Top 10 Best Quarterbacks of All Time
Hi, I’m Emily Johnson and I’m excited to share with you my personal list of the top 10 best quarterbacks of all time. As a lifelong football fan, I’ve spent countless hours watching games and studying the greats. So, without further ado, here are my picks for the best quarterbacks to ever play the game.
Top Statistics, Facts, and Interesting Information
- Tom Brady is the all-time leader in touchdown passes with 581.
- Peyton Manning holds the record for most career passing yards with 71,940.
- Joe Montana has the highest passer rating in Super Bowl history at 127.8.
- Brett Favre started 297 consecutive games, the most by any quarterback in NFL history.
- Johnny Unitas was the first quarterback to throw for 40,000 yards in a career.
- Dan Marino threw for over 5,000 yards in a season twice, a feat only matched by Drew Brees.
- Steve Young is the highest-rated passer in NFL history with a career rating of 96.8.
- John Elway led the Denver Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances and two championships.
- Terry Bradshaw won four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers in a six-year span.
- Bart Starr led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL championships in the 1960s, including the first two Super Bowls.
1. Tom Brady
When it comes to the best quarterbacks of all time, Tom Brady is at the top of the list. With seven Super Bowl victories and five Super Bowl MVP awards, Brady has cemented his legacy as the greatest quarterback in NFL history. His work ethic and attention to detail are legendary, and his ability to perform in clutch situations is unmatched. As a Patriots fan, I may be biased, but there’s no denying Brady’s greatness.
2. Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning is another quarterback who is often in the conversation for the greatest of all time. He holds numerous NFL records, including most career passing yards and most career touchdown passes. Manning was also a five-time NFL MVP and won two Super Bowls during his career. His ability to read defenses and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage was unparalleled, and his work ethic and preparation were second to none.
3. Joe Montana
Joe Montana is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He won four Super Bowl championships with the San Francisco 49ers and was named Super Bowl MVP three times. Montana was known for his cool under pressure and his ability to come through in clutch situations. His performance in Super Bowl XXIII, when he led a game-winning drive in the final minutes, is still considered one of the greatest moments in NFL history.
4. Brett Favre
Brett Favre was a gunslinger who played the game with a passion and joy that was infectious. He holds numerous NFL records, including most career completions, most career passing yards, and most consecutive starts by a quarterback. Favre won three consecutive MVP awards in the 1990s and led the Green Bay Packers to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one. His toughness and durability were legendary, and he played through a number of injuries during his career.
5. Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas is often credited with revolutionizing the quarterback position. He was the first quarterback to consistently use the two-minute drill, and he was known for his ability to come through in clutch situations. Unitas won three NFL championships with the Baltimore Colts in the 1950s and 1960s and was named the league MVP three times. His work ethic and dedication to the game were an inspiration to many.
6. Dan Marino
Dan Marino is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, despite never winning a Super Bowl. He holds numerous NFL records, including most career passing yards per game and most career touchdown passes. Marino had one of the quickest releases in NFL history and was known for his ability to make any throw on the field. Although he never won a championship, Marino’s impact on the game cannot be overstated.
7. Steve Young
Steve Young had big shoes to fill when he took over for Joe Montana as the quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, but he more than lived up to the challenge. Young won three Super Bowl championships and was named the Super Bowl MVP in one of them. He was also a two-time NFL MVP and led the league in passer rating six times. Young’s athleticism and ability to scramble were ahead of their time, and his accuracy and decision-making were top-notch.
8. John Elway
John Elway is one of the most beloved quarterbacks in NFL history. He led the Denver Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances, winning two of them, and was named the Super Bowl MVP in one of them. Elway was known for his ability to make plays with his arm and his legs, and his toughness and competitiveness were unmatched. He retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in victories by a starting quarterback.
9. Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw was the quarterback of the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers teams of the 1970s. He won four Super Bowl championships and was named the Super Bowl MVP in two of them. Bradshaw was known for his big arm and his ability to make big plays in clutch situations. He was also a tough and physical player who was not afraid to take a hit.
10. Bart Starr
Bart Starr was the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers during their dynasty of the 1960s. He won five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls, and was named the MVP of both of those games. Starr was known for his accuracy and his ability to read defenses. He was also a great leader who was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
FAQs
Who is the greatest quarterback of all time?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as opinions on the greatest quarterback of all time vary. However, many consider Tom Brady to be the greatest quarterback of all time, due to his numerous Super Bowl victories and his clutch performances in big games.
Who has the most touchdown passes in NFL history?
Tom Brady is the all-time leader in touchdown passes with 581.
Who has the most career passing yards in NFL history?
Peyton Manning holds the record for most career passing yards with 71,940.
Who has the highest passer rating in Super Bowl history?
Joe Montana has the highest passer rating in Super Bowl history at 127.8.
Who has started the most consecutive games by a quarterback in NFL history?
Brett Favre started 297 consecutive games, the most by any quarterback in NFL history.
Who was the first quarterback to throw for 40,000 yards in a career?
Johnny Unitas was the first quarterback to throw for 40,000 yards in a career.
Who has thrown for over 5,000 yards in a season twice?
Dan Marino threw for over 5,000 yards in a season twice, a feat only matched by Drew Brees.
Who is the highest-rated passer in NFL history?
Steve Young is the highest-rated passer in NFL history with a career rating of 96.8.
How many Super Bowls did John Elway win?
John Elway won two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos.
How many Super Bowls did Terry Bradshaw win?
Terry Bradshaw won four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers in a six-year span.
How many championships did Bart Starr win?
Bart Starr led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL championships in the 1960s, including the first two Super Bowls.