the New York Jets during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Cam didn’t just play quarterback—he brought a full fashion show and energy shift with him. He carried himself like a superstar every step of the way.

11. Jay Cutler

Dec 24, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Jay’s facial expressions said it all—he thought he was above it all. Whether he was slinging touchdowns or picks, his vibe was always peak “I got this.”

10. Zach Wilson

Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson (4) before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High.
Ron Chenoy / Imagn Images

Zach entered the league with serious swagger and a confidence that outpaced his résumé. Even as struggles mounted, he never seemed to question himself.

9. Johnny Manziel

Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel playing for the AAF's Memphis Express
Joe Rondone / Imagn Images

Johnny Football was a brand before he was a pro. He believed in himself so much that he barely listened to anyone else.

8. Jameis Winston

New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) speaks with members of the media during Mandatory Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Giants Training Center in East Rutherford on Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

No matter the stat line, Jameis always gave the impression he thought he was crushing it. Confidence has never been his issue—even when decision-making was.

7. Josh Rosen

Aug 21, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh Rosen (19) throws the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Rosen famously said nine teams made a mistake by not drafting him. He played like a guy who thought he knew something the rest of us didn’t.

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

Carson walked like a franchise savior long after the shine wore off. He believed in his comeback arc even when everyone else had moved on.

5. Joe Namath

Aug 23, 1974; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath (12) on the sideline against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in the 1974 pre-season. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
Herb Weitman-Imagn Images

Long before flashy QBs were the norm, Broadway Joe set the blueprint. He guaranteed wins, wore fur coats, and lived like a man convinced he was unstoppable.

4. Deshaun Watson

Jan 3, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks up after a play during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Through it all, Deshaun has always presented himself as a star. Whether or not fans agree, he’s never acted like anything less.

3. Colin Kaepernick

Jan 1, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) passes the football while being rushed by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril (56) during the first quarter at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

Kaepernick carried himself with immense pride in his abilities, even when the league turned its back on him. He never stopped betting on himself.

Read more: Ranking the 15 Most Conceited Quarterbacks Ever

2. Russell Wilson

Jun 18, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
John Jones-Imagn Images

Russ has always talked like he’s writing his legacy in real time. He believes in “Team 3” and his greatness—even when the results get rocky.

Read more: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams Based on Who Has the Most Swagger

1. Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is shown after he led Gang Green to a 32-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins, on Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Kevin R. Wexler / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rodgers is the definition of a QB who knows he’s elite and makes sure you know it, too. From calling his shots to reminding people to relax, he’s never doubted himself for a second.

Read more: 15 Quarterbacks Who Forgot It’s a Team Sport

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