The Top 15 NFL Quarterbacks of All-Time to Never Win a Super Bowl

All you hear about these days is Brett Favre , Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady. Of course, for good reason, but where's the respect for the guys who didn't have the opportunity to claim the NFL 's greatest trophy?

Some quarterbacks just haven't been blessed with the right amount of talent, the right coaching, a supportive defense, or an elite offensive line.

That, or they got to the big game, and couldn't figure it out. Even if they got their two, three, or four times, they still went down as failures.

But since when did reaching the NFL title game not mean something? Regardless, there are some great quarterbacks that didn't even manage to reach a Super Bowl, let alone win one.

The following list is compiled of the 15 greatest quarterbacks of the Super Bowl era that have either traveled all the way to the season's final game and failed, or haven't ever even had the chance.

Honorable Mentions: Archie Manning, Steve Grogan, Steve DeBerg, Vinny Testaverde, Ron Jaworski, Steve Bartowski, Drew Bledsoe, Steve McNair, Bernie Kosar

15. Jim Everett (Rams, Saints, Chargers)

Everett played most his career with the L.A. Rams, so quite clearly, he didn't have many opportunities to advance his team far into the playoffs. However, he was a fairly prolific passer, and while he is forgotten by many, he still holds a solid statistical ranking in NFL History.

He's unlikely to ever be mentioned as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, but he still makes this list.

Everett passed for 203 touchdowns in his career, along with 34,837 passing yards. Everett was a fine leader and performer in the early going with the Rams, as he led his team to the playoffs in 1986, 1988, and 1989. The Rams lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the 89' NFC Championship game, which marked the last time a Jim Everett-led team made the post-season.

14. Dave Krieg (Seahawks, Chiefs, Lions, Cardinals, Bears, Oilers)

Krieg is another quarterback that is quietly known for being a prolific passer, but rarely brought up in discussions pertaining to NFL playoffs or Super Bowls.

Krieg played a large portion of his 19 NFL seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he he took over as the starter in 1984, leading the Seahawks to their first playoff victory in team history in the Wild Card round, and then led them all the way to the AFC Championship game, where Seattle fell to the Miami Dolphins.

He would never find that type of success again, but Krieg went down as one of the top quarterbacks in franchise history, and went on to help the Chiefs reach the playoffs, before playing for four more teams.

13. John Hadl (Chargers, Rams, Packers, Oilers)

Hadl is an impressive quarterback that many people know of , but likely don't know much about. Hadl compiled a career of 16 seasons, but only served eight of them in the NFL, with the prior eight coming in the AFL, where he actually won an AFL title.

However, in his NFL career, Hadl never won a Super Bowl.

Regardless, Hadl was still one of the better quarterbacks during his era, and should still be considered one of the best of all-time. Hadl compiled 244 touchdowns and 33,503 passing yards in his long career, one which saw him play in every single game.

He also made two Pro Bowl's was selected as an All-Pro four times, and also earned four AFL All-Star selections. He developed a connection with star receiver, Lance Alworth, that is still widely regarded as one of the best quarterback/receiver connections in NFL history.

12. Donovan McNabb (Eagles)

Donovan McNabb doesn't have the numbers to compare to the Peyton Manning's and Brett Favre's of the world, but he has the gritty play in the post-season to help him make this list, while his numbers still match some of the greats that played before him, and he's still in his prime.

McNabb has been named to five Pro Bowl's, and was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Year in 2004. No slouch in the statistic department, McNabb has passed for 32,000+ yards in just 11 seasons, while tossing 216 career touchdowns to just 100 interceptions.

In fact, McNabb stands atop all other passers with the least amount of interceptions per pass attempt in NFL History.

But McNabb has meant much more to Philadelphia and the NFL than just gaudy numbers or impressive individual accomplishments.

McNabb has been a huge part of an extremely competitive franchise, as he's guided the Eagles to five NFC Championship games, four NFC East division titles, and claims a piece of history for his part in the historic "4th-and-26" play against the Green Bay Packers in the 2003 playoff games, a play that helped send the Eagles to the NFC Championship game.

Needless to say, despite all the harsh criticism from the fans and the media, McNabb evolved from a "running" quarterback earlier in his career, to a poised pocket passer who made good decisions, took care of the ball, and led his team to consistent success.

