B/R 99: Ranking the Top 99 Quarterbacks in NFL History

The NFL quarterback doesn't just carry a playbook. He carries the hopes of entire regions, sometimes more. He's the guy who wears the crown when things go right and has it knocked askew in the morning-after headlines when they don't.

That kind of spotlight turns the great ones into something bigger than athletes. It turns them into folk heroes.

That's why the debate over who's the best to ever do it never cools. But how do you decide who belongs above who when you're stacking legends like Manning, Mahomes, Brees and Montana against one another?

That's the bear B/R's NFL staff wrestled with.

Our panel of writers and editors weighed a player's peak, longevity, career statistics, accolades, playoff success and more when submitting their vote for the 99 greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time.

If it was measurable, we considered it. If it happened between the ears, we baked that in too. Bonus points for trend-setters and mold-breakers. Because while stats and awards matter, sometimes sheer talent transcends all that.

To keep us honest, we enlisted help from the B/R community with a run-off among our top five, the results of which we'll list alongside our own rankings.

After plenty of note taking and agonizing, here's what shook out.

Statistics and accolades courtesy of Pro Football Reference. QB records reflect post-1950 play only. When applicable, numbers are combined AFL and NFL totals.

99. Ryan Tannehill

Top Accolades: 1x Pro Bowler, 1x Comeback Player of the Year

Key Stats: Record: 81-70 (53.6%); Pass: 34,881 Yds, 216 TD, 115 INT, 64.3 Comp%, 91.2 Rating; Rush: 2,103 Yds, 27 TD; 26 4Q Comebacks; 27 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 11 (Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans)

Ryan Tannehill is one of the rare players to transition from a college wide receiver into a legitimate starting quarterback in the NFL.

Before it became the norm, Tannehill showcased plus mobility at the position. With 1,210 yards on the ground, he holds the Miami Dolphins' franchise record for most rushing yards by a quarterback.

Tannehill had a handful of solid years with the Dolphins, but they eventually traded him to Tennessee, where he showed significant improvement on a playoff-caliber roster. 

In 2019, Tannehill earned his first Pro Bowl nod and won Comeback Player of the Year. That season, he completed 70.3 percent of his passes and led the league with a 117.5 passer rating, which are franchise records for quarterbacks with at least one career start. 

The Titans' coaching staff allowed Tannehill to showcase his athleticism. He rushed for 18 touchdowns between 2019 and 2021 as a key playmaker alongside running back Derrick Henry for Tennessee's dominant ground game.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 77

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

98. Danny White

Top Accolades: 1x SB Champion, 1x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 62-30 (67.4%); Pass: 21,959 Yds, 155 TD, 132 INT, 59.7 Comp%, 81.7 Rating; Rush: 482 Yds, 8 TD; 11 4Q Comebacks; 14 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 13 (Dallas Cowboys)

Quarterbacks for the Dallas Cowboys are generally judged on one criterion and one criterion only: Super Bowl rings. Danny White doesn't have any of those as a starter.

However, White led the Cowboys to three straight NFC Championship Games from 1980 to 1982 and won at least 11 contests three times in four years from 1980 to 1983. White topped 3,000 passing yards three times over that span and nearly threw for 4,000 yards in 1983.

In the strike-shortened 1982 season, White's 2,079 passing yards trailed only Joe Montana among NFC quarterbacks. His 16 touchdown passes were second in the league, and White was named to his only Pro Bowl.

White is top-five in Cowboys history in both passing yards and touchdown passes, and with 62 wins in 92 starts, his .674 winning percentage in the regular season was better than the likes of Steve Young and John Elway.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 54

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

97. Mark Rypien

Top Accolades: 1x SB MVP, 1x SB Champion, 2x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 47-31 (60.3%); Pass: 18,473 Yds, 115 TD, 88 INT, 56.1 Comp%, 78.9 Rating; Rush: 166 Yds, 8 TD; 8 4Q Comebacks; 12 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 11 (Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, Washington)

Mark Rypien's story has its share of ups and downs. By the end of his career, he was a journeyman who played for five teams. The sixth-round pick didn't start a game until he was 26 and made just 88 career starts.

But Rypien made a pair of Pro Bowls in 1989 and 1991. The latter campaign was Rypien's best. That season, he was fourth in the NFL with 3,564 passing yards, led the NFC in touchdown passes with 28 and paced the league at 14.3 yards per completion. Most importantly, Washington went 14-2 in the regular season and blasted the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions in the playoffs before downing the Buffalo Bills 37-24 in Super Bowl XXVI.

Rypien might not have had longevity. But at his best, he was elite.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 79

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

96. Craig Morton

Top Accolades: 1x SB Champion

Key Stats: Record: 81-62-1 (56.3%); Pass: 27,908 Yds, 183 TD, 187 INT, 54.2 Comp%, 73.5 Rating; Rush: 627 Yds, 12 TD; 12 4Q Comebacks; 21 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 18 (Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, New York Giants)

Before Tom Brady made starts for both the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl, there was Craig Morton.

Not only was Morton the first signal-caller in NFL history to make starts in football's biggest game for two teams, but he remains the only quarterback ever to start for two teams in their inaugural appearance in the game—the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V and the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII.

For his career, Morton threw for 27,908 yards and 183 touchdowns while winning 81 of his 144 NFL starts. He was both the NFL Comeback Player of the Year and AFC Offensive Player of the Year in 1977 with the Broncos.

Morton also wasn't afraid to push the ball down the field. He led the NFL in both yards per attempt and air yards per attempt three times and yards per completion twice.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 64

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

95. Jeff Hostetler

Top Accolades: 2x SB Champion, 1x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 51-32 (61.4%); Pass: 16,430 Yds, 94 TD, 71 INT, 58.0 Comp%, 80.5 Rating; Rush: 1,391 Yds, 17 TD; 8 4Q Comebacks; 10 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 12 (New York Giants, Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, Washington)

Jeff Hostetler is best known for what happened in 1990. He took over late in the season for an injured Phil Simms and led the New York Giants to a pair of regular-season victories before a playoff run that included a road win over the two-time defending champion San Francisco 49ers—a run that culminated in a one-point victory over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV.

But that isn't Hostetler's only claim to fame. He joined the Los Angeles Raiders in 1993 and went 33-22 over 55 starts with them. He made the only Pro Bowl of his career in 1994 and won a playoff game before ending his career with Washington.

Hostetler wasn't an especially prolific passer. But he made plays when he needed to, didn't make a ton of mistakes and had a career regular-season winning percentage of .615.

That's higher than Dan Marino's.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 57

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

94. Kerry Collins

Top Accolades: 2x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 81-99 (45.0%); Pass: 40,922 Yds, 208 TD, 196 INT, 55.7 Comp%, 73.8 Rating; Rush: 686 Yds, 10 TD; 21 4Q Comebacks; 30 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 17 (Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans)

In 1995, the Carolina Panthers selected Kerry Collins with their first-ever draft pick. The strong-armed passer out of Penn State earned Pro Bowl recognition in his second season, throwing for 2,454 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions on a team that advanced to the NFC Championship Game.

Early in his career, Collins suffered from alcoholism, which factored into the abrupt end of his tenure with the Panthers. 

After a short stop with the New Orleans Saints, Collins took over for Kent Graham midway through the 1999 season and then started in every game the following year with the New York Giants. In the NFC Championship Game of the 2000 season, he threw for five touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings, a franchise playoff record.

Though the Giants weren't able to replicate their 2000 run with Collins, he tied Peyton Manning with league-leading five game-winning drives in 2002, a season in which the team earned a playoff berth with a 10-6 record. 

The longtime signal-caller threw for 20-plus touchdowns in consecutive seasons for the first time in his career with the Oakland Raiders between 2004 and 2005 and made the 2008 AFC Pro Bowl team, throwing for 2,676 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions as the Tennessee Titans' primary starter. Collins overcame adversity, had playoff success and ranks 23rd all-time in passing yards.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 75

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

93. Justin Herbert

Top Accolades: 1x OROY, 2x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 52-43 (54.7%); Pass: 24,820 Yds, 163 TD, 58 INT, 66.5 Comp%, 96.3 Rating; Rush: 1,715 Yds, 15 TD; 15 4Q Comebacks; 19 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 6 (Los Angeles Chargers)

Skeptics need to see more evidence in a playoff setting to consider Justin Herbert one of the league's top quarterbacks, but he's shown more than enough proof with his record-setting passing pace.

Herbert holds the record for most passing touchdowns (31) and 300-plus-yard games (eight) in a rookie season. He's also the only player to throw for 30 or more touchdowns in each of his first two seasons. The 27-year-old is the Los Angeles Chargers' single-season record-holder in passing yards (5,014), touchdowns (38), fourth-quarter comebacks (five) and game-winning drives (five). 

Compared to his first three years, Herbert's volume-passing numbers are down, but his rushing totals are up, putting his playmaking ability as a ball-carrier on full display. In his 2025 Pro Bowl campaign, he ran for a career-high 498 yards and two touchdowns. 

At 6'6" and 236 pounds with an increasing willingness to use his legs, Herbert is still on the rise as one of the NFL's best improvisational quarterbacks.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 54

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

92. Bert Jones

Top Accolades: 1x MVP, 1x OPOY, 1x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: 47-49 (49.0%); Pass: 18,190 Yds, 124 TD, 101 INT, 56.1 Comp%, 78.2 Rating; Rush: 1,429 Yds, 14 TD; 8 4Q Comebacks; 11 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 10 (Baltimore Colts, Los Angeles Rams)

Bert Jones' prime was robbed due to injuries. Otherwise, he'd be more fondly remembered among the game's greatest quarterbacks.

