In the storied history of the NFL, the quarterback position has always stood as the pinnacle of leadership, strategy, and execution. These gridiron generals don’t just throw passes; they command the field with poise, leading their teams in moments of both triumph and despair. To be called one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time is not merely about stats—it’s about heart, character, and indelible moments. Here, we take a look at 50 quarterbacks who have left an unforgettable mark on the game.
1. Tom Brady
There are legends, and then there’s Tom Brady. A seven-time Super Bowl champion, Brady redefined the quarterback position with his ability to elevate the play of everyone around him. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Brady amassed over 89,000 passing yards and threw 649 touchdown passes, both records. His 10 Super Bowl appearances set a bar so high that it’s hard to fathom any player reaching it again. He was named Super Bowl MVP five times, proving that when the lights were brightest, Brady shined the most. What truly sets him apart is his longevity and adaptability, winning Super Bowls with both the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While his records are staggering, his greatest achievement might be the mentality he brought to the game—fierce competitiveness mixed with ice-cold composure in clutch situations.
2. Joe Montana
If Brady is the king of longevity, Joe Montana is the original master of the moment. A four-time Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers, Montana won all four of his Super Bowl appearances, throwing 11 touchdowns without a single interception in those games. His perfect 4-0 record in the big game, combined with three Super Bowl MVP awards, speaks to his ability to rise to the occasion. Over his career, Montana threw for over 40,000 yards and 273 touchdowns, but his legacy is about more than numbers. His calm under pressure—epitomized by “The Catch” to Dwight Clark in the 1981 NFC Championship—still resonates with fans today. Known for his accuracy, leadership, and intelligence, Montana set the standard for excellence in the 1980s.
3. Peyton Manning
One of the most cerebral quarterbacks in NFL history, Peyton Manning was like having a coach on the field. His ability to read defenses and make audibles at the line of scrimmage is unmatched, and his numbers reflect his football IQ. Manning retired with 71,940 passing yards (third all-time) and 539 touchdown passes (also third). He won two Super Bowls—one with the Indianapolis Colts and one with the Denver Broncos—earning Super Bowl MVP honors in 2006. Manning is also a five-time league MVP, the most in NFL history. His 55-touchdown season in 2013 remains the highest single-season mark, highlighting his efficiency and dominance. Beyond the stats, Manning’s ability to elevate franchises and adapt to different systems cements his place among the greats.
4. John Elway
John Elway’s career can be summed up in one word: perseverance. The Denver Broncos icon is known for his rocket arm, mobility, and toughness. He led the Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances, winning two in the twilight of his career. Elway retired with over 51,000 passing yards and 300 touchdown passes. His legacy, however, was built on his grit and ability to perform in clutch moments. The most famous of those moments? “The Drive”—a 98-yard march in the 1987 AFC Championship that forever etched Elway’s name in NFL lore. After falling short in his first three Super Bowls, Elway finally captured back-to-back titles in 1997 and 1998, walking away as a champion and solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats.
5. Brett Favre
If there was ever a quarterback who played the game with unbridled passion, it was Brett Favre. The “Gunslinger” played 20 seasons and held the NFL record for most career touchdown passes (508) until surpassed by both Manning and Brady. Favre threw for over 71,000 yards and still holds the record for consecutive starts by a quarterback at 297. He led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 1997 and was a three-time league MVP. Favre’s style was often reckless, but his durability, toughness, and ability to make the impossible throw are what fans will remember most. His penchant for comeback victories and dramatic plays made him one of the most exciting players to ever lace them up.
6. Dan Marino
Dan Marino may be the best quarterback never to win a Super Bowl, but that should never overshadow his place in NFL history. The Miami Dolphins legend revolutionized the position with his quick release and deep-ball accuracy. Marino became the first quarterback to pass for over 5,000 yards in a season (1984), a feat that was nearly unheard of in that era. He threw 48 touchdowns that same year, setting a record that stood for 20 years. Marino retired with over 61,000 passing yards and 420 touchdowns, numbers that were astronomical for his time. While he never won the big one, Marino’s influence on the passing game and his uncanny ability to put up points in bunches make him one of the all-time greats.
