Top 50 Famous Quarterbacks in NFL History

Top 50 Famous Quarterbacks in NFL History

NFL is one of the most interesting sports because of how intense it can be most times. It has rules that are really fascinating once you get to understand them hence becoming so fun to watch and play too. Quarterbacks are essentially the backbone of the game because they’re usually the ones doing the touchdowns. Hence, the faster they are, the better it is for the game. So let’s take a look at the most famous QBs in NFL history

1. Daryle Lamonica: Buffalo Bills & Oakland Raiders

Daryle had a strong arm that made his team the luckiest because they could count on the fact that he could throw the ball several yards and save the day at any given time. His nickname was ‘Mad Bomber,’ for a reason. He may however not have been the most accurate QB, but when he hit on his passes, he almost always never missed.

2. Phil Simms: New York Giants

His was a game of grit. He didn’t have many individual accolades, but he sure did have a lot of grit. At the start of his career with the Giants, he had a rough start but then made up for it with resilience and hard work and managed to be one of the greatest Super Bowl performances in NFL history.

3. Archie Manning: New Orleans Saints, Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, & Minnesota Vikings

Archie is the most mobile QB and really the best athlete among the many good athletes out there. During the course of his career, he could make throws on the run and still take off whenever he had to.  He played for the Saints in the 70s although they weren’t really a good team. Archie was honestly the only good one and his talent always managed to shed some good light on the team. His accuracy at throwing while on the run set the standard for Him as the first generation of the Legendary Manning Family

4. Andrew Luck: Indianapolis Colts

Luck retired early but nevertheless, he had a huge impact in his short time at NFL. He also was part of a bogus team but individually he was pretty good. It’s partly why he chose to retire early. However, he managed to lead his team, ‘The Colts,’ to playoffs four times. He made plays out of nothing and that’s why he is appreciated as on the best QBs in NFL history.

5. Randall Cunningham: Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, & Baltimore Ravens

Unfortunately, Cunningham had an injury that derailed a big part of his career. If not for that, it is believed he could have very easily been an NFL Hall-of-Famer. He was elusive and had the ability to throw the deep ball at a speed that was quite unmatched. He was basically the ruler of the game in the 80s and 90s and rightfully so.

6. Donovan McNabb: Philadelphia Eagles, Washington, & Minnesota Vikings

Donovan was also a pretty good QB, who led the Eagles to five conference Championships and a Super Bowl Appearance. His legacy will forever be remembered for always being resilient and always chasing after wins. With that said, that is why he is appreciated as a Hall of Famer.

7. Boomer Esiason: Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, & Arizona Cardinals

Boomer was the definition of competition. He was fiery and flashy and almost won a Super Bowl in Super Bowl 23. It is a shame that he did not make many more wins because he was absolutely amazing. This is why he is still celebrated and much more appreciated. He was known as the gun-slinging lefty, and rightfully so.

8. Carson Palmer: Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders, & Arizona Cardinals

As much as Palmer did not have many post-season successes, he was still a very prolific QB who put up very impressive career numbers. He played for a long time and his best football moments came towards the end of his career. He had a 38-21-1 QB Record with TDs, and only 57 INTs in 5 seasons while still with the Cardinals.

9. Kurt Warner: Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, New York Giants, & Arizona Cardinals

Kurt also managed to put up impressive statistics for his career. He managed to lead his team to a number of victories and that’s why he is celebrated to date. His name appears on the Hall of Fame list and rightfully so because indeed he was a talented athlete.

10. Patrick Mahomes: Kansas City Chiefs

Mahomes is best known for his way speed and well-acquainted skills. Although his skills have always been debatable, it is only fair to acknowledge that he had so many highlights in the course of his career and this is what made him the star we know him to be today.

11. Bob Waterfield: Los Angeles Rams

Waterfield was a risk taker. His throws were all about, “Let’s put it out there and see how it goes.” This is probably why he appears on this list because his accuracy was unmatched all the same. He never really missed whenever he threw the ball be it from like 10-15 yards out, he wouldn’t miss. That’s why he is a legend. When all is said and done, nobody really can match the kind of accuracy this guy always seemed to portray.

12. Y.A. Tittle: Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, & New York Giants

Tittle still holds the single-season New York Giants Passing Touchdown Record of 36 TDs. Thus not really a surprise that he appears on this list. With legendary QBs like Phil Simms, Fran Tarkenton and Eli Manning having played for the team, this is no easy feat. He deserves his flowers. His passes have been ranked as quite impressive too and it is said they would equate to about 450 in today’s pass-happy league.