11. Randall Cunningham (Eagles, Vikings, Cowboys, Ravens)

Widely known as a scrambling quarterback, Cunningham was more than just a quarterback with legs. He had a great arm, and despite not always being surrounded by elite talent, he would routinely keep plays alive and make the right reads.

Cunningham finished his 17-year career with 207 touchdowns, just 134 interceptions, and 29, 979 passing yards. He was also selected to four Pro Bowl's and was even named the 1988 Pro Bowl MVP.

Despite not being simply a running quarterback, Cunningham still piled on the yards and plays with his legs, once running for 942 yards in a season. Upon his retirement in 2001, Cunning ham was the NFL record-holder for rushing attempts and yards by a quarterback, while holding a tie with Steve Grogan for rushing scores by a quarterback (35).

On top of all of his personal achievements, Cunningham was also a great leader, as he brought the Eagles their first playoff victory in 12 years in 1991.

Cunningham would tear his ACL on opening day the following season, and ultimately never recovered as a member of the Eagles, as he lost his starting job to Rodney Peete and retired following the 1995 season.

Cunningham took some time off, but returned to football with the Minnesota Vikings in 1997, and led them to a magical season in which he threw for 34 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions, en route to a 15-1 finish, and a trip to the NFC Championship game.

This was the last major impact Cunningham would have in the NFL, but his revolutionary style of play changed the game forever, as he blended a cannon arm with an uncanny ability to evade defenders and run with the football.

10. George Blanda (Bears 2x, Colts, Oilers, Raiders)

George Blanda is known for his stellar play early in his career, his remarkable longevity, and his three AFL titles.

Blanda played 26 seasons in the NFL, the most all-time, and still stands as the oldest player to ever play the game at age 48. He also held the career record for most interception thrown, until Brett Favre broke it in 2007.

Unfortunately for Blanda, his great success in the AFL did not carry over to his NFL career, where he failed to ever reach a Super Bowl.

Blanda still holds some impressive records:

42 interceptions in a single season (impressive in a bad way)

7 passing touchdowns in one game (tied with four others)

Blanda was a great quarterback early in his career, but even when he wasn't a starting quarterback or playing well at the position near the end of his career, he was still making an impact as a kicker. The dual role led to him holding the NFL record for most points scored by one player at the time of his retirement in 1976.

Blanda saw action in four different decades in the NFL, making him one of the most interesting players/stories the league has ever seen. He was also a true gamer, and even delivered clutch performances in 1970 (five straight), at the ripe age of 43.

9. Drew Brees (Chargers, Saints)

Brees is joined by Donovan McNabb as the only two active passers who have the numbers, style of play, and success to earn themselves a spot on this list, but have yet to win a Super Bowl.

In 2008, Brees came just 15 yards shy of tying Dan Marino's 20+ year old record of 5,084 passing yards in a single-season.

On top of that, Brees has been one of the more elite (and consistent) quarterbacks in today's game, as he's passed for 3,000+ yards in six straight seasons, including four consecutive 4,300+ yard season with the New Orleans Saints.

Brees has also developed into an elite touchdown passer ever since 2004, as he's passed for 24+ for six straight seasons, including 34 in each of the past two seasons.

On top of his personal accolades, Brees helped lead the Chargers to the playoffs before being pushed out of San Diego by the younger Phillip Rivers.

Brees moved on to New Orleans, where he then led the Saints to the NFC Championship game in 2006, and two years later (presently), once again has them in the NFC Championship game.

Brees has displayed a remarkable clutch ability throughout his career in the regular season, but never was it more evident than during the Saints impressive 13-0 run to start the 2009 season.

Needless to say, whether or not Brees wins a Super Bowl this year or anytime soon, he definitely deserves a place in this list until he does.

8. Sonny Jurgenson (Eagles, Redskins)

Jurgenson is the third Eagles quarterback to make this list, which says a lot about their stellar quarterbacks over the years, but also says a lot about their inability to claim a championship in the Super Bowl era.

Regardless, Jurgenson was a well-respect (deservingly so) quarterback during his era, and should still be mentioned as one of the all-time greats.

Jurgenson earned five Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections during his career, while making the NFL's 1960's All Decade Team, along with being names one of the 70 Greatest Redskins.