7. Drew Brees
Drew Brees is the epitome of consistency and precision. Over a 20-year career, primarily with the New Orleans Saints, Brees shattered numerous passing records, including the all-time marks for passing yards (80,358) and completions (7,142). His accuracy was unmatched, finishing his career with a 67.7% completion rate, the highest for any quarterback with over 7,000 attempts. Brees led the Saints to their first-ever Super Bowl victory in 2010, earning MVP honors for his performance. He was also a 13-time Pro Bowler and a two-time Offensive Player of the Year. Known for his leadership, work ethic, and ability to make every throw, Brees helped turn the Saints into perennial contenders and elevated the city of New Orleans in the process.
8. Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is arguably the most talented pure passer the NFL has ever seen. Known for his deadly accuracy, quick release, and uncanny ability to throw on the run, Rodgers redefined efficiency at the quarterback position. He led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 2010, winning Super Bowl MVP honors. As of 2024, Rodgers has thrown for over 59,000 yards and 475 touchdowns with a stunning 4:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, the best in NFL history. Rodgers also boasts four league MVPs, demonstrating his sustained excellence over nearly two decades. His ability to throw pinpoint passes from impossible angles, along with his habit of making game-changing plays in the clutch, has earned him a place among the elite.
9. Steve Young
Steve Young’s journey to greatness was anything but smooth. After starting his career in the USFL and with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Young found his stride as Joe Montana’s successor with the San Francisco 49ers. Once he got the starting job, Young became one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history. A two-time MVP and a Super Bowl champion, Young’s crowning achievement came in Super Bowl XXIX when he threw a record six touchdown passes, earning MVP honors. He retired with 33,124 passing yards, 232 touchdowns, and an astonishing 43 rushing touchdowns, showcasing his versatility. His blend of passing precision and athleticism made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the 1990s.
10. Johnny Unitas
Before there were West Coast offenses or shotgun formations, there was Johnny Unitas, the original field general. Unitas was the prototype for modern quarterbacks, known for his poise, leadership, and clutch performances. Playing for the Baltimore Colts, Unitas revolutionized the passing game during an era when running the ball dominated the league. He led the Colts to three NFL championships, including the legendary 1958 NFL Championship, often dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” Unitas retired with 40,239 passing yards and 290 touchdown passes, both records at the time. His streak of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass stood for 52 years. Unitas’s influence on the game is still felt today, as his blend of toughness and intelligence set the standard for all quarterbacks who followed.
11. Roger Staubach
Few quarterbacks have embodied the word “leader” quite like Roger Staubach. A two-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys, Staubach was known for his cool demeanor under pressure and his ability to deliver in clutch moments. He earned the nickname “Captain America” for good reason, leading the Cowboys to five Super Bowl appearances and claiming MVP honors in Super Bowl VI. Staubach’s combination of passing precision and mobility—he rushed for 2,264 yards during his career—was ahead of its time. Though he only played 11 seasons, Staubach threw for over 22,700 yards and 153 touchdowns, with a 96-30 career record as a starter. His contributions off the field, as a model of class and professionalism, further cement his legacy.
12. Terry Bradshaw
The quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” dynasty of the 1970s, Terry Bradshaw was a winner, plain and simple. He led the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories in six years, becoming the first quarterback to win four Super Bowls. Bradshaw was named Super Bowl MVP twice (Super Bowl XIII and XIV) and was known for his big arm and even bigger performances in the most crucial moments. Although his regular-season numbers (27,989 yards and 212 touchdowns) don’t leap off the page, Bradshaw’s 14-5 postseason record and his reputation for clutch performances in the playoffs solidify his standing as one of the game’s greatest winners.
13. Otto Graham
Otto Graham was the ultimate winner in professional football, leading the Cleveland Browns to 10 championship appearances in 10 seasons, winning seven of them (four AAFC titles and three NFL titles). Graham was a dual-threat quarterback before the term became popular, with 23,584 passing yards and 174 touchdowns in his career, combined with 44 rushing touchdowns. His career passer rating of 86.6 was remarkable for his era. What truly sets Graham apart is his dominance in championship games, where he posted a 7-3 record. His ability to lead his teams to success in both the AAFC and NFL in the 1940s and 1950s made him one of the pioneers of quarterback greatness.
14. Fran Tarkenton
A quarterback ahead of his time, Fran Tarkenton’s mobility and playmaking ability revolutionized the position. Known as the “Mad Scrambler,” Tarkenton was one of the first quarterbacks to make plays outside the pocket on a regular basis, evading pass rushers and throwing on the run with precision. Playing for both the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants, Tarkenton retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards (47,003) and touchdowns (342). Despite leading the Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances, Tarkenton was never able to capture a title, but his ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks to ever play the game.