"If he had played under different circumstances, he probably would have been the greatest player ever," former Baltimore Colts scout and NFL general manager Ernie Accorsi said.

Jones is known for having one of the strongest arms in NFL history. In 1976, he rifled his way to 3,104 yards and career-high 24 touchdowns—which was enough to be named the league's MVP and Offensive Player of the Year after that season.

He produced two more 3,000-yard, 20-touchdown campaigns before his career was eventually cut short by a neck injury during the 1982 campaign. In 10 seasons, Jones started fewer than 100 games.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 62

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

91. Trent Green

Top Accolades: 2x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 56-57 (49.6%); Pass: 28,475 Yds, 162 TD, 114 INT, 60.6 Comp%, 86 Rating; Rush: 914 Yds, 6 TD; 15 4Q Comebacks; 19 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 11 (Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams, Washington)

Despite being an eighth-round draft pick of the Chargers in 1993, Trent Green didn't get his first real opportunity as a pro until he became Washington's starter in 1998.

Green had just one NFL pass on his resume before he got that chance and threw for 3,441 yards and 23 touchdowns in 1998. A year later, he joined the Rams as a free agent.

Of course, Green missed the entire 1999 season with a knee injury, which allowed Kurt Warner to get his own opportunity and lead St. Louis to a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV.

While Green's stint with the Rams didn't go as planned, he became a quality starter in Kansas City, where he made two Pro Bowls and delivered two postseason appearances. Green made 88 of his 113 career starts for the Chiefs and passed for more than 21,000 yards with the franchise.

Green ended his 11-year career with 28,475 passing yards—67th on the all-time list—162 touchdowns, and an 86.0 QB rating.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 70

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

90. Jim Everett

Top Accolades: 1x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 64-89 (41.8%); Pass: 34,837 Yds, 203 TD, 175 INT, 57.7 Comp%, 78.6 Rating; Rush: 796 Yds, 4 TD; 11 4Q Comebacks; 14 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 12 (New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers)

Many fans may remember Jim Everett for the trade that sent him to the Rams as much as his playing career. Selected third overall in 1986 by the Houston Oilers, Everett was eventually flipped to L.A. for a package of picks and players that included two future first-rounders.

The deal ended up being a good one for the Rams, who got eight years out of the strong-armed quarterback. The Purdue product started five games as a rookie and went on to lead Los Angeles to three postseason berths and one appearance in the NFC title game.

In 1994, the Rams traded Everett to New Orleans, where he spent another two seasons as a starter. He ended his career with the Chargers in 1997.

During his 12-year career, Everett started 153 games, made one Pro Bowl, and led the league in passing touchdowns twice. His 34,837 career passing yards rank 39th on the all-time list, while his 203 passing touchdowns rank 51st.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 57

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

89. Don Meredith

Top Accolades: 3x Pro Bowler, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 47-32-4 (56.6%); Pass: 17,199 Yds, 135 TD, 111 INT, 50.7 Comp%, 74.8 Rating; Rush: 1,216 Yds, 15 TD; 8 4Q Comebacks; 8 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 9 (Dallas Cowboys)

The Dallas Cowboys originally gained prominence when Don Meredith served as their starting quarterback.

After not posting a single winning campaign during their first six years of existence, the Cowboys went 31-10-1 in Meredith's final three seasons. During that stretch, Meredith was named to three straight Pro Bowls and earned the 1966 Bert Bell Award as the NFL's player of the year.

Today's Cowboys may be known as "America's Team," but the nickname wasn't coined until 1978. Meredith and his squads built the foundation for what became the Cowboys' later success, which included five Super Bowl appearances throughout the 1970s.

"Dandy Don" still ranks sixth in Cowboys history in pass attempts, completions, passing yardage and passing touchdowns, even after being succeeded by Danny White, Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Tony Romo and Dak Prescott.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 65

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

88. Andy Dalton

Top Accolades: 3x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 84-83-2 (49.7%); Pass: 39,793 Yds, 254 TD, 151 INT, 62.6 Comp%, 87.5 Rating; Rush: 1,509 Yds, 22 TD; 25 4Q Comebacks; 29 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 15 (Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints)

As a rookie, Andy Dalton earned a Pro Bowl nod. He went on to become one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Cincinnati Bengals history. 

Dalton holds franchise records in career touchdown passes (204), game-winning drives (24) and fourth-quarter comebacks (21). He's second to Ken Anderson in passing yards with 31,594. 

As of February 2026, Dalton is the only Bengals quarterback to catch a touchdown pass, which highlights his underappreciated athleticism. He has 22 career rushing touchdowns. 

With Dalton under center, the Bengals were a perennial playoff team, winning at least 10 games in four consecutive seasons and capturing two AFC North titles from 2012 to 2015.

When you discuss the most productive quarterbacks who came out of the second round of the draft, Dalton is near the top of the list. Put some respect on his name.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 63

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

87. Norm Snead

Top Accolades: 4x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 52-100-7 (32.7%); Pass: 30,797 Yds, 196 TD, 257 INT, 52.3 Comp%, 65.5 Rating; Rush: 521 Yds, 23 TD; 14 4Q Comebacks; 19 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 16 (Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Washington)

Norm Snead long held the unenviable title of being a talented player on bad teams.

Washington originally chose Snead with the second overall pick in the 1961 NFL draft. He immediately became the starter as a rookie only to see his squad finish with a 1-12-1 record.

Over the course of Snead's 16-year career, the quarterback played on only one team that finished a season with a winning record. Throughout the entirety of his playing life, Snead's squads held a 52-100-7 record with him starting and never made the postseason.

Despite the overall futility, Snead was still recognized for his play. He went to four Pro Bowls and even led the NFL in completion percentage during the 1972 campaign.

Assigning win-loss records to quarterbacks has never been entirely fair to the position. Snead is an example of someone who was quite capable but was placed in poor situations, specifically in Washington and with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 65

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

86. Archie Manning

Top Accolades: 2x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 35-101-3 (25.2%); Pass: 23,911 Yds, 125 TD, 173 INT, 55.2 Comp%, 67.1 Rating; Rush: 2,197 Yds, 18 TD; 11 4Q Comebacks; 12 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 13 (Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints)

Archie Manning may well be the poster guy for how much landing spot matters in the NFL. The patriarch of the Manning family was a megastar in college at Ole Miss and the second overall pick of the New Orleans Saints in 1971. But the Saints team that drafted Manning was abysmal, and in the days before free agency, bad teams tended to stay bad.

That was the story of Manning's 13 years in the NFL—a great player running for his life on terrible teams. His career record as a starter was 35-101-3.

Yikes.

But make no mistake: Manning could sling it. When it came to improvisational football and making something out of nothing, Manning was a two-time Pro Bowler who topped 3,000 passing yards three straight years from 1978 to 1980.

For his career, Manning threw for almost 24,000 yards and added just over 2,000 on the ground.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 61

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

85. Brad Johnson

Top Accolades: 1x SB Champion, 2x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 72-53 (57.6%); Pass: 29,054 Yds, 166 TD, 122 INT, 61.7 Comp%, 82.5 Rating; Rush: 657 Yds, 8 TD; 14 4Q Comebacks; 27 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 15 (Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington)

Brad Johnson had a rather unexpected NFL career, considering he entered the league as a ninth-round draft pick in 1992.

The Florida State product was in and out of the starting lineup during his five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, and he spent time with the London Monarchs of the World League in 1995. His career really took off when he joined Washington in 1999 and earned his first Pro Bowl nod.

Johnson joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2001, and a year later, he helped lead the Bucs to their first Super Bowl win in franchise history. He earned his second Pro Bowl nomination in Tampa and started all 49 games in which he appeared for Tampa during his four years with the franchise.

After his stint in Tampa, Johnson returned to Minnesota before finishing his career with the Dallas Cowboys. In all, he played for 15 seasons, threw for 29,054 yards, tossed 166 touchdown passes and started seven postseason games across four playoff campaigns.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 70

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

84. Doug Williams

Top Accolades: 1x SB MVP, 1x SB Champion

Key Stats: Record: 38-42-1 (46.9%); Pass: 16,998 Yds, 100 TD, 93 INT, 49.5 Comp%, 69.4 Rating; Rush: 220 Yds, 15 TD; 17 4Q Comebacks; 20 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 9 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington)

In some respects, Doug Williams didn't have an especially impressive NFL career. He played just eight years in the league sandwiched around a stint in the USFL. He was never a Pro Bowler and topped 3,000 passing yards just twice.

But you can't tell the story of the NFL without talking about Williams. The kicker is that it involves a season in which Williams made just two regular-season starts—and lost them both.

After Washington was led by Jay Schroeder for most of the season, a nagging shoulder injury sidelined him and opened the door for Williams to make one of the greatest postseason runs in NFL history. Washington went on the road in the divisional round to down the Chicago Bears and got past the Minnesota Vikings at RFK Stadium before waxing the Denver Broncos 42-10 in Super Bowl XXII.

Williams, who was the first-ever Black quarterback to start a Super Bowl, threw for 340 yards and four touchdowns on the way to MVP honors.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 47

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

83. Frank Ryan

Top Accolades: 1x NFL champ, 3x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 57-27-3 (65.5%); Pass: 16,042 Yds, 149 TD, 111 INT, 51.1 Comp%, 77.6 Rating; Rush: 1,358 Yds, 6 TD; 8 4Q Comebacks; 9 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 13 (Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, Washington)

Frank Ryan holds a special place in Cleveland Browns history as the starting quarterback of the franchise's last championship in 1964.

