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Physical skill isn't the only tool needed to be a terrific NFL quarterback. Leadership, fast mental processing, and toughness all play a part in shaping the quarterbacks that separate themselves from the rest. As football fans know, a great QB can elevate any football team.
In this article, we'll dive into the 10 QBs that we feel are the greatest of all time. Their contributions to the game have shaped the quarterback position and left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and captivate fans to this day.
The 10 greatest quarterbacks of all time are subjective and can vary depending on personal opinions. However, based on their accomplishments, impact on the game, and overall legacy, the following quarterbacks are often considered among the all-time greats:
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10. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
While just 27 years old, Patrick Mahomes has already changed the NFL forever. In just 5 seasons as a starter, he has a 63-16 career record, an 11-3 playoff record, and a 106.0 QB rating. Add in 23,957 passing yards, a 66.4% comp percentage, 192 TDs to just 48 INTs, 5 Pro Bowls, and 3 All-Pros and it's easy to see why Mahomes is already on this list.
Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs last season went 72/100 with 703 yards passing and 7 TDs with 0 interceptions! He accomplished all of this with a high ankle sprain! Mahomes is just built differently! 🔥🦾 pic.twitter.com/MNZpaYW8v6
— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) May 26, 2023
Mahomes has the arm strength of a catapult and the vision of an eagle, surveying the field with a calmness that belies his youthful swagger. From no-look passes to insane sidearm throws, Mahomes is a maestro of innovation, rewriting the playbook with each mesmerizing performance. He's got the stats to back it up too, shattering records faster than a bullet train. With 2 Super Bowl wins and 2 MVP honors already under his belt, Mahomes is blazing a trail toward greatness and solidifying his spot among the elite quarterbacks of all time.
9. Otto Graham, Cleveland Browns
A relentless competitor: Otto Graham reigned supreme in the early years of the NFL. During his ten-year tenure with the Cleveland Browns, Graham led his team to an unprecedented level of success. He guided the Browns to ten straight championship games, winning seven of them, including four in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and three in the NFL. Graham's accolades are equally impressive. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in all ten of his professional seasons and was a five-time First-Team All-Pro. Additionally, he was named the league's Most Valuable Player in both the AAFC and the NFL.
Graham's passing skills were exceptional for his era, as he consistently displayed accuracy, arm strength, and a keen understanding of the game. He was a pioneer in the forward pass, revolutionizing the quarterback position. Graham led the league in passing yards on three occasions and was known for his ability to orchestrate come-from-behind victories with his clutch performances. Beyond his passing prowess, Graham was also a proficient runner. He possessed remarkable speed and agility, often utilizing his mobility to extend plays and gain valuable yardage on the ground. He led the league in rushing touchdowns in 1950, further showcasing his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback.
8. John Elway, Denver Broncos
Like a cowboy charging through a stampede, John Elway fearlessly faced the toughest defenses with extraordinary arm talent. As the face of the Denver Broncos for 16 seasons from 1983 to 1998, Elway established himself as one of the most iconic and successful quarterbacks of his era. From his iconic "helicopter dive" to his clutch performances in Super Bowls, Elway delivered unforgettable moments that will forever be etched in the fabric of football lore.
Elway's greatest triumph came in the latter stages of his career when he led the Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998, solidifying his legacy. These championships were the culmination of Elway's relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to elevate his play in crucial moments. Elway's achievements are equally impressive. He was selected to nine Pro Bowls and was a three-time First-Team All-Pro. In addition to his Super Bowl MVP honors, Elway was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1987 and was the recipient of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 1992, recognizing his excellence on the field as well as his contributions to the community.
7. Steve Young, San Francisco 49ers
A dynamic left-handed quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, Young is regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks who ever played the game. He seamlessly took over the reins from legendary quarterback Joe Montana and continued the 49ers' reign of excellence from the 1980s into the 90s. Young led the 49ers to victory in Super Bowl XXIX, earning Super Bowl MVP honors with a scintillating performance with 6 touchdown passes: a Super Bowl record. Throughout his career, he displayed exceptional athleticism and electrifying playmaking ability, making him a dual threat on the field.
Young was a seven-time Pro Bowler, earning First-Team All-Pro honors three times. He led the NFL in passing touchdowns a record six times and was a two-time NFL MVP. Young's accuracy and precision as a passer were unparalleled, consistently posting impressive completion percentages and ranking among the league's top quarterbacks. Young's statistical achievements are equally impressive. He ranks among the all-time leaders in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and passer rating. His efficiency as a passer, combined with his elusive scrambling ability, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses to contain.
6. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers' exquisite footwork, remarkable arm talent, and ability to make plays from seemingly impossible situations have left fans in awe since he burst onto the scene in 2008 as the Packers' starting quarterback. Rodgers led the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. Throughout his career, he has displayed remarkable precision and arm strength, threading the needle and launching rockets into the waiting arms of his receivers.
