Every sport has its trailblazers—athletes whose names become synonymous with greatness. In basketball, legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James come to mind. In tennis, icons such as Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and Novak Djokovic dominate the conversation. Similarly, the NFL has produced its pantheon of quarterback legends who have defined the game.
The National Football League (NFL), one of the most popular sports leagues in the United States, is a professional American football league with 32 teams divided between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Each season culminates in the Super Bowl, a spectacle rivaling even the FIFA World Cup in viewership, combining elite competition with dazzling halftime performances.
Since its inception in 1920, the NFL has seen countless quarterbacks grace its fields. However, only a select few have achieved a blend of statistical dominance, longevity, and team success to be considered among the greatest. Below is a ranking of the top 10 quarterbacks of all time.
10. Dan Marino (1983–1999)
Though Marino never won a Super Bowl, his passing prowess remains legendary. He was the first quarterback to throw for 5,000 yards or 40 touchdowns in a single season. Marino ranks in the top 10 for career passing yards (61,361), touchdowns (420), completions (4,967), and wins (147). He led Miami to the Super Bowl in 1984 during his MVP season but fell short to Joe Montana’s 49ers.
9. Drew Brees (2001–2020)
Brees’ career was defined by consistency and statistical brilliance. He is one of only two quarterbacks to surpass 80,000 career passing yards. His 571 touchdown passes rank second all-time, while his 172 wins place him fourth. Brees led the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl title in 2009 and earned MVP honors for his performance.
8. Brett Favre (1991–2010)
Favre epitomized the gunslinger mentality during his remarkable 20-year career. The only player to win three consecutive MVP awards (1995–1997), Favre ranks fourth all-time in passing yards (71,838) and touchdowns (508). He led Green Bay to victory in Super Bowl XXXI and remains one of only eight quarterbacks with at least 13 playoff wins.
7. Terry Bradshaw (1970–1983)
Bradshaw’s legacy is built on winning. He secured four Super Bowl titles with the Pittsburgh Steelers over six years—a feat tied for second-most all-time by a quarterback. Bradshaw also won two Super Bowl MVP awards and was named league MVP in 1978.
6. Aaron Rodgers (2005–present)
Rodgers has been one of the most talented quarterbacks of his generation. With four MVP awards—second only to Peyton Manning—he ranks among the top five all-time in touchdown passes. Rodgers led Green Bay to a Super Bowl title in 2010 and remains active as one of the league’s most accomplished players.
5. John Elway (1983–1998)
Elway’s career was defined by clutch performances and leadership. A two-time Super Bowl champion with Denver, he retired as the league’s all-time leader in wins (148) at the time. His iconic “The Drive” in the 1987 AFC Championship Game remains one of football’s most memorable moments.
4. Patrick Mahomes (2017–present)
Despite being early in his career, Mahomes has already achieved greatness with three Super Bowl titles and two regular-season MVP awards by age 29. His postseason success includes 17 playoff wins and 46 touchdown passes—both trailing only Tom Brady.
3. Peyton Manning (1998–2015)
Nicknamed “The Sheriff” for his command of offenses, Manning won two Super Bowls with different teams (Colts and Broncos) and holds a record five MVP awards. He ranks third all-time in passing yards (71,940) and touchdowns (539) while leading numerous fourth-quarter comebacks.
2. Joe Montana (1979–1994)
Montana set the standard for quarterback excellence before Tom Brady’s era. A perfect 4-0 record in Super Bowls solidified his legacy as one of football’s greatest winners. Known as “Joe Cool,” Montana’s clutch performances include 45 postseason touchdowns and five All-Pro selections.
1. Tom Brady (2000–2022)
Widely regarded as the greatest quarterback—and perhaps player—in NFL history, Brady’s seven Super Bowl titles are unmatched by any other player or franchise. He holds nearly every major passing record, including career passing yards (89,214), touchdowns (649), completions (7,753), and playoff wins (35). Brady’s longevity and success across two decades cement his status as an unparalleled legend.
Honorable Mentions
- Steve Young
- Roger Staubach
- Troy Aikman
- Ben Roethlisberger
- Johnny Unitas
- Otto Graham
- Bart Starr
These quarterbacks have left an indelible mark on NFL history through their achievements on and off the field.