The Browns experienced unbelievable success at the start of the organization's history. Under the leadership of head coach Paul Brown and quarterback Otto Graham, Cleveland won seven championships and appeared in four more between the AAFC and NFL during its first 13 years of existence. But between 1959 and '63, the Browns failed to make the postseason.

The Ryan-led squad bounced back in 1964 and '65 by winning one more title and appearing in another championship game. From 1963 through '66, Ryan was named to three Pro Bowls and led the NFL in passing touchdowns twice.

Ryan still ranks third and fifth all-time in touchdown passes and passing yardage for the Browns, respectively.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 52

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

82. Ron Jaworski

Top Accolades: 1x Pro Bowler, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 73-61-1 (54.1%); Pass: 28,190 Yds, 179 TD, 164 INT, 53.1 Comp%, 72.8 Rating; Rush: 859 Yds, 16 TD; 17 4Q Comebacks; 23 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 15 (Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams)

Three years into his professional career, it didn't look like Ron Jaworski was going to amount to much. He had started just three games in the regular season, although he also made a postseason start and came on in relief of James Harris in the 1975 NFC Championship Game.

After an injury-marred 1976 season, Jaworski was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. That's when the light bulb came on.

Over a decade in Philly, Jaworski made 137 starts. His overall record was barely over .500. But over a three-year stretch from 1979 to 1981, Jaworski led the Eagles to 33 wins and three straight playoff appearances.

The best of those years came in 1980. Jaworski threw for a career-high 3,529 yards (seventh in the NFL), 27 touchdowns (sixth in the league), made the Pro Bowl and finished third in MVP voting. The Eagles won 12 games in the regular season and advanced to Super Bowl XV.

Among all Eagles quarterbacks, only Donovan McNabb has more passing yards.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 64

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

81. Jim McMahon

Top Accolades: 2x SB Champion, 1x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 67-30 (69.1%); Pass: 18,148 Yds, 100 TD, 90 INT, 58.0 Comp%, 78.2 Rating; Rush: 1,631 Yds, 16 TD; 11 4Q Comebacks; 14 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 15 (Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers)

If you asked Jim McMahon, there's no doubt he would tell you he should be ranked much higher on this list—because he's Jim McMahon.

In many respects, he was the perfect leader for the Chicago Bears teams of the 1980s—the brash, hard-partying signal-caller who feuded with NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. But McMahon could play as well.

In 1985, he led arguably the greatest single-season team in NFL history to a 15-1 record, winning all 11 games he started that year and making the Pro Bowl. Injuries would be a recurring theme with McMahon, but he had success even after leaving Chicago, winning Comeback Player of the Year honors with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1991.

As a starter for five teams over a 15-year career, McMahon lost just 30 of 97 starts. He also started 10 games in the postseason (winning six).

Were it not for those injuries, McMahon likely would be ranked higher.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 37

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 98

80. Bernie Kosar

Top Accolades: 1x SB Champion, 1x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 53-54-1 (49.1%); Pass: 23,301 Yds, 124 TD, 87 INT, 59.3 Comp%, 81.8 Rating; Rush: 265 Yds, 5 TD; 14 4Q Comebacks; 16 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 12 (Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins)

When Bleacher Report NFL Analyst Gary Davenport met Hall of Fame edge-rusher Chris Doleman at an awards ceremony in Las Vegas in 2015, he asked Doleman who the hardest quarterback was to sack in his playing days. It wasn't John Elway. Or Steve Young.

"Bernie Kosar," Doleman answered. "It was like he had eyes in the back of his head."

Kosar wasn't the most mobile quarterback. His throwing motion wasn't textbook. But over 12 NFL seasons spent mostly with the Cleveland Browns, Kosar threw for over 23,000 yards and tossed 124 touchdown passes.

Kosar stood tall in the pocket and took a hit innumerable times so that he could deliver an accurate throw—toughness that cost him later in life.

A Pro Bowler in 1987, Kosar led the Browns to three AFC Championship Games in four years against the Denver Broncos, only to be done in by the likes of "The Drive" and "The Fumble."

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 38

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

79. Brian Sipe

Top Accolades: 1x MVP, 1x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: 57-55 (50.9%); Pass: 23,713 Yds, 154 TD, 149 INT, 56.5 Comp%, 74.8 Rating; Rush: 762 Yds, 11 TD; 17 4Q Comebacks; 23 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 10 (Cleveland Browns)

In more than a few respects, Brian Sipe's career numbers are far from jaw-dropping. He was only two games above .500 as a starter over a decade spent entirely with the Cleveland Browns. He threw nearly as many interceptions (149) as touchdowns (154) over that career. In fact, Sipe led the league in picks more times than touchdown passes.

But Sipe did lead the league in scoring passes in 1979. The following season he had even more, setting career highs in both passing yards (4,132) and touchdowns (30) on the way to leading Cleveland's "Kardiac Kids" to an 11-win season and AFC Central title.

That season would end with an interception ("Red Right 88"), but after finishing second in the NFL in both passing yards and touchdown passes, Sipe was named the league's Most Valuable Player.

Like many of the signal-callers at the back end of these rankings, Sipe didn't enjoy sustained greatness. But despite spending much of his career on deeply flawed teams, Sipe was as good as any quarterback in the game at his apex.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 59

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

78. Daunte Culpepper

Top Accolades: 3x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 41-59 (41.0%); Pass: 24,153 Yds, 149 TD, 106 INT, 63.0 Comp%, 87 Rating; Rush: 2,652 Yds, 34 TD; 11 4Q Comebacks; 17 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 11 (Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders)

The career of Daunte Culpepper is a bit of an NFL "what-if" story because of the knee injury he suffered in 2005.

A first-round pick of the Vikings in 1999, Culpepper was a full-time starter by his second season, and a good one at that. The Central Florida product earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2000, and he quickly became one of the league's preeminent dual-threat signal-callers.

From 2000 to 2004, Culpepper started 73 regular-season games, made three Pro Bowls, delivered two playoff berths and won a pair of postseason games. He led the league in passing in 2004, and he finished his Vikings career with 20,162 passing yards, 135 touchdowns, 2,476 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns—in just 81 games.

Unfortunately, Culpepper tore the ACL, MCL and PCL in his knee seven games into the 2005 season and was never the same. He was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2006, spent time with the Raiders and Lions after that, and made just 20 more starts after leaving Minnesota.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 61

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 94

77. Derek Carr

Top Accolades: 4x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 77-92 (45.6%); Pass: 41,245 Yds, 257 TD, 112 INT, 65.1 Comp%, 92.8 Rating; Rush: 956 Yds, 7 TD; 28 4Q Comebacks; 35 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 11 (Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints)

Critics often point to Derek Carr's nonexistent playoff success as a reason to diminish his accomplishments, but they forget that he was a productive, stabilizing figure for a directionless franchise a few years after the death of Raiders owner Al Davis.

As a second-rounder out of Fresno State, Carr made the AFC Pro Bowl team in three of his first four seasons with 11,420 yards, 82 touchdowns and 32 interceptions from 2015 to 2017. 

Carr earned MVP buzz in 2016, finishing third in MVP votes, but his season ended with a leg injury that sidelined him for the playoffs. To this day, Raiders fans wonder what could've been for that 12-4 team with a healthy starting quarterback. 

Though Carr never rediscovered his 2016 form, he threw for 21 or more touchdowns in five consecutive campaigns, one of those with the New Orleans Saints in 2023. He also holds several career and single-season Raiders passing records by a wide margin because of his longevity and consistency. 

An underrated clutch quarterback, Carr is tied for 14th all-time in fourth-quarter comebacks (28) and game-winning drives (35).

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 59

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

76. Alex Smith

Top Accolades: 3x Pro Bowler, 1x Comeback Player of the Year

Key Stats: Record: 99-67-1 (59.3%); Pass: 35,650 Yds, 199 TD, 109 INT, 62.6 Comp%, 86.9 Rating; Rush: 2,604 Yds, 15 TD; 19 4Q Comebacks; 23 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 14 (Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Washington)

Before the Kansas City Chiefs selected Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 draft, they acquired Alex Smith from the San Francisco 49ers to turn around their franchise.

Under head coach Andy Reid, Smith had his best years, upping his passing volume while maintaining efficiency. The three-time Pro Bowler guided the Chiefs to four double-digit-win seasons in five campaigns. 

After the Chiefs moved on from Smith, he seemed to be on his way to getting Washington back into playoff contention during the 2018 season until he suffered life-threatening spiral and compound fractures to his tibia and fibula, which drew comparisons to Joe Theismann's career-ending leg injury. Smith underwent 17 leg surgeries in his long road to recovery.

Yet Smith made a triumphant return a little less than two years removed from the initial injury, taking over twice for an injured Kyle Allen before a bone bruise limited him later in the 2020 season. Still, Washington went 5-1 with him as a starter that year and won the NFC East title with a 7-9 record. 

Smith played a significant role in Washington's last division-winning campaign and rightfully won 2020 Comeback Player of the Year in a landslide.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 67

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 89

75. Jalen Hurts

Top Accolades: 1x SB MVP, 1x SB Champion, 2x Pro Bowler, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 57-25 (69.5%); Pass: 17,891 Yds, 110 TD, 45 INT, 64.4 Comp%, 94.4 Rating; Rush: 3,554 Yds, 63 TD; 10 4Q Comebacks; 13 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 6 (Philadelphia Eagles)

At 27, Jalen Hurts is still in his prime, and he has a growing list of accomplishments that have made him an NFL star. 

The Philadelphia Eagles have clinched a playoff berth in all five years with Hurts as their primary starter, claiming three NFC East titles, appearing in two Super Bowls, and winning one. Hurts won Super Bowl LIX MVP and holds the record for most rushing yards (72) by a quarterback in the Super Bowl.