13. Ken Anderson: Cincinnati Bengals

Before it became famous, Anderson had mastered the Bill Walsh Offense before it was famous thanks to the 49ers and Joe Montana. He was a very accurate QB and his timing and rhythm were always very accurate. He may not have had the strongest arm out there, but he sure was perfect West Coast style and became a master of this technique long before it was even a thing.

14. Jim Hart: St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals & Washington

Jim Hart is one of the most underrated QBs in NFL history and he’s good enough to be a Hall of Famer. This guy threw 209 career touchdown passes and managed to do so over 34,000 yards. For a guy who played through the 60s and 70s, these are a lot of yards and touchdowns that he managed to have covered. It shouldn’t even be taken for granted. His arm is really strong and Jim is considered one of the most impressive and prolific passers in NFL history. Statistically speaking.

15. Bob Griese: Miami Dolphins

He was popularly known as ‘The Surgeon.’ He carried most of the offensive load during his runs and he was hands down a lethal passer when he did decide to make a throw or two. His play-action touchdown passes always managed to break down opposing defenses, making his skills even more impressive and admirable.  Furthermore, it is his consistency that helped him reach the 8 Pro- Bowls, leading the Dolphins to two times Super- Bowl Championships and even got him a call to Canton.

16. Drew Bledsoe: New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, & Dallas Cowboys

He was a great QB but unfortunately, he hasn’t been put in the Hall if Fame. He should though because he was great. He was the crème de la crème of his time and he helped the pats, get to the Superbowl. So that was worth quite a lot. He actually managed to throw over 44,000 yards in his career and all the 90s, he was appreciated and recognized as one of the best QBs.

17. Norm Van Brocklin: Los Angeles Rams, & Philadelphia Eagles

Brocklin shared some moments at the QB position with Bob Waterfield, a fellow hall of famer during their time with the Rams. He was however a better passer and even managed to help the Rams win an NFL Championship in 1951.

18. Bobby Layne: Chicago Bears, New York Yanks, Detroit Lions, & Pittsburgh Steelers

His nickname was the’Blonde-Bomber.’ He was a championship-caliber QB and while many considered Matt Stafford the best QB for the Detroit Lions, Layne was way better. His numbers over the years have been impressive and he has been to the top 10 QB at his position. Something Matt wasn’t able to achieve.

19. Sammy Baugh: Washington

Popularly known as Slinging Sammy, this guy led the league to completion. He led it in passing 4 different times and became one of the more dominant passers of his era. He didn’t miss a shot and every time he appeared on the field, he would prove over and over again why indeed he is among the best.

20. Sid Luckman: Chicago Bears

He once threw for 28 touchdown passes on only 202 pass attempts in 1943. Actually, his 1943 season is considered one of the greatest NFL passing seasons of all time. If he played in today’s NFL, his numbers would have been so unimaginable and impressive hence why he is on this list. He has an iron arm. Never missed his throws and he would throw the ball like there’s no tomorrow.

21. Joe Namath: New York Jets, & Los Angeles Rams

Namath wasn’t the very best in the book, but he was such an able gunslinger who helped The New York Jets achieve one of the greatest successes in their NFL history. He even guaranteed a Super Bowl victory against the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl three, and that is something fans will never really forget. Thanks to his many achievements, his legacy will always live on, and be remembered as an all-time great athlete.

22. Cam Newton: Carolina Panthers & New England Patriots

The Panthers are relevant to date, thanks to Cam Newton. It is unfortunate that they wasted no time getting rid of him. At the New England Patriots, it is almost a sure bet that he will make The Panthers look laughable because he has this ability to just make everyone around him better. His on-field IQ is also out of this world, hence why he always manages to single-handedly carry teams and win games for them. So even for the Patriots, it’s only a matter of time.

23. Matt Ryan: Atlanta Falcons

Ryan believes that he will be a Borderline Hall of Fame candidate once his time comes. Whether or not he wins a Super Bowl, he will manage to. Why? He is already in the top 10 in passing yards and is closing in on Fran Tarkenton for the tenth all-time in passing touchdowns. He has at least 3 or 4 more seasons to continue adding to his already very impressive resume.

24. Bart Starr: Green Bay Packers

During his time, Starr was quite efficient and accurate and all he really did was win games; seven championships to be specific. He was a great leader and a good field general who always came through for the Packers in dire situations. That’s why he will always be appreciated and celebrated because the guy, simply put was very talented.

25. Jim Plunkett: New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, & Oakland Raiders

Arguably, Jim Plunkett deserves to be in the NFL Hall of Fame camp. He played on some of the greatest teams in the ’70s and was able to turn his career around and help the Raiders win 2 Super Bowl championships. As it is argued, the Raiders, couldn’t have won these two Super Bowls without him and he is the only QB in their history to win such.

