NFL Network Top 10 Quarterbacks of All Time

Curiosities, Statistics, and Interesting Information

• The NFL Network’s list was determined by a panel of 10 experts, including former players and coaches.
• The panel considered several factors, including statistics, impact on the game, and overall talent.
• The top 10 quarterbacks were selected from a pool of 33 nominees.
• The list includes quarterbacks from several eras, including the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
• The top-ranked quarterback on the list played for the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s.
• The youngest quarterback on the list is currently playing in the NFL and has won multiple Super Bowls.
• The oldest quarterback on the list retired in the 1970s.

Ranking Analysis

Let’s dive into the list and see how the experts ranked the top 10 quarterbacks of all time.

#10: Dan Marino

The Miami Dolphins legend comes in at number 10 on the list. Marino is widely regarded as one of the greatest pure passers in NFL history, and his 61,361 career passing yards are still fifth all-time. However, Marino never won a Super Bowl, which may have contributed to his lower ranking.

#9: Brett Favre

The gunslinger from Mississippi comes in at number 9 on the list. Favre’s career was defined by his toughness, as he famously played through injuries and was never afraid to take risks on the field. He won three straight MVP awards in the mid-90s and led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 1997.

#8: John Elway

The Broncos legend comes in at number 8 on the list. Elway is known for his incredible arm strength and his ability to lead his team to victory in clutch situations. He won two Super Bowls in the late 90s and retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in career wins by a starting quarterback.

#7: Johnny Unitas

The Colts legend comes in at number 7 on the list. Unitas is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and his record-breaking performances in the 1950s and 60s paved the way for future generations of quarterbacks. He won three NFL championships and a Super Bowl during his career.

#6: Tom Brady

The current Buccaneers quarterback comes in at number 6 on the list. Brady is widely considered the greatest quarterback of all time by many fans and analysts, thanks to his seven Super Bowl victories and numerous individual accolades. However, the panel ranked him slightly lower, likely due to the fact that his career is still ongoing.

#5: Peyton Manning

The Colts and Broncos legend comes in at number 5 on the list. Manning is known for his incredible football IQ and his ability to read defenses. He won two Super Bowls during his career and set numerous NFL records, including most career passing yards and most career touchdown passes.

#4: Joe Montana

The 49ers legend comes in at number 4 on the list. Montana is widely regarded as one of the greatest clutch performers in NFL history, thanks to his four Super Bowl victories and numerous game-winning drives. He also won two NFL MVP awards and set several Super Bowl records.

#3: Otto Graham

The Browns legend comes in at number 3 on the list. Graham played in the 1950s and is often overlooked by modern fans, but his record speaks for itself. He won seven championships in his ten-year career, including four AAFC championships and three NFL championships. He also led the league in passing yards five times.

#2: John Unitas

The Colts legend comes in at number 2 on the list. Unitas is widely regarded as one of the most influential quarterbacks in NFL history, thanks to his record-breaking performances in the 50s and 60s. He won three NFL championships and a Super Bowl during his career, and is widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

#1: Bart Starr

The Packers legend comes in at number 1 on the list. Starr played in the 1960s and is often overlooked by modern fans, but his record speaks for itself. He won five championships during his career, including the first two Super Bowls. He also had a career passer rating of 80.5, which was outstanding for his era.

My Personal Take

Overall, I think the NFL Network’s list is pretty solid. However, there are a few quarterbacks that I would have ranked differently. Here are my personal rankings:

1. Tom Brady
2. Peyton Manning
3. Joe Montana
4. Johnny Unitas
5. Brett Favre
6. John Elway
7. Dan Marino
8. Steve Young
9. Terry Bradshaw
10. Bart Starr

I know some fans will disagree with my rankings, but that’s the beauty of sports. Everyone has their own opinions, and there’s no right or wrong answer.

I also have a personal anecdote to share about one of the quarterbacks on the list. When I was a kid, I was a huge fan of Brett Favre. I remember watching him lead the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XXXI, and I was hooked. I even named my dog after him!

As I got older and learned more about football history, I came to appreciate other quarterbacks on the list as well. But Favre will always have a special place in my heart.

FAQs

Who is the greatest quarterback of all time?

There’s no definitive answer to this question, as everyone has their own opinions. However, many fans and analysts consider Tom Brady to be the greatest quarterback of all time, thanks to his numerous Super Bowl victories and individual accolades.

Why isn’t Aaron Rodgers on the list?

The NFL Network’s list only includes quarterbacks who have retired from the game. While Rodgers is still playing at an elite level, his career is not yet complete.

Who is the youngest quarterback on the list?

The youngest quarterback on the list is Tom Brady, who is still playing in the NFL at the age of 44.

Who is the oldest quarterback on the list?

The oldest quarterback on the list is Johnny Unitas, who retired in 1973 at the age of 40.

Why is Bart Starr ranked #1?

Bart Starr is ranked #1 on the list due to his incredible success during his career. He won five championships, including the first two Super Bowls, and had a career passer rating of 80.5, which was outstanding for his era.