Speaking of distinguishable postseason numbers, Hurts is the only NFL player with 10-plus passing touchdowns and 10-plus rushing scores in the playoffs. He also has the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in Eagles history and is only second overall behind Hall of Fame running back Steve Van Buren. 

Hurts isn't as shifty as Lamar Jackson on the run, and he's not as hard to bring down as Josh Allen on the move. But the 6'1", 233-pounder is one of the most effective scoring quarterbacks with the ball in his hands, thanks in large part to the Eagles' trademark tush push.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 46

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

74. Jeff Garcia

Top Accolades: 4x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 58-58 (50.0%); Pass: 25,537 Yds, 161 TD, 83 INT, 61.6 Comp%, 87.5 Rating; Rush: 2,140 Yds, 26 TD; 11 4Q Comebacks; 17 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 11 (Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Jeff Garcia wasn't selected in the 1994 NFL draft. However, the San Jose State product made his way to the 49ers in 1999 after three successful seasons as the starting quarterback of the Calgary Stampeders.

Garcia led Calgary to a Grey Cup victory in 1998 and was named a CFL All-Star the same season.

In San Francisco, he also found success, though it wasn't immediate. After going 2-8 in his first season, though, Garcia recorded three straight Pro Bowl campaigns and delivered a pair of playoff berths. He returned to the postseason with the Eagles in 2006 and again with the Buccaneers in 2007.

In all, Garcia made 116 starts for five different franchises over 11 seasons. He recorded 25,537 career passing yards, which ranks 79th on the all-time list, and finished with 161 touchdowns, 83 interceptions and a solid (for his era) 87.5 career passer rating.

A capable scrambler, Garcia also tallied 2,140 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns during his career.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 45

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 94

73. Vinny Testaverde

Top Accolades: 2x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 90-123-1 (42.1%); Pass: 46,233 Yds, 275 TD, 267 INT, 56.5 Comp%, 75 Rating; Rush: 1,661 Yds, 15 TD; 29 4Q Comebacks; 33 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 21 (Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

At his best, Vinny Testaverde could be great. The first overall pick in the 1987 draft had a cannon for a right arm. There wasn't a throw in the game he couldn't make. When his 21-year career spent with seven teams was over, Testaverde had cracked the top-20 all-time in passing yards with 46,233.

Of course, at his worst Testaverde could also be…yeah. He was a classic "gunslinger" type. There wasn't a throw he didn't believe he could make, no matter how tight the window. That led to interceptions. A lot of interceptions. Like 267 interceptions—fourth-most all-time and the second-most of the modern era.

Still, Testaverde made it to a pair of Pro Bowls over his lengthy career and won playoff games for both the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets.

Say what you will, but there are a number of quarterbacks ranked higher on this list who wish they had the pure arm talent Testaverde possessed.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 48

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 95

72. Dave Krieg

Top Accolades: 3x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 98-77 (56.0%); Pass: 38,147 Yds, 261 TD, 199 INT, 58.5 Comp%, 81.5 Rating; Rush: 1,261 Yds, 13 TD; 23 4Q Comebacks; 25 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 19 (Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans)

Dave Krieg wasn't supposed to amount to much.

An undrafted free agent out of tiny (and now defunct) Milton College, Krieg didn't play much over his first three seasons. But by midway through the 1983 campaign, he had claimed the role of starter for the Seahawks, leading the team all the way to the AFC Championship Game.

Just like that, Krieg was off and running.

He was never able to get the Seahawks back to the AFC title game, but he was fifth in the NFL in passing yards (3,671) in 1984, and only Dan Marino (in his 5,000-yard season) had more touchdown passes.

That was the first of six 3,000-yard seasons and three trips to the Pro Bowl for Krieg. He started 119 games over a dozen seasons in Seattle and left the team as the franchise's all-time leading passer.

Krieg would be later passed by first Matt Hasselbeck and then Russell Wilson. But he will always be the quarterback who put Seahawks football on the map.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 54

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 97

71. Kirk Cousins

Top Accolades: 4x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 88-77-2 (52.7%); Pass: 44,700 Yds, 298 TD, 131 INT, 66.7 Comp%, 96.8 Rating; Rush: 965 Yds, 20 TD; 26 4Q Comebacks; 33 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 14 (Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Washington)

Kirk Cousins deserves respect for his consistency as a primary starter over the course of 11 years. He's also the first NFL player to sign a fully guaranteed multiyear deal.

Cousins started his career as a backup to Robert Griffin III in Washington, but within four years, he took over the starting role while the latter dealt with injuries. 

In his first year as a full-time starter, the pocket-passer threw for 4,166 yards, 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions with a league-leading 69.8 percent completion rate. In the following year, he earned a Pro Bowl nod. 

Yet Washington allowed Cousins to walk in free agency, and he signed that historic, fully guaranteed deal with the Minnesota Vikings. He then led Minnesota to the NFL's biggest-ever comeback against the Indianapolis Colts, helping the club erase a 33-point halftime deficit with 460 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

After six seasons in Minnesota, three of them Pro Bowl years, Cousins still had enough arm to claim the Atlanta Falcons' single-game record for most passing yards (509). He's etched his name in the record books of three franchises.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 49

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 92

70. Dutch Clark

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x NFL champ, 6x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: Unavailable; Pass: 1,507 Yds, 11 TD, 26 INT, 45.6 Comp%, 40.3 Rating; Rush: 2,772 Yds, 36 TD; 0 4Q Comebacks; 0 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 7 (Portsmouth Spartans, Detroit Lions)

Dutch Clark's time in the NFL goes so far back that he played for the Portsmouth Spartans. Oh, you've never heard of the Portsmouth Spartans? They're better known as the Detroit Lions today. The organization moved to the Motor City in 1934.

The onset of Clark's career (1931) goes further back than any other player on this list, but he shouldn't have been excluded simply because of his era. "The Flying Dutchman" was the star who eventually passed the torch to Sammy Baugh and Sid Luckman. In fact, the Associated Press named Clark its "Football's Man of the Decade" for the 1930s.

To understand Clark's dominance during that period, he was named first-team All-Pro in six of his seven professional seasons. But he was also a player very much of his time. Technically, Clark was the quarterback because he called the plays. Today, he'd be viewed more as a running back, while playing multiple other positions. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns and scoring on three different occasions.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 34

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

69. Jim Hart

Top Accolades: 4x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 87-88-5 (48.3%); Pass: 34,665 Yds, 209 TD, 247 INT, 51.1 Comp%, 66.6 Rating; Rush: 207 Yds, 16 TD; 20 4Q Comebacks; 23 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 19 (St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Commanders)

The Cardinals have an extensive history of disappointment despite being one of the NFL's charter franchises. Since moving to St. Louis in 1960 (and subsequently Arizona 28 years later), the team has made back-to-back playoff appearances only twice. The first came in 1974 and 1975 when Jim Hart led the team as the starting quarterback.

Originally, Hart joined the organization as an undrafted free agent. He eventually started 14 seasons for the St. Louis-based Cardinals. The Southern Illinois product went to four Pro Bowls and was named a second-team All-Pro.

Hart remains the Cardinals' all-time leader in passing yardage and passing touchdowns. Only Larry Fitzgerald played in more games for the franchise.

Hart may have never been among the truly elite quarterbacks during his era, but he helped make a struggling organization relevant for an extended period, which is an impressive feat considering the Cardinals' tendency toward ineptitude.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 34

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

68. Jim Plunkett

Top Accolades: 1x SB MVP, 2x SB Champion

Key Stats: Record: 72-72 (50.0%); Pass: 25,882 Yds, 164 TD, 198 INT, 52.5 Comp%, 67.5 Rating; Rush: 1,337 Yds, 14 TD; 18 4Q Comebacks; 22 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 15 (New England Patriots, Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, San Francisco 49ers)

Jim Plunkett posted respectable passing numbers with the New England Patriots, who selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1971 draft. He washed out after two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and reemerged with the Oakland Raiders, who relocated to Los Angeles during his tenure. 

In 1980, Plunkett started to carve out a prominent legacy as a relief quarterback, taking over for Dan Pastorini and leading the Raiders to victory in Super Bowl XV over the Philadelphia Eagles, throwing for 261 yards and three touchdowns. He was the first Latino signal-caller to guide his team to a Super Bowl victory and win the game's MVP award. 

Plunkett opened the 1983 campaign as the starter, but the team benched him for Marc Wilson, who suffered a midseason injury, which opened the door for a comeback. Once again, Plunkett made the most of an opportunity. The Raiders won their third Super Bowl with him, beating all three playoff opponents by at least 16 points to become the first wild-card team to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

Plunkett's numbers may not get him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but there's no denying the importance of his representation of Latinos in the NFL and his role in two of the Raiders' title runs.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 38

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

67. Earl Morrall

Top Accolades: 1x MVP, 3x SB Champion, 2x Pro Bowler, 2x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: 63-36-6 (60.0%); Pass: 20,809 Yds, 161 TD, 148 INT, 51.3 Comp%, 74.1 Rating; Rush: 878 Yds, 8 TD; 14 4Q Comebacks; 11 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 21 (Baltimore Colts, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers)

Earl Morrall bounced around the league early in his career, suiting up for the San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions in his first three years as a pro. That said, he posted strong numbers in 1963 and 1965 with the Lions and New York Giants, respectively, throwing for 2,400-plus yards and 22-plus touchdowns in those years.

In his last two career stops, Morrall became one of football's most clutch players and helped deliver a Super Bowl in an unforgettable season. 