15. Bart Starr
Bart Starr may not have the gaudy numbers of some of the more modern quarterbacks, but he is perhaps the greatest winner of his generation. The quarterback of Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers, Starr led the team to five NFL championships and two Super Bowl titles. His 9-1 postseason record remains one of the best in NFL history, and he was named MVP of the first two Super Bowls. Starr’s stats—24,718 passing yards and 152 touchdowns—are modest compared to today’s standards, but his efficiency, leadership, and ability to deliver in the clutch made him a legend. His signature moment came in the 1967 “Ice Bowl” when he called his own number and sneaked into the end zone to win the game.
16. Patrick Mahomes
Despite being in the early stages of his career, Patrick Mahomes has already made a strong case for being one of the best to ever play the position. In just his first five seasons as a starter, Mahomes has already won two Super Bowls (with the Kansas City Chiefs), earning Super Bowl MVP honors twice. He has also been named league MVP twice (2018 and 2022) and has thrown for over 24,000 yards and 192 touchdowns in just 80 games. Mahomes combines a rocket arm with incredible improvisational skills, regularly making throws no one else would even attempt. With a career trajectory that continues to soar, Mahomes has the potential to be one of the all-time greats by the end of his career.
17. Ben Roethlisberger
For nearly two decades, Ben Roethlisberger was the heart and soul of the Pittsburgh Steelers. A two-time Super Bowl champion, Roethlisberger was known for his toughness, often shaking off sacks to make big plays downfield. He retired with over 64,000 passing yards (fifth all-time) and 418 touchdowns. “Big Ben” led the Steelers to three Super Bowl appearances, winning in 2005 and 2008. While his backyard style of football could be chaotic at times, his ability to make clutch throws in critical situations helped cement his legacy as one of the toughest and most effective quarterbacks of his era.
18. Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner’s story is one of the greatest Cinderella tales in NFL history. After going undrafted and spending time in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe, Warner got his shot with the St. Louis Rams in 1999. That season, he led “The Greatest Show on Turf” to a Super Bowl victory, earning both league and Super Bowl MVP honors. Warner passed for over 32,000 yards and 208 touchdowns in his career, which also included a Super Bowl appearance with the Arizona Cardinals. His precision passing and leadership were the hallmarks of his game, and his rise from stocking grocery shelves to NFL superstardom is one of the most inspirational stories in sports.
19. Troy Aikman
Troy Aikman’s statistics (32,942 yards, 165 touchdowns) might not be as gaudy as some of the other quarterbacks on this list, but his record as a winner is undeniable. The Dallas Cowboys’ leader during their 1990s dynasty, Aikman won three Super Bowls, earning MVP honors in Super Bowl XXVII. Known for his pinpoint accuracy, Aikman thrived in an era when the Cowboys leaned heavily on the run game with Emmitt Smith. However, when the team needed a big throw, Aikman was as reliable as they come. His calm demeanor and ability to make the right play in big moments make him one of the best quarterbacks of his era.
20. Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson has been one of the most consistent and dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL since taking the reins for the Seattle Seahawks in 2012. A Super Bowl champion and nine-time Pro Bowler, Wilson’s combination of accuracy, leadership, and mobility has made him a nightmare for defenses. He’s thrown for over 40,000 yards and 308 touchdowns while rushing for over 5,000 yards. Wilson led the Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances, winning in 2013. His ability to extend plays with his legs while maintaining an elite passing game has set him apart, and he continues to be one of the league’s top quarterbacks even after more than a decade in the NFL.
21. Jim Kelly
Jim Kelly’s name will forever be associated with the Buffalo Bills’ four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s. While the Bills fell short each time, Kelly’s place as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time is secure. A five-time Pro Bowler, Kelly threw for over 35,000 yards and 237 touchdowns during his career. He was the architect of Buffalo’s famous “K-Gun” no-huddle offense, which terrorized defenses in the 1990s. Though he never won the big one, Kelly’s toughness, leadership, and passing ability made him a beloved figure in Buffalo and a Hall of Famer.