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26. Ken Stabler: Oakland Raiders, Houston Oilers, & New Orleans Saints

He was one of the most remarkable QBs of his time and for a good reason. He won several games and was a true gamer who helped the Raiders win a Super Bowl and was also a league MVP. Actually, he was considered a top-five passer in the 70s.

27. Philip Rivers: Los Angeles Chargers, & Indianapolis Colts

Rivers is the third-best of the ‘big three,’ when it comes to the legendary 2004 NFL Quarterback class. He is one of the 25 best QBs of all time and statistically speaking, he is one of the most impressive QBs to ever have played in the regular season. If he manages to win a Super Bowl, he will for sure be on his way to appearing in the Hall of Fame.

28. Len Dawson: Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Texans, & Kansas City Chiefs

Dawson played the majority of his career in the 1960s and has had a very high career passer rating. Over the course of his career, he threw a lot of touchdowns and even led the league in passing touchdowns four different times in his career. Moreover, he helped the Chiefs win their first Super- Bowl victory, and that’s been quite impressive for his career.

29. Sonny Jurgensen: Philadelphia Eagles & Washington Football Team

Sonny is one of the only QBs in the Hall of Fame to actually have retired with a career-losing record as a starting QB. Nevertheless, his production was able to supersede and cover up his lack of winning and post-season success. He somehow manages to prove that he is the best out there even without mind-blowing wins.

30. Dan Fouts: San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers

At the beginning of his career, Fouts had a difficult beginning but once Coach Don Coryell came into the picture, Fouts and the Chargers became formidable. They became one of the best offenses throughout the late70s and early80s. He had a quick release, was a strong leader, and had a strong arm hence being recognized as one of the best QBs to have never won a Super Bowl.

31. Warren Moon: Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, & Kansas Chiefs

 

Warren managed to win 5 Grey- Cups in the CFL, before coming to the NFL. As much as people have always argued that Moon wasn’t really a winner and that his stats were empty, this guy was a winner in his own right. He just wasn’t able to win the ‘big one’ in the history of the NFL, but that doesn’t dim his light of success when it comes to being a skilled and talented player.

32. Terry Bradshaw: Pittsburgh Steelers

As a starting job, Bradshaw was once in a QB battle with the legendary Joe Gilliam but ultimately he was able to separate himself and even go as much as to win 4 Super Bowls with the Steelers. His numbers before weren’t too impressive, but he really came through for the Steelers with this one. It was one of those clutch moments of the playoffs and he didn’t disappoint.

33. Jim Kelly: Buffalo Bills

Jim Kelly is another very impressive player who was able to get 4 Super Bowls straight even if all of them were losses. Still, it was impressive to be able to talk of his ability as a QB, to impact his team’s win-loss column. Any team making 4 straight Super Bowls, wins or not, is something that may not be seen in a long while thus this was a huge deal. Kelly goes down to be remembered as one of the most intelligent QBs in NFL history.

34. Russell Wilson: Seattle Seahawks

Wilson is a modern-day dual-threat QB who is a phenomenal pocket passer. His accuracy and ability to read defenses make him one of the top QBs in the NFL today. If he were to win another Super- Bowl, he may actually end up climbing way higher on the list of the best QBs in history.

35. Ben Roethlisberger: Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben is a two-time Super Bowl champion hence why he is on this list. He is a very strong and accurate QB who could tackle you to the ground with just his arm. He is a winner and in his 15 seasons as a full-time starter for the Steelers, Ben managed to have a losing record only once throughout his career. Pretty impressive if I might add.

36. Steve Young: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, & San Francisco 49ers

With the 49ers, Steve Young did such an amazing job by being able to deliver a Super- Bowl for the team. His run as an elite QB through the 90s and his career, lasted about eight seasons and that was more than enough to get him a spot in Canton, hence remembered as one of the greatest QBs of all time.

37. Roger Staubach: Dallas Cowboys

He won two Super Bowls in only three tries and he managed to put in some impressive and great career numbers. It is impressive in his own right, having taken over full-time for the Cowboys when he was 29 years. An age that is deemed almost at the border of too old in this career. So, not bad at all.

38. Johnny Unitas: Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts, & San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers

With very impressive and outstanding 290 touchdown passes, Unitas has the utmost respect of most fans. His 1959 season where he threw 32 touchdown passes has come to be recognized and appreciated as one of the best passing seasons of his era. He was well-respected by his peers and also teammates, for his great leadership skills and poise.

39. Fran Tarkenton: Minnesota Vikings, & New York Giants

Tarkenton is said to have been way ahead of his time. He had such a strong arm and could throw on the run and scramble too even though he was of a small stature. When he retired in 1978, he left the NFL as the leader in almost every major statistical passing category. He had 342 touchdown passes in his career and that is not such an easy feat. He was ranked as the top QB for two decades straight (the ’60s and ’70s), hence why he will always be mentioned and celebrated whenever great QBs in history are mentioned.