In relief of Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas, who was dealing with an arm injury, Morrall led the Baltimore Colts to Super Bowl III, though it was a loss to the New York Jets. That year, he led the league with 26 touchdown passes and won the NFL MVP Award.

Morrall won Super Bowl V with the Colts, coming in for Unitas while Baltimore trailed the Dallas Cowboys and did enough to keep the club in contention for the victory, though he'll be best known for leading the Miami Dolphins through an undefeated 1972 campaign.

In that season, Bob Griese returned from injury in the AFC Championship Game and started in Super Bowl VII. Still, with 11 starts, Morrall significantly contributed to Miami's unblemished season.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 36

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

66. Joe Burrow

Top Accolades: 2x Pro Bowler, 2x Comeback Player of the Year

Key Stats: Record: 43-33-1 (55.8%); Pass: 20,810 Yds, 157 TD, 51 INT, 68.5 Comp%, 101.1 Rating; Rush: 847 Yds, 12 TD; 6 4Q Comebacks; 9 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 6 (Cincinnati Bengals)

Joe Burrow hasn't played enough games to top the Cincinnati Bengals' record books in career numbers, though he's elevated the franchise in six seasons despite significant injuries.

Midway through his promising 2020 rookie campaign, Burrow tore his ACL and MCL. He came back to lead the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI and won 2021 Comeback Player of the Year, throwing for 4,611 yards, 34 touchdowns and 14 interceptions with a league-leading 70.4 percent completion rate.

After his first Pro Bowl year in 2022, Burrow experienced another career setback with a season-ending wrist injury during the 2023 term. Yet once again, he returned strong, recording league-leading numbers in completions (460), passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43), which made him the runaway pick for 2024 Comeback Player of the Year.

Burrow's injury history may be taking a mental toll, but if he stays healthy, expect him to rack up more accolades and record-breaking passing numbers.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 46

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

65. Matt Hasselbeck

Top Accolades: 3x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 85-75 (53.1%); Pass: 36,638 Yds, 212 TD, 153 INT, 60.5 Comp%, 82.4 Rating; Rush: 1,231 Yds, 8 TD; 15 4Q Comebacks; 24 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 17 (Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans)

Matt Hasselbeck is probably best known for leading the Seahawks to Super Bowl XL, which Seattle lost to the Steelers during Ben Roethlisberger's second season. However, the three-time Pro Bowler had a lengthy 17-year career that included 10 seasons as Seattle's starter.

After being selected in the sixth round of the 1998 draft and spending his rookie season on the Packers' practice squad, the Boston College product spent two years as Brett Favre's backup before he was traded to the Seahawks.

Along with former Packers head coach Mike Holmgren, Hasselbeck helped lead Seattle to five straight playoff appearances from 2003 to 2007. Hasselbeck led a sixth playoff run in 2010, Seattle's first under head coach Pete Carroll. He and Carroll got their only playoff win together in the "Beast Quake" game against New Orleans.

After leaving Seattle, Hasselbeck never quite replicated his Seahawks success with the Titans or Colts. However, he had winning records as a starter for both franchises and finished his NFL career with an 85-75 record.

Hasselbeck also finished his career with 36,638 passing yards, 31st-most in NFL history.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 52

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 82

64. John Brodie

Top Accolades: 1x MVP, 2x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 1x Comeback Player of the Year

Key Stats: Record: 74-76-8 (46.8%); Pass: 31,548 Yds, 214 TD, 224 INT, 55.0 Comp%, 72.3 Rating; Rush: 1,167 Yds, 22 TD; 21 4Q Comebacks; 22 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 17 (San Francisco 49ers)

John Brodie became the San Francisco 49ers' heir apparent to Y.A. Tittle and maintained a high standard at quarterback after the Hall of Famer was traded to the New York Giants in 1961.

Brodie didn't take the reins until his fifth professional season. Over the next 13 campaigns, the third overall pick in the 1957 draft led the league in passing yardage and passing touchdowns on three different occasions, was the game's most accurate passer twice, went to two Pro Bowls, won NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1965 and became the league's MVP five years later. He still has more starts than any signal-caller in 49ers history.

Upon his retirement after the 1973 season, he ranked third all-time with 244 career passing touchdowns. Clearly, Brodie was a real straight shooter since the former NFL quarterback returned to golf—which he played at Stanford—and joined the Senior PGA tour, where he competed for 13 years, winning one tournament and claiming 12 top-10 finishes.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 33

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 92

63. Jared Goff

Top Accolades: 4x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 90-60-1 (59.6%); Pass: 39,622 Yds, 256 TD, 102 INT, 65.8 Comp%, 96.8 Rating; Rush: 596 Yds, 12 TD; 18 4Q Comebacks; 23 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 10 (Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams)

Jared Goff brings a blend of efficiency and explosive plays to passing attacks. His touchdown-to-interception ratio is more than 2-to-1, and he's averaged at least 10.7 yards per completion in eight out of 10 seasons.

Goff helped lead the Los Angeles Rams to Super Bowl LIII before they traded him to Detroit, where he's been the centerpiece of high-powered passing attacks. With Goff under center, the Lions snapped a 32-year playoff-win drought and won the most regular-season games (15) in franchise history. He reenergized a franchise that had been starving for playoff success.

Even though Goff isn't flashy on foot, he'll be remembered for his pinpoint ball placement and highlight throws. Because the 31-year-old rarely misses time, suiting up for 68 consecutive regular-season games and counting, expect his career numbers to match those of some of the greatest to play the game when he retires.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 50

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 82

62. John Hadl

Top Accolades: 1x AFL champ, 6x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: 82-75-9 (49.4%); Pass: 33,503 Yds, 244 TD, 268 INT, 50.4 Comp%, 67.4 Rating; Rush: 1,112 Yds, 16 TD; 15 4Q Comebacks; 15 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 16 (Green Bay Packers, Houston Oilers, Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers)

John Hadl may be best known as Dan Fouts' predecessor with the San Diego Chargers, but the native Kansan produced an impressive career prior to being replaced.

At the time of his retirement, Hadl ranked fourth all-time with 244 passing touchdowns behind only Sonny Jurgensen, Johnny Unitas and Fran Tarkenton.

Hadl didn't become a full-time starter until his fourth professional campaign. From the 1965 to 1973 seasons, he led the AFL and NFL in passing touchdowns once and passing yardage on three different occasions. Along the way, the Chargers' Hall of Fame inductee was named to five AFL all-star squads, two Pro Bowls and became a first-team All-Pro.

Former Chargers head coach Sid Gillman is considered the godfather of the modern vertical passing game, while also using the width of the field. Hadl's ability to orchestrate the system played a large part in the team's and system's success during their time together.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 36

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 88

61. Mark Brunell

Top Accolades: 1x SB Champion, 3x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 78-73 (51.7%); Pass: 32,072 Yds, 184 TD, 108 INT, 59.5 Comp%, 84 Rating; Rush: 2,421 Yds, 15 TD; 16 4Q Comebacks; 22 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 17 (Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Washington)

Mark Brunell wasn't the first quarterback to start a game for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he quickly took over during their inaugural season and became the face of the franchise.

A fifth-round pick of the Packers in 1993, Brunell also became the first player acquired by the Jaguars via trade in 1995. The Washington product started 10 games in his first season in Jacksonville and went on to be the Jaguars' full-time starter for eight seasons.

Brunell made three Pro Bowls with the Jaguars, led four consecutive playoff campaigns and helped to deliver two trips to the AFC Championship Game. After being replaced by Byron Leftwich in 2003, Brunell went on to be a starter in Washington before winning Super Bowl XLIV as a backup in New Orleans and ending his career with the Jets.

Over 17 seasons, Brunell started 151 games and threw for 32,072 yards with 184 passing touchdowns. The mobile signal-caller added 2,421 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns while posting a .517 winning percentage as a starter.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 54

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 76

60. Jack Kemp

Top Accolades: 2x AFL champ, 7x Pro Bowler, 2x All-Pro, 1x AFL POY

Key Stats: Record: 63-37-3 (61.2%); Pass: 21,218 Yds, 114 TD, 183 INT, 46.7 Comp%, 57.3 Rating; Rush: 1,150 Yds, 40 TD; 11 4Q Comebacks; 11 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 10 (Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers)

Prior to a lengthy political career in Washington, D.C., where he became an influential voice during the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations, Jack Kemp played 10 seasons in the AFL and NFL with three different franchises and one year in Calgary as part of the CFL's Stampeders.

Kemp's best years came with the Buffalo Bills, with whom he started six seasons, not including the 1968 campaign in which he sat out due to a knee injury. During that span, Kemp threw for 14,498 yards and 74 touchdowns, won a pair of AFL championships, became a two-time AFL MVP and earned first-team All-AFL nods on five different occasions.

The quarterback's name became synonymous with the American Football League, as one of 20 players to play all 10 seasons of its existence.

"Kemp is probably the most intelligent football player I ever played with," former teammate and Hall of Fame guard Bill Shaw said. "Jack had what I consider better than average ability or skills as a player, but because of his ability to use his head and to make good decisions on the field, his results were probably better than the talent that he had.''

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 22

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 98

59. Dak Prescott

Top Accolades: 1x OROY, 4x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 83-55-1 (59.7%); Pass: 35,989 Yds, 243 TD, 92 INT, 66.9 Comp%, 98.3 Rating; Rush: 2,115 Yds, 31 TD; 19 4Q Comebacks; 26 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 10 (Dallas Cowboys)

When Dak Prescott is healthy, he produces at the rate of a top-five quarterback, with high-volume passing numbers, efficiency and poise.