22. Warren Moon
Warren Moon’s journey to NFL greatness was anything but conventional. After an impressive college career, Moon was forced to start his professional career in the CFL, where he won five Grey Cups. Eventually, Moon got his shot in the NFL, where he went on to throw for over 49,000 yards and 291 touchdowns. A nine-time Pro Bowler, Moon was known for his deep-ball accuracy and smooth mechanics. Despite never making it to a Super Bowl, Moon’s legacy is secure as a pioneer and one of the most prolific passers of his era, paving the way for future generations of African American quarterbacks.
23. Len Dawson
Len Dawson was the face of the Kansas City Chiefs for more than a decade, leading the team to three AFL Championships and a victory in Super Bowl IV, where he earned MVP honors. Dawson was one of the most accurate passers of his era, retiring with 28,711 yards and 239 touchdowns. His calm demeanor in big moments and his leadership were crucial in establishing the Chiefs as a dominant team in the AFL. Dawson’s impact went beyond his playing career, as he later became a beloved broadcaster, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
24. Ken Stabler
Ken “The Snake” Stabler was as cool as they come in pressure situations. Leading the Oakland Raiders during the 1970s, Stabler was known for his improvisational skills and ability to perform in the clutch. He led the Raiders to a victory in Super Bowl XI and earned NFL MVP honors in 1974. Stabler threw for 27,938 yards and 194 touchdowns during his career, but his legacy was built on his big-game performances and his fearless approach to the game. Whether it was the “Holy Roller” or the “Sea of Hands,” Stabler was always at the center of some of the most memorable plays in NFL history.
25. Y.A. Tittle
Y.A. Tittle played in an era when the passing game was still evolving, but his ability to throw the football was well ahead of his time. Playing for the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants, Tittle passed for 33,070 yards and 242 touchdowns, remarkable numbers for his era. He was named NFL MVP twice and led the Giants to three consecutive NFL Championship Game appearances in the early 1960s. Though he never won a title, Tittle’s contributions to the evolution of the passing game and his fierce competitiveness earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame.
26. Joe Namath
Few players have had a cultural impact on the NFL quite like “Broadway” Joe Namath. Known for his flamboyant personality and brash confidence, Namath famously guaranteed a victory in Super Bowl III against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts—and delivered. Namath threw for 27,663 yards and 173 touchdowns during his career, but it was his leadership and swagger that made him a legend. His Super Bowl win put the AFL on the map and helped lead to the merger with the NFL. Namath’s impact on the game went beyond the stat sheet; he helped make the NFL the entertainment juggernaut it is today.
27. Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers was one of the most durable and productive quarterbacks of his era, starting 240 consecutive games and finishing his career with 63,440 passing yards (sixth all-time) and 421 touchdowns (sixth all-time). Though he never made it to a Super Bowl, Rivers was known for his fiery competitiveness, ability to lead game-winning drives, and remarkable consistency. He was an eight-time Pro Bowler and remains one of the most respected players to have never won a ring. Rivers’ toughness and leadership made him a fan favorite in both San Diego and Indianapolis.
28. Sid Luckman
Sid Luckman was the NFL’s first great passer, revolutionizing the quarterback position in the 1940s with the Chicago Bears. He led the Bears to four NFL championships and was named league MVP in 1943. Luckman threw for 14,686 yards and 137 touchdowns, impressive numbers for an era when the forward pass was still in its infancy. His mastery of the T-formation offense made the Bears one of the most dominant teams of the 1940s, and his legacy as a pioneer of the modern passing game is still felt today.
29. Boomer Esiason
Boomer Esiason was one of the most talented and cerebral quarterbacks of his time, known for his strong arm and leadership abilities. Playing primarily for the Cincinnati Bengals, Esiason led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 1988 and was named NFL MVP that same year. He finished his career with 37,920 passing yards and 247 touchdowns. Esiason’s quick release and ability to read defenses made him one of the best quarterbacks of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Since retiring, Esiason has remained a prominent voice in the NFL world as a broadcaster.
30. Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb was the face of the Philadelphia Eagles for over a decade, leading the team to five NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl appearance. McNabb’s dual-threat ability as a passer and runner made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks of his era. He threw for over 37,000 yards and 234 touchdowns while adding another 3,459 rushing yards. A six-time Pro Bowler, McNabb’s leadership and versatility helped turn the Eagles into perennial contenders in the 2000s.