40. Otto Graham: Cleveland Browns

Otto was one of the most underrated players and like many other old-timer QBs, he was forgotten easily by a lot of fans today. He was however a true legend and QB for the great Cleaveland Browns and he did whatever it took to win. And winning he did. He is regarded as a great QB who had 44 rushing touchdowns for his career and that ladies and gentlemen is more than impressive.

41. Drew Brees: San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, & New Orleans Saints

For Drew Brees, he is one of the most decorated and the best statistical QBs of all time. He has played in 19 seasons quite remarkably and in 2020, he entered his 20th season. He holds multiple NFL career passing records, inclusive of touchdowns and yards and his career continues to be promising every time he appears on the field. He has won only one Superbowl but that is not to say he is a mediocre player. He is way more than that.

42. Aaron Rodgers: Green Bay Packers

Aaron has carried the Packers and led them to victory and that’s why he cannot miss on this list. He has had various victories that make him worthy of the Hall of Fame appearance. His accuracy, arm strength, playing on the run, and his low interception rate make him undoubtedly one of the best NFL QBs of all time. With only 3 or 4 years to retire, he has managed to do such an impressive job so far.

43. Brett Favre: Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, & Minnesota Vikings

Favre is another great player who at one point managed to win three straight MVPs and dominated the era of the 90s. He was a top QB in the 2000s and had the greatest and finest season as a passer in 2009 while with the Minnesota Vikings at 40 years old. He proved over and over again that he still has what it takes to be great in this game.

44. Eli Manning: New York Giants

Eli Manning is one the most clutch QBs in the NFL Playoff history. He really came through when the Giants needed him and he delivered and left no crumbs. He helped set the team apart and did his very best to lead the team to victory. Although this didn’t happen often, the guy really did his best in every game he appeared in. When all is said and done, we just have to appreciate the fact that ‘Easy E,’ was the first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the most underrated QBs in the history of the NFL.

45. Troy Aikman: Dallas Cowboys

Troy Aikman was one of the most accurate passers to throw a football. His impact in the Cowboys was undeniable seeing as how he delivered 3 Super Bowls, was clutch in the playoffs, and even ran a run-first offense to something that can only be termed as perfection. If he had honestly been asked to throw and play more, his numbers would have been phenomenal and just perfect even historically.

46. Dan Marino: Miami Dolphins

Dan Marino was one of the most talented passers in NFL history. He had quite a lightning-quick release, amazing footwork and accuracy, arm strength, and mechanics. He was in all honesty, just great in all aspects of the game. Moreover, he put up some very impressive numbers during his career and achieved many successes. He was however never able to win one of the ‘big ones,’ but still, he did manage to leave quite a mark in his career.

47. Joe Montana: San Francisco 49ers, & Kansas City Chiefs

Montana was a gold standard for all QBs in the 80s. He and the 49ers dominated the decade, even managing to win 4 Super Bowls. He was the Super Bowl MVP in three of those Super Bowls hence why he is always celebrated as a great QB when all is said and done. His very quick and accurate decision-making made him a perfect fit for Bill Walsh’s Legendary West Coast Offense.

48. Peyton Manning: Indianapolis Colts & Denver Broncos

Manning was the offense on any team he played on and that’s why they called him ‘the sheriff.’ It was either you followed what he did and said or you were considered to be out of line. He called the shots in most games he appeared in, and rightfully so. He is considered one of the greatest QBs of all time seeing how he won two Super Bowls and five NFL MVPs. He is just amazing and skilled and never even disappoints.

49. Tom Brady: New England Patriots & Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tom Brady is practically the face of the Patriots. Even more impressive, is his rise to fame story as he is the kind of QB that came from nothing. He was drafted in the 6^th round and has been overlooked throughout his football career. However, he always manages to rise through it all and prove himself. He always managed to step up his game especially when his team needed it the most and that’s why he is on this list.

50. John Elway: Denver Broncos

John Elway was the first of all QBs. He threw the ball in the air at an accuracy that was quite impressive, he had one of the strongest arms in history, and even managed to carry some very mediocre teams all the way to the Super Bowls. Moreover, he was able to finish his last two seasons in the NFL with two Super Bowls. He manages to impress fans and fellow players alike, every time he appears on the field. He is simply amazing and he’s the guy wrapping up our list because after all, always saves the best for last.

These quarterbacks have proven over and over again that it takes more than skills and talent. Also, teamwork plays a huge role and should always be part of the equation even as you are looking for greatness while being part of a team.

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