15 Quarterbacks Who Forgot It’s a Team Sport

Quarterbacks get all the glory, but sometimes they take it a step too far. These guys acted like they were the only ones on the field, forgetting the other 52 dudes in uniform trying to help them win games.

From hogging the spotlight to blaming teammates for losses, these quarterbacks occasionally treated the huddle like a one-man show. Here are 15 signal-callers who needed a gentle reminder that football is, in fact, a team sport.

15. Jay Cutler

Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler (6) runs for a first down against Auburn defense at Jordan-Hale Stadium in Auburn, Ala., Sept. 14, 2002. Cutler Rushed for 32 yards, but Auburn came out on top 31-6. 091402 Vu Fb Auburn
John Partipilo / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cutler had a cannon for an arm and a face that said, “I’d rather be anywhere else.” He rarely connected with his teammates emotionally, making it seem like he was playing his solo campaign.

14. Cam Newton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton yells \"I'm back!\" after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in a game in 2021
Rob Schumacher / USA TODAY NETWORK

When Cam was on, he was electric. But when things went south, he could shift into “me first” mode and confuse the rest of the team.

13. Jeff George

Nov 5, 2000; Tempe, AZ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins quarterback Jeff George (3) in action against the Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
Peter Brouillet-Imagn Images

The talent was there, no doubt. But George’s attitude often gave off strong “I’m better than this team” energy.

12. Deshaun Watson

Oct 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Even before the off-field headlines, he was growing a reputation for seeing himself as bigger than the Texans. It’s hard to rally the locker room when your vibe screams “management problem.”

11. Kyler Murray

Dec 20, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kyler’s body language alone could clear out a locker room. Add rumors about his preparation habits, and you’ve got a QB who doesn’t always scream “team captain.”

10. 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

Wentz looked like the guy in 2017—until things unraveled and whispers of locker room friction started to swirl. It felt like he wanted the leadership role without the collaboration that comes with it.

9. Johnny Manziel

Sep 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-Imagn Images
Scott R. Galvin-Imagn Images

Johnny Football was more of a one-man brand than a quarterback. He played like he was chasing highlight reels instead of wins.

8. Brett Favre

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre is able to get off a pass despite being dragged by Detroit Lions Luther Ellis during the second quarter of their game on Dec. 10, 2000 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis
Dale Guldan / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Favre was undeniably great, but he had moments where he acted like the team should adjust around him. Retirement, teases, and freelancing in the field didn’t always sit well with everyone else.

7. Jameis Winston

Nov 29, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) following the win over the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Jameis always believed in Jameis—maybe too much. He played like he was trying to win games single-handedly, even if that meant throwing five picks.

6. Jay Schroeder

Dec 1994; Tempe, AZ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jay Schroeder (11) in action at Sun Devil Stadium during the 1994 season. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
Peter Brouillet-Imagn Images

Teammates reportedly didn’t love playing with him, and it showed. His leadership style (or lack thereof) gave off strong “me over we” vibes.

5. Josh Rosen

Aug 27, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh Rosen (19) runs the ball against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

From the jump, Rosen gave off the aura of someone who thought he was smarter than the whole organization. That doesn’t usually work when you’re supposed to lead 10 other guys.

4. Aaron Rodgers

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur talks with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) in between quarters against the Chicago Bears during their game on Sep 18, 2022, in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Dan Powers / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rodgers has delivered plenty of magic, but he also loves reminding everyone how smart he is. When things go wrong, it’s rarely ever his fault—at least according to him.

3. Baker Mayfield

Feb 1, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws the ball during NFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Baker always had the swagger, but sometimes it overshadowed the team dynamic. He was quick to chirp but slow to build chemistry when the going got tough.

2. Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson, quarterback with the NY Giants, is shown during a practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center, East Rutherford, NJ, May 28, 2025
Anne-Marie Caruso/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mr. Unlimited felt very limited regarding being one of the guys. Whether it was office perks in Denver or distancing himself in Seattle, Russ forgot the “team” part of teamwork. Here’s hoping his time in New York is better.

Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Self-Obsessed NFL Quarterbacks of All Time

1. Zach Wilson

Oct 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson (4) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

When your team puts up three points and you say you didn’t let the defense down, you’ve officially forgotten the group project you’re in. Zach’s inability to own his role made it hard for anyone to rally behind him.

Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Conceited Quarterbacks Ever

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