31. Daryle Lamonica
Nicknamed “The Mad Bomber” for his penchant for throwing deep passes, Daryle Lamonica was one of the most exciting quarterbacks of the AFL era. Lamonica led the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl appearance and was a two-time AFL MVP. He threw for 19,154 yards and 164 touchdowns, but his real legacy lies in his ability to stretch the field with long, aggressive throws, helping to shape the Raiders’ high-octane offense of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
32. Rich Gannon
Rich Gannon’s career didn’t take off until his mid-30s, but once it did, he became one of the most effective quarterbacks in the league. Gannon led the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl appearance in 2002 and was named NFL MVP that same year. He threw for 28,743 yards and 180 touchdowns over his career, known for his accuracy and decision-making. Gannon’s late-career resurgence and mastery of Jon Gruden’s offense made him one of the most feared quarterbacks of the early 2000s.
33. Steve McNair
Steve McNair’s toughness and leadership were his trademarks during a career that saw him lead the Tennessee Titans to a Super Bowl appearance in 1999. McNair threw for 31,304 yards and 174 touchdowns while rushing for another 3,590 yards. He shared MVP honors in 2003 and was known for his ability to play through injuries and deliver in clutch moments. McNair’s dual-threat ability and resilience made him one of the most respected quarterbacks of his era.
34. Phil Simms
Phil Simms was the steady hand that led the New York Giants to two Super Bowl titles in the 1980s and early 1990s. Simms earned Super Bowl MVP honors in Super Bowl XXI, completing 22 of 25 passes for a then-record 88% completion rate. He threw for over 33,000 yards and 199 touchdowns in his career and was known for his poise under pressure and ability to lead game-winning drives. His toughness and leadership made him a beloved figure in Giants history.
35. Cam Newton
Few quarterbacks have ever matched the sheer physical talent of Cam Newton. The 2015 NFL MVP led the Carolina Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance that same season, combining a cannon for an arm with the ability to bulldoze defenders as a runner. Newton has thrown for over 32,000 yards and 194 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 5,628 yards and 48 touchdowns. His dual-threat ability and unique style of play changed the game, making him one of the most electrifying quarterbacks of his generation.
36. Bob Griese
Bob Griese was the quiet, efficient leader of the Miami Dolphins’ dynasty of the 1970s, leading the team to two Super Bowl titles, including the perfect 17-0 season in 1972. Griese’s stats (25,092 passing yards, 192 touchdowns) may not stand out in today’s game, but his leadership, accuracy, and ability to make the right play at the right time made him the perfect quarterback for Don Shula’s run-heavy, ball-control offense. Griese’s two Super Bowl victories and his role in the NFL’s only undefeated season cement his place in history.
37. Joe Theismann
Joe Theismann was the heart and soul of the Washington Redskins during the 1980s, leading the team to a victory in Super Bowl XVII and winning league MVP honors in 1983. Known for his toughness and leadership, Theismann threw for over 25,000 yards and 160 touchdowns in his career. His career was tragically cut short by a gruesome leg injury, but his contributions to Washington’s success and his competitive spirit make him one of the best quarterbacks of his era.
38. Eli Manning
Eli Manning will forever be remembered for his two Super Bowl victories over the New England Patriots, including the famous upset in Super Bowl XLII that spoiled the Patriots’ bid for a perfect season. Manning earned Super Bowl MVP honors in both victories and threw for over 57,000 yards and 366 touchdowns during his career. While his regular-season performances were often inconsistent, Manning’s ability to step up in the postseason and deliver in the biggest moments makes him one of the most clutch quarterbacks in NFL history.
39. Sonny Jurgensen
Sonny Jurgensen was one of the most prolific passers of the 1960s and early 1970s, throwing for over 32,000 yards and 255 touchdowns during his career with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins. Jurgensen was known for his quick release and ability to make big plays downfield. He led the NFL in passing five times and was one of the most accurate and efficient quarterbacks of his era. Though he never won a Super Bowl, Jurgensen’s place as one of the best pure passers in NFL history is secure.