With 255 passing touchdowns and 32, 224 passing yards to his name, Jurgenson had plenty of individual accomplishments to promote him as one of the best quarterbacks fof all-time.

Vince Lombari was once quoted as saying" He may be the best the league has ever seen. He is the best I have seen".

7. Boomer Esiason (Bengals, Jets, Cardinals)

With 37, 920 passing yards and 247 touchdowns in a 14-year career, it's easy to place Esiason among the league's best at his position. Add in a Super Bowl appearance with the Cincinnati Bengals in the 80's, and Esiason has the leadership, playoff results, and stats to keep him in the discussion of the game's greats.

Esiason doesn't get much respect for his unsuccessful tenure with the New York Jets, as well as his mediocre showing with the Arizona Cardinals (despite passing for 522 yards in a single game while with the Cardinals).

Regardless of his numbers or how his career ended, Esiason will forever be remembered for the way he led the Bengals against Joe Montana's 49ers in the 1988 Super Bowl, giving Cincy the lead, but watching from the sidelines as Joe Montana drove 92 yards in the final minutes and won the game, 20-16.

Esiason was a clutch performer and a prolific passer in his time in Cincinnati, but simply never had enough talent around him again to make a serious run at a championship.

6. Ken Anderson (Bengals)

Ken Anderson spent his entire 16-year career in Cincinnati, and was the starter for almost the entire time, until he was eventually replaced by the man right below him in these rankings, Boomer Esiason.

Anderson was named to four Pro Bowl's, won the 1981 NFL MVP, and finished his career with 197 touchdowns, along with 32, 838 passing yards. He was also a great runner, as he compiled over 2,200 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns in his career, ending with a career average of 5.6 yards per carry.

Anderson's record for pass completions in a game (20) stood for over 20 years, until Donovan McNabb broke it with 24 in 2004.

Outside of his personal achievements, Anderson was also a great leader and one of the best quarterbacks of his time. He led the Bengals to an impressive victory over the San Diego Chargers in -10 degree weather in the 1981 AFC Championship game, also guiding the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

Boomer Esiason is widely regarded as the better Bengals quarterback because he replaced an aging Anderson and also led the Bengals to a Super Bowl, but Anderson's style of play and leadership was unquestioned.

5. Dan Fouts (Chargers)

Dan Fouts was one of the most prolific quarterbacks in NFL history, and in many statistical categories, was truly only rivaled by Dan Marino for many years, until Brett Favre broke all of Marinos' records.

Still, Fouts ranks in the top 10 in nearly every statistical category for quarterbacks.

Fouts finished his 15-year San Diego career with 254 touchdowns, as well as an impressive 43,040 passing yards.

During his career with the Chargers, Fouts had many impressive individual games, as he  became (and still is) the only quarterback in history two twice be a member of a game where two quarterbacks threw for more than 400 passing yards.

Fouts was a six-time Pro Bowler, and was elected to the 1980's All Decade Team, and was also named the AFC Offensive Player of the Year in 1982.

As if the numbers weren't impressive enough already, Fouts topped 20 touchdowns six times in his illustrious career, and at one time led the league in passing yards for four consecutive seasons (1979-1982).

Despite never reaching the Super Bowl, Fouts often led potent offense, and brought the Chargers to the playoffs in four straight seasons from 1979-1982, including two AFC title game appearances.

Fouts was also regarded as one of the toughest quarterbacks of his era, as his lack of mobility left him susceptible to taking many hits, although he would always continue playing.

He was a great competitor in a constantly difficult AFC, and is easily one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game.

4. Jim Kelly (Bills)

Jim Kelly spent his entire 11-year career with the Buffalo Bills, and considering his career was considerably shorter than a number of players on this list, his numbers are very impressive.

Add on the two seasons he spent playing in the USFL, and Kelly's final career numbers of 35,467 passing yards and 237 touchdowns are mind-boggling.

Kelly managed to top 20+ passing touchdowns in seven of his 11 seasons, while also topping 3,000+ yards eight times over that span.

While his numbers are solid, it's also important to note that Buffalo relied on a strong rushing attack with Thurman Thomas for most of Kelly's career, which likely prevented him from having even better numbers.

Outside of being a fairly prolific passer, Kelly was an excellent leader on and off the field, and was flat-out magical in the playoffs.