Getting ahead on this: Best throw Aaron Rodgers ever madepic.twitter.com/evnIb0wp3G
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) February 22, 2022
Individually, Rodgers has amassed a staggering collection of accolades. He is a three-time NFL MVP, showcasing his ability to outshine his peers with his exceptional play. His ability to make plays on the move is nothing short of magical, often turning broken plays into highlight-reel moments that leave fans in awe. Rodgers holds the record for the highest career passer rating in NFL history, a testament to his efficiency and effectiveness as a quarterback. He consistently ranks among the league leaders in touchdown passes, passing yards, and completion percentage, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
5. Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins
The only quarterback on this list without a championship to his name, Marino had a rocket arm with a quick release while leaving an indelible mark on the game. Marino's statistical prowess is unmatched. He holds numerous NFL records, including the single-season record for passing yards and touchdown passes. His ability to dissect defenses and deliver pinpoint accuracy was like a surgeon operating with precision. Marino's arm was a cannon, launching footballs with the velocity of a speeding bullet, leaving defenders grasping for air like Wile E. Coyote chasing the Road Runner.
Marino dazzled spectators with his otherworldly arm talent. His lightning-quick release and ability to thread the needle were nothing short of extraordinary. Marino's statistical achievements, including being the first quarterback to surpass 5,000 passing yards in a season, make him an all-time great. One could only imagine what he would do in the wide-open passing style of the current NFL landscape.
4. Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
Unitas revolutionized the quarterback position. His unrivaled passing skills and leadership abilities set the stage for the modern passing game. With his precise throws and impeccable timing, Unitas orchestrated the Colts' offense with a level of mastery that was awe-inspiring. Unitas possessed a field vision that seemed almost clairvoyant, scanning the defense like a chess grandmaster analyzing the board, always one step ahead of his opponents.
His statistical achievements were staggering, and his records stood as a testament to his brilliance. Unitas was the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for over 40,000 yards, and his record of throwing a touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games remained unbroken for decades. He possessed a powerful arm, delivering pinpoint passes with a surgeon's precision, and his ability to read defenses and make split-second decisions was unmatched. Unitas' unparalleled ability to read defenses and his iconic moments in the "Greatest Game Ever Played" in the 1958 NFL Championship over the New York Giants solidified his place as one of the game's true legends and vaulted football's nationwide popularity in the United States.
3. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning possessed an unparalleled football IQ. His pre-snap brilliance and ability to decipher defenses made him a mastermind on the field. Manning's meticulous preparation and laser-like accuracy propelled him to numerous records and a Super Bowl victory with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. Statistically, Manning holds numerous NFL records, including the most career touchdown passes and most passing yards in a single season. His ability to thread the needle and deliver pinpoint accurate passes was a sight to behold, consistently connecting with his receivers in tight windows while stretching the field with his arm strength.
Manning's impact extended beyond the gridiron. He was a consummate leader and tireless worker, known for his meticulous preparation and attention to detail. His ability to elevate the play of those around him was legendary, turning average receivers into stars and revitalizing the careers of veterans. Off the field, Manning's affable personality and quick wit endeared him to fans, making him one of the most beloved figures in the history of the game.
2. Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers
Joe Montana conducted the San Francisco 49ers offense with exquisite finesse. His list of accomplishments reads like a football fairy tale. He led the 49ers to four Super Bowl victories, earning the title of Super Bowl MVP three times. In these high-pressure situations, Montana consistently delivered clutch performances that will live on forever. His calmness under fire and his ability to engineer late-game comebacks earned him the nickname "Joe Cool," and he became the epitome of a clutch performer.
His postseason success was unparalleled, as he compiled a remarkable 16-7 playoff record. Montana's ability to rise to the occasion in big games and consistently perform at an elite level separated him from his peers. He threw for over 5,700 yards and 45 touchdowns in the playoffs, cementing his status as one of the greatest postseason quarterbacks of all time. Montana was oft-injured later in his career, missing 20 games from 1986-1990, as well as the entire 1991 and 1992 seasons, which is why his career stats may not seem as impressive. Tom Brady has made a lot of people forget about Joe Montana when the reality is they shouldn't.
1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Tom Brady has redefined greatness. With unparalleled consistency, he has amassed an astonishing seven Super Bowl rings, more than any other quarterback in history. Brady's ability to dissect defenses, lead comebacks, and inspire his teammates is a testament to his unrivaled dedication and competitiveness. Brady has more championship rings than any other player in NFL history.
The best throw of Tom Brady’s career pic.twitter.com/JqK7ACe641
— Savage (@SavageSports_) July 2, 2021
Beyond his Super Bowl triumphs, Brady's statistical achievements are equally impressive. He holds numerous NFL records, including most career passing yards and touchdowns. Brady's ability to consistently put up elite numbers throughout his career has solidified his status as one of the most prolific passers in the history of the game. Brady's longevity is also a testament to his greatness. Despite being in his 40s, he continued to perform at an elite level, defying the conventional notion of age-related decline. His commitment to physical fitness, meticulous preparation, and unrivaled work ethic have allowed him to stay at the top of his game for over two decades. While it may be unfair to compare players in different eras, it's hard not to see Brady as the greatest quarterback of all time.
What did you think of this list? Is there anyone I left out or someone who should have been on here? Feel free to get at me on Twitter.
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