In each of Prescott's first four seasons (2016-2019), he threw for at least 22 touchdowns, leading the Dallas Cowboys to two division titles in that span. By his fifth year, he began to deal with significant injuries, though he bounced back well. 

Prescott was the runner-up for 2021 Comeback Player of the Year, throwing for 4,449 yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. After missing nine of 17 games in 2024, he threw for 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in the following term to earn his fourth Pro Bowl nod.

During the 2025 campaign, Prescott surpassed Tony Romo to become the Cowboys' franchise leader in career passing yards (35,989).

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 41

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 92

58. Bob Waterfield

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 2x NFL champ, 2x Pro Bowler, 3x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: Unavailable; Pass: 11,849 Yds, 97 TD, 128 INT, 50.3 Comp%, 61.6 Rating; Rush: 21 Yds, 13 TD; 7 4Q Comebacks; 6 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 8 (Los Angeles Rams)

Bob Waterfield earned a distinction in 1945 that has only ever been duplicated by the great Jim Brown. Waterfield was the first rookie ever named the NFL's MVP.

During the quarterback's first season with the Cleveland Rams, he led the league in touchdown passes on his way to winning a title. Ultimately, Waterfield led the Rams organization to their first two championships before splitting time with Norm Van Brocklin starting with the 1952 campaign.

From 1945 to '49, Waterfield earned three first-team All-Pro nods while also contributing as the Rams' punter, kicker and a defensive back. But his acumen as a deep passer remained Waterfield's calling card. His 9.4 average yards per attempt in 1945 set a record at the time.

"There's no thrill in football like popping the ball to a receiver who has a step on his man in the open," Waterfield once said.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 35

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: UR

57. Tony Romo

Top Accolades: 4x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 78-49 (61.4%); Pass: 34,183 Yds, 248 TD, 117 INT, 65.3 Comp%, 97.1 Rating; Rush: 620 Yds, 5 TD; 24 4Q Comebacks; 29 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 13 (Dallas Cowboys)

Legendary quarterbacks have played with the star on their helmet, but it's Tony Romo who holds the Dallas Cowboys' franchise record for most touchdown passes (248), fourth-quarter comebacks (24) and game-winning drives (29)—all incredible feats for a player who went undrafted. 

After sitting for a few years in a backup role, Romo took over for Drew Bledsoe midway through the 2006 campaign and led Dallas to the postseason in his first of four Pro Bowl seasons. 

Romo made the most of his rise up the depth chart, leading the Cowboys to three NFC East titles and four playoff berths. In his final year as the team's full-time starter, he finished No. 1 across the league in completion rate (69.9), passer rating 113.2 and QBR (79.2).

Considering Romo's humble beginnings, he put together one of the NFL's most incredible underdog stories.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 42

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 70

56. Carson Palmer

Top Accolades: 3x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 92-88-1 (50.8%); Pass: 46,247 Yds, 294 TD, 187 INT, 62.5 Comp%, 87.9 Rating; Rush: 474 Yds, 8 TD; 22 4Q Comebacks; 35 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 14 (Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders)

Although Carson Palmer didn't win a playoff game with the Cincinnati Bengals, it's hard to blame him for the team's shortcomings. The 2003 No. 1 overall pick also showed tremendous resilience throughout his career, rebounding from significant injuries and a brief retirement.

Palmer brought an immediate spark to the Bengals' passing game. In 2005, he led the league with a 67.4 percent completion rate and 32 touchdown passes, but during the playoffs, he suffered a significant knee injury that required reconstructive surgery.

Yet Palmer bounced back to start through the entire 2006 campaign, logging his first 4,000-yard passing season and throwing for 28 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions.

In 2008, he was limited to four appearances because of an elbow injury. Two years later, he requested a trade, which was denied, and then retired. Eventually, Cincinnati traded him to Oakland, where he threw for 6,771 yards, 35 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in 25 contests. 

Palmer's third career stop was his best in terms of contributions to a winning team. Following an abbreviated year because of a torn ACL, he led the Arizona Cardinals to a 13-3 record, NFC West title and the NFC Championship Game. 

Wherever Palmer played, he uplifted the team's aerial attack. He's the first quarterback to eclipse 4,000 passing yards with three different franchises.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 36

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 74

55. Andrew Luck

Top Accolades: 4x Pro Bowler, 1x Comeback Player of the Year

Key Stats: Record: 53-33 (61.6%); Pass: 23,671 Yds, 171 TD, 83 INT, 60.8 Comp%, 89.5 Rating; Rush: 1,590 Yds, 14 TD; 16 4Q Comebacks; 20 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 6 (Indianapolis Colts)

Andrew Luck's career came to a premature end because of injuries, though he still left his mark in a seven-year period. 

Following a 2-14 season with a trio of backup-caliber signal-callers, the Indianapolis Colts landed the right guy to lead them in the post-Peyton Manning era. As a rookie, Luck showcased his clutch gene, leading the NFL with seven game-winning drives. With him, Indianapolis was back in the playoff picture.

Luck holds the Colts' franchise records in passing yards (4,761) for a single season. He's second to Hall of Famer Dan Marino in passing touchdowns (171) and third in passing yards (23,671) through a player's first six seasons.

Luck made four AFC Pro Bowl teams, led the league with 40 touchdown passes in 2014 and won 2018 Comeback Player of the Year after missing the entire 2017 campaign because of a shoulder injury. 

We'll always wonder what could've been of Luck's career if he had stayed healthy, though his accomplishments in a short period are still awe-inspiring.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 31

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 75

54. George Blanda

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 3x AFL champ, 4x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award, 1x AFL POY

Key Stats: Record: 53-50-1 (51.0%); Pass: 26,920 Yds, 236 TD, 277 INT, 47.7 Comp%, 60.6 Rating; Rush: 344 Yds, 9 TD; 17 4Q Comebacks; 17 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 26 (Baltimore Colts, Chicago Bears, Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders)

The length of George Blanda's career is simply stunning. His 26 seasons played, from 1949-75, remain an NFL record. He's still fifth all-time in career games played.

To be fair, Blanda's staying power resulted from being a kicker and not just playing quarterback. Even so, his standing as a quality NFL signal-caller stands unto itself.

Blanda was a full-time starting QB for eight seasons. During those campaigns, he led the AFL in passing yardage twice and was named to four all-star teams.

The Houston Oilers also won a pair of AFL championships with Blanda at the helm. His 36 passing touchdowns during the 1961 season tied an NFL record, which lasted until Dan Marino's magical 1984 campaign.

Blanda is primarily known as the aging kicker of the rebellious Oakland Raiders of the 1970s and as the oldest player ever to appear in an NFL game at 48. But his standing as a quarterback deserves its own separate attention.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 34

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 95

53. Joe Flacco

Top Accolades: 1x SB MVP, 1x SB Champion, 1x Comeback Player of the Year

Key Stats: Record: 107-94 (53.2%); Pass: 48,176 Yds, 272 TD, 172 INT, 61.6 Comp%, 84.1 Rating; Rush: 923 Yds, 17 TD; 23 4Q Comebacks; 30 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 18 (Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets)

Joe Flacco has spent the latter years of his career as a backup and spot starter, though he has managed to add to his legacy in that role. He helped the Browns reach the playoffs in 2023, and he helped keep the Bengals offense afloat during Joe Burrow's absence in 2025.

Still a strong-armed, statuesque quarterback, Flacco hasn't changed his playing style much over the years.

It's easy to forget that he was once considered a borderline elite signal-caller. The Maryland product was taken 18th overall in the 2008 draft and spent more than a decade as the Baltimore Ravens' starter before giving way to Lamar Jackson in 2018.

While Flacco never made the Pro Bowl, he helped Baltimore reach the postseason in each of his first five seasons. In Year 5, he capped the playoff run with a win in XLVII and a Super Bowl MVP award.

Flacco has, to date, compiled a 107-94 record as a starter in the regular season with a 10-6 record in the playoffs. His 48,176 career passing yards rank 14th on the all-time list, while his 272 passing touchdowns rank 21st.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 37

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 96

52. Michael Vick

Top Accolades: 4x Pro Bowler, 1x Comeback Player of the Year, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 61-51-1 (54.0%); Pass: 22,464 Yds, 133 TD, 88 INT, 56.2 Comp%, 80.4 Rating; Rush: 6,109 Yds, 36 TD; 14 4Q Comebacks; 15 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 13 (Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers)

When the Falcons took Michael Vick first overall in 2001, they helped usher in a new era of quarterback play.

The Virginia Tech product—and eventual College Football Hall of Famer—redefined what it meant to be a dual-threat quarterback in the 21st century. With a combination of top-tier arm strength and blazing speed, Vick also earned a reputation as one of the toughest offensive players to contain—and a veritable cheat code in Madden 2004.

Vick's career is a polarizing one and was split into two eras. After his arrest for his role in an organized illegal dogfighting operation, he spent two years away from football and nearly two years in prison. He last played for Atlanta in 2006 and returned to the league with the Eagles in 2009.

In all, Vick appeared in 13 seasons and 143 games. He compiled a 61-51-1 record as a starter, led Atlanta to one NFC title game appearance, started playoff games for the Falcons and Eagles, and appeared in four Pro Bowls.

Vick's 22,464 passing yards fall outside of the top 100 all-time, but his 6,109 rushing yards are second all-time among quarterbacks, behind only Lamar Jackson.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 32

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 81

51. Drew Bledsoe

Top Accolades: 1x SB Champion, 4x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 98-95 (50.8%); Pass: 44,611 Yds, 251 TD, 206 INT, 57.2 Comp%, 77.1 Rating; Rush: 764 Yds, 10 TD; 24 4Q Comebacks; 31 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 14 (Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots)

Among a certain subset of fans, Drew Bledsoe might be best known as the guy who got hurt in 2001 and allowed Tom Brady to begin a dynasty.