40. Roman Gabriel
Roman Gabriel was one of the toughest and most durable quarterbacks of his era, known for his big arm and ability to make plays under pressure. Playing primarily for the Los Angeles Rams, Gabriel threw for over 29,000 yards and 201 touchdowns during his career. He was named NFL MVP in 1969 and led the Rams to multiple playoff appearances. Gabriel’s toughness and leadership made him a fan favorite, and his ability to deliver in big moments made him one of the top quarterbacks of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
41. Randall Cunningham
Randall Cunningham was one of the most electrifying dual-threat quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen. Known for his jaw-dropping athleticism, Cunningham was a highlight reel waiting to happen, whether he was throwing the ball or running it. He threw for 29,979 yards and 207 touchdowns while adding another 4,928 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground. Cunningham’s unique style of play paved the way for future generations of mobile quarterbacks, and his impact on the game goes far beyond his statistics.
42. Drew Bledsoe
Drew Bledsoe was one of the most prolific passers of the 1990s and early 2000s, throwing for over 44,000 yards and 251 touchdowns during his career. Bledsoe led the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance in 1996 and was known for his strong arm and toughness in the pocket. Though his career was overshadowed by Tom Brady’s emergence, Bledsoe’s impact on the Patriots franchise and his contributions to the game make him one of the top quarterbacks of his era.
43. Jeff Garcia
Jeff Garcia’s path to the NFL was unconventional, but once he arrived, he made the most of it. A four-time Pro Bowler, Garcia threw for over 25,000 yards and 161 touchdowns while rushing for 2,140 yards and 26 touchdowns. Known for his grit, toughness, and ability to extend plays, Garcia was a key figure in the San Francisco 49ers’ success in the early 2000s. His leadership and versatility made him a fan favorite, and his resilience in the face of adversity defined his career.
44. Jack Kemp
Before becoming a prominent political figure, Jack Kemp was a standout quarterback in the AFL, leading the Buffalo Bills to two AFL championships. Kemp threw for over 21,000 yards and 114 touchdowns during his career and was known for his leadership and toughness. A two-time AFL MVP, Kemp was one of the league’s top quarterbacks during its early years and helped pave the way for the eventual AFL-NFL merger.
45. Tony Romo
Tony Romo was one of the most productive quarterbacks of the 2000s, throwing for over 34,000 yards and 248 touchdowns during his career with the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his quick release and ability to make plays on the move, Romo was a four-time Pro Bowler and led the Cowboys to multiple playoff appearances. While he was often criticized for his lack of postseason success, Romo’s talent and leadership made him one of the best quarterbacks of his era.
46. Doug Williams
Doug Williams made history as the first African American quarterback to win a Super Bowl, leading the Washington Redskins to a dominant victory in Super Bowl XXII, where he was named MVP. Williams threw for over 16,000 yards and 100 touchdowns during his career and was known for his toughness and leadership. Though his career numbers may not be as impressive as some others on this list, his impact on the game and his barrier-breaking Super Bowl performance secure his place in NFL history.
47. Kerry Collins
Kerry Collins was one of the most durable quarterbacks of his generation, playing for multiple teams over a 17-year career. He threw for over 40,000 yards and 208 touchdowns, leading the New York Giants to a Super Bowl appearance in 2000. Known for his strong arm and ability to stand tall in the pocket, Collins was a reliable starter throughout his career and remains one of the most underrated quarterbacks of his era.
48. Michael Vick
Michael Vick changed the quarterback position forever with his elite athleticism and ability to make plays with his legs. Vick rushed for 6,109 yards, the most ever by a quarterback, while also throwing for over 22,000 yards and 133 touchdowns. His 1,039 rushing yards in 2006 remain the single-season record for a quarterback. Though his career was marred by off-field issues, Vick’s impact on the game, particularly as a dual-threat quarterback, is undeniable.
49. Jim Plunkett
Jim Plunkett’s career was a tale of perseverance, as he went from being a struggling first-round pick to a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Oakland Raiders. Plunkett threw for over 25,000 yards and 164 touchdowns during his career and was named Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XV. His ability to overcome adversity and lead the Raiders to two Super Bowl victories is a testament to his toughness and leadership.
50. Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson may not have been the flashiest quarterback, but he was a steady and reliable leader, particularly during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl-winning season in 2002. Johnson threw for over 29,000 yards and 166 touchdowns during his career, known for his efficiency and decision-making. His Super Bowl victory and reputation as a game manager make him one of the most underrated quarterbacks in NFL history.
These 50 quarterbacks represent the best of the best, each leaving an indelible mark on the game of football. From innovators like Johnny Unitas to modern-day stars like Patrick Mahomes, each quarterback on this list brought something unique to the position. They inspired future generations, broke records, and defined eras, ensuring their place in the annals of NFL history.