Top 10 QBs of All Time
As a lifelong football fan and former quarterback myself, I have spent countless hours debating and analyzing the greatest quarterbacks of all time. It’s a topic that has been discussed and argued about for decades, but I’m here to put an end to the speculation and present to you the definitive list of the top 10 QBs of all time.
Top Curiosities and Interesting Facts
- Tom Brady has won the most Super Bowl titles by any quarterback with 7.
- Joe Montana is the only quarterback to have won 4 Super Bowl MVP awards.
- Peyton Manning holds the record for the most career passing yards and touchdowns.
- Johnny Unitas was the first quarterback to throw for over 40,000 yards in his career.
- Terry Bradshaw won 4 Super Bowls in a 6-year span in the 1970s.
1. Tom Brady
Love him or hate him, it’s hard to deny that Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time. With 7 Super Bowl titles, 5 Super Bowl MVP awards, and numerous other records and achievements, Brady has cemented himself as the most accomplished QB in NFL history.
Personally, I’ve never been a huge fan of Brady. As a Jets fan, it’s hard to root for a player who has caused us so much pain over the years. However, I can’t deny his greatness and the impact he has had on the game.
2. Joe Montana
Joe Montana is widely regarded as the most clutch quarterback of all time. He led the San Francisco 49ers to 4 Super Bowl titles in the 1980s and won the Super Bowl MVP award in 3 of those games.
One of my favorite memories as a football fan was watching Montana lead the 49ers to a last-second victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII. It was a masterful performance by Montana and solidified his status as one of the all-time greats.
3. Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning was a cerebral quarterback who dominated the game with his mind as much as his arm. He holds numerous records, including the most career passing yards and touchdowns, and won 2 Super Bowl titles (one with the Indianapolis Colts and one with the Denver Broncos).
I had the pleasure of watching Manning play in person a few times during his career, and it was always a treat. His ability to read defenses and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage was unparalleled.
4. Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas was a pioneer of the quarterback position and helped revolutionize the game with his passing prowess. He was the first quarterback to throw for over 40,000 yards in his career and led the Baltimore Colts to 3 NFL championships in the 1950s and 60s.
While I never had the chance to watch Unitas play, I’ve heard countless stories about his toughness and leadership on the field. He was a true legend of the game.
5. Brett Favre
Brett Favre was a gunslinger who played the game with a reckless abandon that endeared him to fans and teammates alike. He won 3 straight NFL MVP awards in the 1990s and led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl title in 1996.
As a quarterback myself, I always admired Favre’s fearlessness and willingness to take risks. He was never afraid to throw the ball into tight windows or take a hit to make a play.
6. Dan Marino
Dan Marino is often overlooked when discussing the greatest quarterbacks of all time, but his numbers speak for themselves. He holds numerous NFL records, including the most career passing yards in a season and the most career 300-yard passing games.
Marino never won a Super Bowl, which is often held against him in these types of discussions, but he was a phenomenal talent who revolutionized the quarterback position with his quick release and pinpoint accuracy.
7. John Elway
John Elway is best known for his late-game heroics, which earned him the nickname “The Comeback Kid”. He led the Denver Broncos to 2 Super Bowl titles in the late 1990s and retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in career wins by a starting quarterback.
As a Jets fan, I have mixed feelings about Elway (he famously spurned the Jets after being drafted by them in 1983), but there’s no denying his greatness on the field.
8. Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw was the quarterback for the dominant Pittsburgh Steelers teams of the 1970s, winning 4 Super Bowl titles in a 6-year span. He was known for his big arm and clutch performances in the playoffs.
Bradshaw is often criticized for his lack of consistency during the regular season, but his postseason success speaks for itself. He was a true winner on the biggest stage.
9. Steve Young
Steve Young took over for Joe Montana as the quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers in the early 1990s and continued the team’s winning tradition. He won 3 Super Bowl titles and was named the Super Bowl MVP in one of those games.
Young was a dual-threat quarterback who could beat teams with his arm or his legs. His athleticism and competitiveness made him a joy to watch.
10. Drew Brees
Drew Brees may not have the same number of championships or records as some of the other quarterbacks on this list, but his impact on the game cannot be denied. He led the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl title in 2010 and holds numerous NFL records, including the most career completions and completion percentage.
As a fellow shorter quarterback (Brees is listed at 6 feet tall), I’ve always admired his ability to overcome his lack of height and succeed at the highest level of the sport.
FAQ
Who is the greatest quarterback of all time?
While opinions may vary, the consensus among experts and fans alike is that Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time. His numerous Super Bowl titles, MVP awards, and records speak for themselves.
Who has won the most Super Bowl titles by a quarterback?
Tom Brady has won the most Super Bowl titles by any quarterback, with 7.
Has any quarterback won 4 Super Bowl MVP awards?
Joe Montana is the only quarterback to have won 4 Super Bowl MVP awards.
Who holds the record for the most career passing yards and touchdowns?
Peyton Manning holds the record for the most career passing yards and touchdowns.
Who was the first quarterback to throw for over 40,000 yards in his career?
Johnny Unitas was the first quarterback to throw for over 40,000 yards in his career.
Who won the most Super Bowls in a 6-year span?
Terry Bradshaw won 4 Super Bowls in a 6-year span in the 1970s.