Ranking the 20 Most Unbearably Smug Quarterbacks Ever

Some quarterbacks lead with quiet confidence. Others strut onto the field like they invented the football game and expect everyone to thank them. This list is for the latter.

Whether it was the smirk, the soundbites, or the relentless “look at me” energy, these 20 quarterbacks had a special way of rubbing people incorrectly. From over-the-top celebrations to press conference personas, here are the most unbearably smug signal-callers the sport has ever seen.

20. Jay Cutler

Dec 31, 2017; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler (6) attempts a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Cutler always looked like he had somewhere better to be, and it usually wasn’t the film room. That permanent scowl somehow managed to feel still smug.

19. Cam Newton

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

When Cam was on, his confidence was magnetic—but when he was off, it often turned into condescending energy. That dab-fueled MVP season was the peak of “I know I’m better than you” vibes.

18. Jimmy Garoppolo

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (11) against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jimmy G’s smile alone could get him on this list. He had the look, the jawline, and the “I’m the guy” energy even when riding the defense’s coattails.

17. Jim McMahon

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) with guard Mark Bortz (62) on the field during Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. Chicago defeated New England 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

The headbands, the shades, the rebellion—McMahon didn’t just walk with swagger, he practically invented a new version. He made being smug an art form in 1985.

16. Baker Mayfield

Lake Travis quarterback Baker Mayfield runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against Westlake at Royal-Memorial Stadium on Saturday, August 27, 2011
Jay Janner / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

From planting flags to calling out critics, Baker seemed to thrive on being doubted and telling you how wrong you were. Subtlety was never really his thing.

15. Boomer Esiason

Feb 5, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL former quarterback Boomer Esiason (left) talks to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (right) before Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Boomer had that broadcaster-in-training vibe even when he was playing. He always looked like he knew more than you and wasn’t afraid to say it.

14. Deshaun Watson

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson talks with coach Kevin Stefanski after minicamp on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Canton.
Phil Masturzo / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On the field, he played with poise (at least with Houston) — but off it, the smirk and soundbites didn’t always land the way he thought they did. Confidence turned smug real fast.

13. Vince Young

Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young (10) scrambles to get away from Indianapolis colts defenders at LP field in Nashville on Sept 16, 2007. The Titans lost their home opener 22-20
John Partipilo / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Young was electric at Texas and carried that swagger into the league. The “I got this” face never left, even when he struggled.

12. Carson Palmer

SEPTEMBER 26, 2010: Bengals Chad Ochocinco and Carson Palmer celebrate a complete pass during the first half against the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Bengals3
The Enquirer/Cara Owsley via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Palmer’s speaking made it sound like the offense wasn’t failing—you failed to understand it. He gave off a professor-who-thinks-he ‘s-funnier-than-he-is.

11. Sam Darnold

Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) walks alone on the sidelines during the second half of their loss to the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Smug without the résumé is a tough combo. Darnold’s pressers often felt he was humoring the media rather than answering questions.

10. 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

Jeff George acted like every interception was someone else’s fault—and often let them know it. His arm was big, and so was his ego.

9. Dak Prescott

Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) talks to head coach Mike McCarthy before the game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Dak distinguishes between leadership and “you’ll never understand what I go through.” He sometimes comes off more like a politician than a quarterback.

8. Kyler Murray

Jan 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Murray’s body language has become a meme at this point. He plays like a guy who thinks playbooks are optional.

7. Philip Rivers

Colts quarterback Philip Rivers steps into a throw over the middle of the field. Jg 010921 Bills 23
JAMIE GERMANO/ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Rivers talked more trash than any non-Super Bowl winner ever. His smugness somehow stayed G-rated, but it was relentless.

6. Jameis Winston

Oct 4, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) talks to his teammates during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-Imagn Images
Raj Mehta-Imagn Images

Whether eating W’s or forcing throws, Jameis always acted like he was on the verge of something legendary. That unwavering belief can be a lot.

5. Joe Namath

Joe Namath
Openverse

Namath dripped confidence to the point of cartoonish smugness. Fur coats, guarantees, and sideline kisses—he was the original QB peacocker.

4. Eli Manning

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) waves to the fans as he exits the field at MetLife Stadium for possibly the last time in his career. The Eagles defeat the Giants, 34-17, on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford. Nyg Vs Phi
Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Eli’s face said “oops,” but his attitude said “you should’ve known I’d win anyway.” He had that subtle smugness that made his underdog story feel a bit too self-aware.

3. Russell Wilson

Jan 9, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) avoids the tackle by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Leonard Floyd (54) during the third quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Wilson’s whole “Mr. Unlimited” bit still haunts the internet. He says he’s running a leadership seminar no one signed up for.

Read More: 15 NFL Quarterbacks Who Never Stopped Yelling

2. Johnny Manziel

Nov 30, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Former Texas A&M and Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel looks on prior to the game against the Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns defeated the Aggies 17-7 at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Johnny Football believed his hype like it was gospel. Every celebration, interview, and Vegas trip was soaked in unearned smugness.

Read More: 20 NFL Quarterbacks Who Felt Like the Opposite of “Hollywood”

1. Aaron Rodgers

Only five players have won back back-to-back NFL MVP awards. Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was the last to do it in 2020-2021
Mike De Sisti/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Nobody has leaned into being the most intelligent guy in the room harder than Rodgers. Between the cryptic quotes and the know-it-all energy, he’s been the poster child for quarterback smugness for over a decade.

Read More: 10 NFL Teams That Are a Nightmare to Watch Lose

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