However, Bledsoe had an incredible career and might be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame if he had won Super Bowl XXXVI as the starter instead of as Brady's backup.

An archetypal pocket passer and the first overall pick in the 1993 draft, Bledsoe established himself as one of the league's better quarterbacks long before Brady came along. The Washington State product made three Pro Bowls, delivered three playoff berths, led the NFL in completions twice and led the league in passing once in his eight full seasons with the Patriots.

Bledsoe had a solid second act with the rival Bills, too, making his fourth Pro Bowl with Buffalo in 2002. He finished his career with the Cowboys, going 9-7 in 2005 and 3-3 in 2006 before Dallas pivoted to Tony Romo.

While Bledsoe did give way to two other quarterbacks on our list, he finished his own career with a 98-95 record, 44,611 passing yards and 251 passing touchdowns. His career yards and touchdowns rank 20th and 29th all-time, respectively.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 36

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 79

50. Rich Gannon

Top Accolades: 1x MVP, 4x Pro Bowler, 2x All-Pro, 2x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 76-56 (57.6%); Pass: 28,743 Yds, 180 TD, 104 INT, 60.2 Comp%, 84.7 Rating; Rush: 2,449 Yds, 21 TD; 16 4Q Comebacks; 20 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 17 (Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, Washington)

Rich Gannon's career turnaround is noteworthy because it's one of the best stories of a late bloomer who produced at a high level at his final stop. Any struggling veteran who's on the verge of retiring should refer to Gannon's career arc, which took him from a journeyman quarterback to the leader of a perennial playoff contender. 

Gannon spent 11 years in Minnesota, Washington and Kansas City, sitting out one season because of a shoulder injury, before finding his way with the Oakland Raiders under feisty young head coach Jon Gruden in 1999.

By the time the Raiders signed Gannon, he was 33 years old, but the savvy veteran aged well after mediocre years spent alternating between starting and backup roles.

In his first four years with the Silver and Black, Gannon earned All-Pro honors twice, won MVP and led the league in completions and passing yards for a season. The Raiders clinched playoff berths in three of those campaigns. 

Gannon suffered shoulder and neck injuries, which derailed his last two seasons in Oakland, but he finished with an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio of 114-50 in 74 starts across six seasons with the club.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 35

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 64

49. Roman Gabriel

Top Accolades: 1x MVP, 4x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 84-64-7 (54.2%); Pass: 29,444 Yds, 201 TD, 149 INT, 52.6 Comp%, 74.3 Rating; Rush: 1,304 Yds, 30 TD; 16 4Q Comebacks; 15 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 16 (Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams)

Roman Gabriel may not be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but his lasting impression on the game can't be overlooked.

First, Gabriel is the only player of Asian-American descent to be named an NFL MVP. Second, he was an iron man at the game's most important position when the league was arguably its most violent. His 91 consecutive starts with the Los Angeles Rams from 1965 to '72 tied Johnny Unitas' streak, which wasn't eclipsed until Ron Jaworski did so in the early '80s.

The sturdy 6'4", 220-pound quarterback led the NFL in passing touchdowns twice and passing yardage once. Gabriel was also named to four Pro Bowls.

Eventually, knee and shoulder issues took their toll and Gabriel was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. He was named the 1973 NFL Comeback Player of the Year after he set career highs in pass attempts, completion percentage and yardage.

To this day, Gabriel remains the Rams' career leader with 154 passing touchdowns. With that said, Matthew Stafford should pass him during the 2026 campaign.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 33

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 72

48. Daryle Lamonica

Top Accolades: 3x AFL champ, 5x Pro Bowler, 2x All-Pro, 2x AFL POY

Key Stats: Record: 66-16-6 (75.0%); Pass: 19,154 Yds, 164 TD, 138 INT, 49.5 Comp%, 72.9 Rating; Rush: 640 Yds, 14 TD; 18 4Q Comebacks; 17 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 12 (Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders)

Drafted by the Green Bay Packers (12th round of the NFL draft) and Buffalo Bills (24th round of the AFL draft), Daryle Lamonica chose to play for the latter club, where he was a serviceable backup. But his career took off after the AFL-NFL merger. The Bills traded him to the Oakland Raiders, and he quickly became an All-Pro-caliber player.

Lamonica appropriately earned the nickname "The Mad Bomber" for his aggressive passing style, attacking defenses vertically.

In his two All-Pro years, 1967 and 1969, he won AFL MVP and led the league in passing touchdowns with 30 and 34, respectively. He also threw for a league-leading 3,302 yards in the latter campaign. 

With his big arm, Lamonica led the Raiders to double-digit wins in three consecutive seasons as well as an AFL championship in 1967. He set the blueprint for exactly what owner Al Davis wanted out of his passing offense.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 22

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 64

47. Boomer Esiason

Top Accolades: 1x MVP, 4x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: 80-93 (46.2%); Pass: 37,920 Yds, 247 TD, 184 INT, 57.0 Comp%, 81.1 Rating; Rush: 1,598 Yds, 7 TD; 19 4Q Comebacks; 26 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 14 (Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets)

Over 14 seasons in the NFL spent mostly with the Cincinnati Bengals, Boomer Esiason actually lost more games than he won.

But when Esiason's Bengals teams were at their best, they were a fun watch.

When Sam Wyche arrived as head coach in Cincinnati in 1984, he brought with him something the league had never seen before—an uptempo, hurry-up offense that featured the "Sugar Huddle." Esiason thrived in that fast-paced environment. From 1985 to 1990, he surpassed 3,000 passing yards in six straight seasons, making it to three Pro Bowls over that span.

The 1988 campaign was Esiason's best. He finished fourth in the league with 3,572 passing yards, tied for first in the AFC with 28 touchdown passes and posted league highs in yards per attempt (9.2) and passer rating (97.4) on the way to Most Valuable Player honors and a date with the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIII.

Damn you, Joe Montana.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 37

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 75

46. Joe Theismann

Top Accolades: 1x MVP, 1x SB Champion, 1x OPOY, 2x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 77-47 (62.1%); Pass: 25,206 Yds, 160 TD, 138 INT, 56.7 Comp%, 77.4 Rating; Rush: 1,815 Yds, 17 TD; 18 4Q Comebacks; 22 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 12 (Washington)

For more than a few NFL fans, Joe Theismann's career is known as much for how it ended on that fateful Monday night in 1985 as what happened during it.

Yes, a sack from Giants game-changer Lawrence Taylor resulted in a gruesome broken leg and ended the QB's career. And to be fair, Theismann was a late bloomer—he didn't throw for 3,000 yards until he was 32 and didn't make the Pro Bowl until he was 33.

But once he got going, boy oh boy did he get going.

Theismann's first season was the strike-shortened 1982 campaign, in which he was top-10 in both passing yards and passing touchdowns on the way to leading Washington to a 10-point victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII. The following season, Theismann was fifth in the NFL in passing yards, second in touchdown passes and captured MVP honors on the way to a second consecutive Super Bowl appearance.

Over 12 years in the nation's capital, Theismann threw for 25,206 yards—the most in franchise history.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 36

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 69

45. Steve McNair

Top Accolades: 1x MVP, 3x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 91-62 (59.5%); Pass: 31,304 Yds, 174 TD, 119 INT, 60.1 Comp%, 82.8 Rating; Rush: 3,590 Yds, 37 TD; 15 4Q Comebacks; 21 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 13 (Baltimore Ravens, Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans)

Drafted third overall in 1995, Steve McNair spent more than a decade with the Houston/Tennessee Oilers and was the face of the franchise when it became the Tennessee Titans in 1999.

During that 1999 season, McNair led Tennessee to the cusp of a Super Bowl victory. The Rams secured the victory in Super Bowl XXXIV only after Mike Jones stopped Kevin Dyson short of a game-tying touchdown in the final seconds.

Of course, McNair accomplished a lot more than being on the wrong side of "The Tackle." A clutch signal-caller and top-tier dual-threat, he made three Pro Bowls and led the Oilers/Titans to four playoff berths and two division titles. He spent his last two seasons in Baltimore and helped navigate a 13-3 record with the Ravens in 2006.

The Alcorn State product compiled a 91-62 record as a starter during his 13 seasons. His 31,304 career passing yards rank 54th on the all-time list. He also racked up 174 passing touchdowns, 3,590 rushing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns. In 2003, McNair was named co-MVP alongside Peyton Manning.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 28

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 60

44. Phil Simms

Top Accolades: 1x SB MVP, 2x SB Champion, 2x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 95-64 (59.7%); Pass: 33,462 Yds, 199 TD, 157 INT, 55.4 Comp%, 78.5 Rating; Rush: 1,252 Yds, 6 TD; 11 4Q Comebacks; 17 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 14 (New York Giants)

In 1979, the New York Giants spent the seventh overall pick on a quarterback from tiny Morehead State. The pick was not well-received by fans.

To say the franchise doesn't regret that decision is an understatement.

Before Simms' arrival, the Giants had made exactly zero playoff appearances in the Super Bowl era. By Simms' third season, the G-Men had won a playoff game. And in 1986, it all came together in New York—the Giants went 14-2, outscored the San Francisco 49ers and Washington 66-3 in the playoffs and handled the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI.

Simms had as many touchdown passes as incompletions in that game, earning MVP honors.

