Jay Cutler and His Wahmbulance: Ranking the 5 Toughest Quarterbacks

Jay Cutler had one heck of an NFC Championship game.  He completed 6-14 passes and left with what people believed to be a "knee injury". 

While I don't doubt that he was hurting, he was walking around and riding the stationary bike with only a slightly noticeable limp.  If I was a fan of the Chicago Bears, I would be furious at the entire situation.  There are quarterbacks out there that would have to be carried out on a cart in order to not be in that game. 

He deserves the heat he is getting.  However, there are some quarterbacks out there that define toughness.  Here are the top five toughest quarterbacks in the NFL. 

5. Ben Roethlisburger

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the New York Je

Ben is going back to the Super Bowl, and no one is really surprised.  He has had his share of injuries, including self inflicted ones (motorcycle wreck... you big dummy).  He has been in protective boots, shoulder braces, and has seen all sorts of different ailments through his career.

However, he always misses minimum time.  Part of the reason he gets injured frequently is his bruising style of play.  Personal issues aside, he defines what Pittsburgh fans love about Steeler football.  He has grit, determination, as is tough as nails. 

4. Tom Brady

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks on near the end of their 28 to 21 loss to the New York Jets in their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by

Being a Miami Dolphins fan, it pains me to write positively about Tom Brady.  No matter how long his hair gets, or no matter how many underwear ads he appears in, Brady is another extremely tough quarterback. 

He seems perpetually on the injury list during the season.  He plays through almost all of it.  He is extremely fiery, and like him or not, he is an ultimate competitor. 

At times, you can see him noticeable limp or grimace.  However, he stays in the games and he makes the throws that matter.  A team needs their leader.  No body idealizes this idea more than Tom Brady. 

He gets a different surgery seemingly every off season.  However, he always waits until then. 

3. Peyton Manning

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17

Peyton Manning is many things.  He is a doctor on the football field, a master strategist, an offensive coordinator in a helmet, and hilarious when it comes to acting in advertisements or Saturday Night Live.  He has a "lazer rocket arm". 

He is also tough as nails.  He has never missed a start, and that says something.  Peyton Manning had his nose broken against the Miami Dolphins early in his career, and with blood pouring out of his nose he went on an angry tirade against the 'Phins.

In 2008, he had a bursa sac removed from his knee.  He only missed pre-season, and he played with a tremendous amount of pain during the early goings of the season.  Love him or hate him, you have to respect his toughness. 

2. Philip Rivers

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers takes the field against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 33-28. (Photo by Doug Pensing

Philip Rivers has one of the most legendary feats of toughness of all time to his credit.  His playoff performance against the New England Patriots in the 2007 series alone warrants the second spot on this list. 

Even though they lost 21-12, Philip Rivers established himself as a true tough-guy quarterback.  He played the entire game with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Jay Cutler, take notes here.  Philip refused to not be on the field for one of the biggest games in team history.  He took an injury that would sideline pretty much every quarterback on the list and said "Screw you, ligament... I am going in". 

That defines tough. 

1. Brett Favre

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback Brett Favre of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates the Vikings first touchdown against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium on December 20, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Oh Brett, you used to be my favorite player.  Now, I can't stand you... the drama you created has really tarnished your legacy in many people's eyes. 

However, no one can deny your toughness and grit.  Subtract this years aberration year in Minnesota, and you are looking at the longest start streak in the history of the NFL. 

This isn't because Brett sits nicely in the pocket like Manning does.  Brett Favre plays back yard football.  He runs around.  He takes hits.  He plays injured.  Even this year, the Favre start streak lasted longer than people thought... he played with a myriad of injuries until his old body couldn't take it any more. 

He truly was an iron man.  Since he is retiring this year, that is the one aspect of his game that the "young whippersnappers" in this league (read: Jay Cutler) really need to emulate. 

Be there for your team... win at all costs. 

Honorable Mention

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins on the sidelines against play against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Honorable mention includes some of my favorite players... and one in particular I wanted to include on the list. 

Donovan McNabb.  What a tough guy he has been.  He would definitely be sixth. 

Michael Vick is tough because of his style of play.  He has missed too many games to be included on this list.  Eli Manning, Kyle Orton, and Joe Flacco could all stake claim to being tough quarterbacks. 

However, the reality is that there are more Jay Cutlers than Brett Favres in the league.