The quarterback is the most important position in football. A great QB can lead a team to championships, orchestrate game-winning drives, and leave an unforgettable mark on the NFL. But who are the best quarterbacks of all time?
The debate over the greatest NFL quarterbacks is endless, with fans and analysts using Super Bowl wins, passing records, MVP awards, and clutch performances as measuring sticks. Some dominated with their raw talent, while others built legendary careers through consistency and leadership.
Here’s our list of the Top 10 All-Time Best NFL QBs, based on their achievements, impact, and legacy.
1. Tom Brady
- Super Bowls: 7 (Most in NFL history)
- MVP Awards: 3
- Career Passing Yards: 89,214
- Total Touchdowns: 649
No one comes close to Tom Brady’s dominance. With seven Super Bowl titles, he holds the record for most championships by any player. He led two dynasties—the New England Patriots (2001-2019) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020-2022).
Brady’s ability to perform in clutch moments, from game-winning drives to legendary comebacks (like Super Bowl LI against the Falcons), solidifies his GOAT status. He holds nearly every passing record and retired as the undisputed greatest quarterback in NFL history.
2. Joe Montana
- Super Bowls: 4
- MVP Awards: 2
- Career Passing Yards: 40,551
- Total Touchdowns: 273
Joe “Cool” Montana was the definition of clutch. He never lost a Super Bowl, winning four championships with the San Francisco 49ers in the 1980s. His ability to stay calm under pressure, especially in game-winning moments like “The Catch”, makes him one of the greatest ever.
Montana’s Super Bowl passer rating of 127.8 remains the highest of any QB in history. With precision passing and legendary poise, he was the perfect leader for the Bill Walsh West Coast Offense.
3. Peyton Manning
- Super Bowls: 2
- MVP Awards: 5 (Most in history)
- Career Passing Yards: 71,940
- Total Touchdowns: 539
Few QBs have been as intelligent and dominant as Peyton Manning. He revolutionized the QB position with his ability to read defenses, call audibles, and execute at an elite level.
Manning’s five MVP awards are the most in NFL history. He won two Super Bowls (with the Colts and Broncos) and holds the record for most passing touchdowns in a single season (55 in 2013).
While his playoff record isn’t as perfect as Montana’s or Brady’s, his impact on the game is undeniable.
4. Johnny Unitas
- NFL Championships: 3 (Before the Super Bowl era)
- MVP Awards: 3
- Career Passing Yards: 40,239
- Total Touchdowns: 290
Known as the “Father of the Modern Quarterback,” Johnny Unitas changed the way QBs played the game. He introduced the two-minute drill and was one of the first pass-first QBs in an era dominated by running backs.
Unitas led the Baltimore Colts to multiple championships and set records that lasted for decades. His toughness, leadership, and ability to win under pressure make him an all-time great.
5. Brett Favre
- Super Bowls: 1
- MVP Awards: 3
- Career Passing Yards: 71,838
- Total Touchdowns: 508
Few quarterbacks played with as much passion and excitement as Brett Favre. Known for his gunslinger mentality, he could make unbelievable throws—and sometimes risky ones.
Favre won three straight MVP awards (1995-1997) and led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory. His ironman streak of 297 consecutive starts proves his toughness and durability.
6. Dan Marino
- Super Bowls: 0
- MVP Awards: 1
- Career Passing Yards: 61,361
- Total Touchdowns: 420
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Dan Marino was one of the most talented passers in NFL history. His quick release and ability to throw for massive yards made him ahead of his time.
Marino threw for 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns in 1984, a record that stood for 20 years. If he had won a championship, he might rank even higher on this list.
7. Drew Brees
- Super Bowls: 1
- MVP Awards: 0
- Career Passing Yards: 80,358
- Total Touchdowns: 571
Drew Brees was one of the most accurate quarterbacks of all time. He broke numerous passing records, including the most career passing yards (before Brady passed him).
Brees led the New Orleans Saints to their first and only Super Bowl win, bringing hope to the city after Hurricane Katrina. His precision, leadership, and consistency make him an all-time great.
8. John Elway
- Super Bowls: 2
- MVP Awards: 1
- Career Passing Yards: 51,475
- Total Touchdowns: 300
John Elway was known for his clutch performances and legendary arm strength. He led the Denver Broncos to five Super Bowls, winning back-to-back championships in his final two seasons.
Elway’s ability to extend plays, scramble, and deliver deep throws made him one of the most exciting QBs to watch.
9. Aaron Rodgers
- Super Bowls: 1
- MVP Awards: 4
- Career Passing Yards: 59,055 (and counting)
- Total Touchdowns: 475 (and counting)
Aaron Rodgers is one of the most efficient quarterbacks in NFL history. With four MVPs and one Super Bowl ring, he has proven his greatness time and again.
Rodgers is known for his incredible arm talent, mobility, and ability to throw on the run. His Hail Mary passes and ability to lead comebacks make him one of the most dangerous QBs in history.
10. Steve Young
- Super Bowls: 3 (1 as a starter)
- MVP Awards: 2
- Career Passing Yards: 33,124
- Total Touchdowns: 232
Steve Young was one of the most versatile QBs ever. After backing up Joe Montana, he took over as the 49ers’ starter and won Super Bowl XXIX, throwing for six touchdowns in the game.
His ability to run the ball and throw with pinpoint accuracy made him one of the most exciting players of his time.
Conclusion
These 10 quarterbacks each left an incredible impact on the NFL. Whether it was Brady’s dominance, Montana’s clutch performances, or Marino’s passing records, every QB on this list helped shape the game.
The debate over the GOAT quarterback will continue, but one thing is certain—these legends will never be forgotten.
Who do you think is the greatest QB of all time? Let me know in the comments!
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