He led the Bill to four straight Super Bowl appearances from 1990-1993, and constantly had the Bills in the playoffs.

Kelly finally retired in 1996 at the age of 35, after a down season in which he threw just 14 touchdowns to 19 interceptions. However, Kelly missed three games in that season, and led the Bills to a solid 8-5 record in the 13 games he started.

However, Kelly's son, who had been diagnosed with a serious disease, combined with regressed play, eventually pulled him away from football.

3. Fran Tarkenton (Vikings, Giants)

Tarkenton was the best "numbers" quarterback of his time, as he owned nearly all the major NFL passing records when he retired in 1978.

While a great passer, Tarkenton was also known from his electric scrambling ability, where he could keep plays alive "for days", earning nicknames such as "The Mad Scramber" and "Frantic Fran."

Tarkenton finished his career with 342 passing touchdowns, while passing for 47,003 yards, while splitting his time in Minnesota with a six-year hiatus with the New York Giants, until he was traded back to the Vikings in 1972.

While he'll always be remembered for his exciting play and huge numbers, Tarkenton will also go down as the greatest Vikings quarterback of all-time (although Brett Favre could garner some votes), as he led Minnesota to three Super Bowl appearances (all losses), and kept them competitive and in playoff contention for nearly his entire career.

In Tarkenton's final seven season with Minnesota, he led them to six division titles, and three Super Bowl appearances. Over his long, illustrious career, Tarkenton was named to nine Pro Bowl's.

To top it off, "The Mad Scrambler" was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.

2. Warren Moon (Oilers, Vikings, Seahawks, Chiefs)

Moon was one of the most prolific and effective passers of his era, and had he not played several seasons in the CFL, he could have had even better numbers, and could even still be holding several passing records.

Still, Moon finished his career with 291 passing touchdowns and 49,325 yards, while doing so after starting in the NFL at the age of 27.

Moon never reached a Super Bowl, but did lead the Houston Oilers to six post-season trips, and led the Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs in his first season with the team in 1994 after leaving the Oilers.

Moon, at the ages of 37 and 38, put up back-to-back 4,200+ yard passing seasons in Minnesota, before getting injured in his final season with the team in 1996, which eventually led him to the Seattle Seahawks.

In Seattle, Moon continued his amazing career at the age of 40, as he threw for 3,678 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Moon battled injuries the following season, and finished out his career as a back-up with the Kansas City Chiefs, before retiring at the age of 43.

The numbers alone allow Moon to go toe-to-toe with the number one guy on this list (below), along with his incredible performances at an advanced age and with different teams, although it's only enough for second place.

1. Dan Marino (Dolphins)

Dan Marino started his career off with a bang in 1983, passing for a rookie record 20 touchdowns, while throwing just six picks.

Marino would lead the Miami Dolphins to his lone Super Bowl appearance in his second season, as Marino established NFL records of 48 touchdowns in a single-season (unbroken for 20+ years), and 5,084 yards passing (still unbroken).

While Marino would never again see the limelight of the Super Bowl, he repeatedly had the Dolphins in the playoffs, and always put a good (if not great) offensive product on the field.

He was the most prolific quarterback of all-time when he retired in 1999 at the age of 38, as he passed for over 61,000 career yards, and 420 touchdowns.

Marino held ever major NFL passing record at the time of his retirement, but has since seen Brett Favre break just about every one (save for the 5,084 yards record).

Marino topped 20+ passing touchdowns in 10 consecutive seasons to start his career (another record), while topping 30+ touchdowns four times, and 40+ twice (only to ever do so) in his career.

He also passed for over 4,000+ yards in six times, while topping 3,000+ yards 13 times in his 17 years with the Miami Dolphins.

Marino was eventually forced into retirement due to ankle and knee injuries that simply added up, reducing his effectiveness in the final few years of his career, specifically his last season, in which he threw just 12 touchdowns against 17 interceptions.

Regardless of the numbers, Marino was widely respected for his passion for the game earlier in his career, as well as his drive to get back to the Super Bowl, although he never achieved that goal.

In 17 seasons, Marino proved his worth as a leader, guiding the Dolphins to 10 playoff appearances, and an 8-10 record with the season on the line.

Of all the quarterbacks to never win a Super Bowl, Marino is very arguably the greatest of all-time.

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