At the conclusion of a 14-year career spent entirely in New York, Simms had thrown for almost 33,500 yards and 200 touchdowns. Eli Manning has since broken Simms' team records in those categories, but it was Simms who put the Giants back on the map.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 34

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 67

43. Cam Newton

Top Accolades: 1x MVP, 1x OPOY, 1x OROY, 3x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 75-68-1 (52.1%); Pass: 32,382 Yds, 194 TD, 123 INT, 59.9 Comp%, 85.2 Rating; Rush: 5,628 Yds, 75 TD; 16 4Q Comebacks; 20 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 11 (Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots)

After a few spotty postseason appearances in their early franchise beginnings, the Carolina Panthers became a perennial contender with Cam Newton under center. He guided the club to the playoffs in four of five seasons from 2013 to 2017, which included a run to Super Bowl 50. 

In his 2015 MVP campaign, Newton accounted for 45 of the Panthers' 59 touchdowns, throwing for 35 and rushing for 10. 

Although he didn't make another All-Pro or Pro Bowl team after that season, he continued to carry the majority of Carolina's scoring load, throwing and rushing for at least 24 touchdowns combined every year from 2016 to 2018.

Newton's style of play wore down his body by the age of 30, but he had a standout 2020 season as a rusher with the New England Patriots. He tied the franchise single-season record for most rushing touchdowns (12) by a quarterback and claimed the team's single-season record for most rushing yards by a quarterback (592).

Among signal-callers, Newton is third all-time in rushing yards (5,628) and second all-time in rushing touchdowns (75). He holds the Panthers' franchise records in career passing yards (29,725) and touchdowns (186).

Before Josh Allen, Newton was the NFL's dual-threat Superman signal-caller.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 19

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 59

42. Donovan McNabb

Top Accolades: 6x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 98-62-1 (60.9%); Pass: 37,276 Yds, 234 TD, 117 INT, 59.0 Comp%, 85.6 Rating; Rush: 3,459 Yds, 29 TD; 16 4Q Comebacks; 24 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 13 (Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington)

Donovan McNabb and the Eagles fell just short against the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX. Otherwise, McNabb may have already been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Syracuse product was selected second overall in the 1999 draft and went on to solidify Philadelphia's quarterback position for over a decade. A dangerous dual threat, especially early in his career, McNabb helped to deliver seven playoff berths, including five straight from 2000 to 2004.

McNabb also helped the Eagles win five NFC East titles.

The six-time Pro Bowler spent the last two years of his career with Washington and Minnesota but will always be known as a Philly legend. He is a member of the Eagles Hall of Fame, and his No. 5 jersey was retired by the Eagles in 2013.

McNabb finished his career with 37,276 passing yards and 234 passing touchdowns—30th and 38th all-time, respectively—to go with 3,459 rushing yards, a 98-62-1 record in the regular season, and a 9-7 postseason mark.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 28

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 66

41. Matt Ryan

Top Accolades: 1x MVP, 1x OPOY, 1x OROY, 4x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 124-109-1 (53.0%); Pass: 62,792 Yds, 381 TD, 183 INT, 65.6 Comp%, 93.6 Rating; Rush: 1,539 Yds, 13 TD; 38 4Q Comebacks; 46 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 15 (Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts)

If not for some poor defense and questionable play-calling in Super Bowl LI, Matt Ryan might be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. As things stand, he should still reach Canton one day.

Ryan and the Falcons were, of course, on the wrong side of that infamous 28-3 collapse against the Patriots. Ryan also failed to reach any other Super Bowls despite taking Atlanta to the postseason six times. However, he was one of the most prolific pure passers of the modern era.

Taken third overall in the 2008 draft, Ryan was an immediate starter and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Boston College product also made the playoffs as a rookie and was a Pro Bowler by Year 3.

Ryan made four career Pro Bowls, twice led the league in completions and was the Offensive Player of the Year and MVP in 2016. His 62,792 career passing yards rank ninth all-time, and his 381 passing touchdowns rank 10th.

After finishing with a 124-109-1 career record, Ryan was inducted into the Falcons Ring of Honor in 2024.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 24

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 53

40. Ken Anderson

Top Accolades: 1x MVP, 1x OPOY, 4x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 91-81 (52.9%); Pass: 32,838 Yds, 197 TD, 160 INT, 59.3 Comp%, 81.9 Rating; Rush: 2,220 Yds, 20 TD; 10 4Q Comebacks; 14 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 16 (Cincinnati Bengals)

The Cincinnati Bengals started play in 1968. Prior to the 1981 season, they had never won a playoff game.

Then Ken Anderson got his groove on, and everything changed.

In 1981, Anderson was fifth in the league with 3,754 passing yards and third with 29 touchdown passes, and he threw just 10 interceptions. His 98.4 passer rating led the league, he was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player, and he led the Bengals to within one last-minute Joe Montana drive from a win in Super Bowl XVI.

Anderson made the Pro Bowl that season, which was one of four times he accomplished that feat over 16 years with the Bengals.

Anderson's 32,838 career passing yards remain the franchise record in Cincinnati, his 197 career touchdown passes rank second, and he led the Bengals to four seasons with at least 10 wins.

Ken Anderson made the Bengals relevant. Period.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 20

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 58

39. Randall Cunningham

Top Accolades: 4x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 3x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 82-52-1 (60.7%); Pass: 29,979 Yds, 207 TD, 134 INT, 56.6 Comp%, 81.5 Rating; Rush: 4,928 Yds, 35 TD; 19 4Q Comebacks; 24 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 16 (Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles)

Before there was Lamar Jackson or Michael Vick, there was Randall Cunningham.

When Cunningham peeled off his first of three straight trips to the Pro Bowl from 1988 to 1990 with the Philadelphia Eagles, he was a revelation—a highlight-reel play waiting to happen. He did things on a football field that people just hadn't seen before.

When Cunningham ran for 942 yards in 1990, it marked the second-highest total by a quarterback in league history to that date.

Cunningham was much more than just a runner, too. He topped 3,000 passing yards five times. He threw 30 or more touchdown passes twice. He had 20-plus touchdown passes three more times. And he led the NFL in passer rating at 106 during his age-35 season in 1998 after coming out of retirement. That second act came with the Minnesota Vikings.

All told, Cunningham started 135 games, made it to four Pro Bowls and led a 15-1 Vikings team in 1998 that was one missed field goal from being one of the greatest single-season squads in NFL history.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 24

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 55

38. Sonny Jurgensen

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x NFL champ, 5x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: 69-71-7 (46.9%); Pass: 32,224 Yds, 255 TD, 189 INT, 57.1 Comp%, 82.6 Rating; Rush: 493 Yds, 15 TD; 18 4Q Comebacks; 14 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 18 (Philadelphia Eagles, Washington)

Sonny Jurgensen became a trendsetter as the first quarterback to regularly throw for over 3,000 yards. He was a pure passer in an era before the game evolved toward prolific aerial attacks.

The 1957 fourth-round draft pick didn't start a game until his fifth NFL season. Upon Norm Van Brocklin's retirement, Jurgensen took the reins of the Philadelphia Eagles offense and promptly tied a then-single season NFL record by throwing 32 touchdowns.

Throughout Jurgensen's career, the 5'11" signal-caller posted big numbers relative to his time. His 3,723 passing yards during the 1961 campaign remained another NFL record until he broke it himself with 3,747 yards in 1967 (which Joe Namath surpassed the following season).

Jurgensen led the NFL in passing on five different occasions and threw for more than 3,000 yards in five of his 10 full seasons as a starter.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 25

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 60

37. Bobby Layne

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 3x NFL champ, 6x Pro Bowler, 2x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: 80-48-4 (60.6%); Pass: 26,768 Yds, 196 TD, 243 INT, 49.0 Comp%, 63.4 Rating; Rush: 2,451 Yds, 25 TD; 18 4Q Comebacks; 19 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 15 (Chicago Bears, New York Bulldogs, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers)

Bobby Layne was the most dynamic and charismatic quarterback during the game's pre-Super Bowl era. His competitiveness and playmaking ability were unmatched during his time.

On the field, Layne became a two-time NFL passing leader, six-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time champion, as his Detroit Lions were able to beat the Paul Brown-led Cleveland Browns three different times. He's also been credited as the innovator of the two-minute offense.

Off the field, Layne wouldn't join the Pittsburgh Steelers after being selected third overall in the 1948 NFL draft because of the outdated offensive scheme the organization employed at the time. He also forced a trade from Chicago to the hapless New York Bulldogs before finally being traded to the Lions in 1950.

His legacy remains alive today, which in some ways is unfortunate for the Lions organization.

Despite all of the success the quarterback experienced, the Lions traded him to the Steelers during the '58 campaign—which created the "Curse of Bobby Layne." The quarterback said the Lions wouldn't win for another 50 years after the move. Well, Detroit is nearly 68 years removed from that proclamation and still has yet to win another title.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 18

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 61

36. Y.A. Tittle

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x MVP, 7x Pro Bowler, 3x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: 78-50-5 (58.6%); Pass: 33,070 Yds, 242 TD, 248 INT, 55.2 Comp%, 74.3 Rating; Rush: 1,245 Yds, 39 TD; 24 4Q Comebacks; 23 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 17 (Baltimore Colts, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers)

Y.A. Tittle's lasting impression is of a broken, beaten veteran who gave it his all as he sits on his knees at the edge of defeat.

The picture is truly iconic and symbolizes everything that it takes to play the game of football. However, it shouldn't overshadow what was a Hall of Fame career. It was simply the beginning of the end for the long-time quarterback, who eventually retired after that season ended.

The side-armed gunslinger, who played from 1948 to 1964, established NFL all-time highs in passing attempts, completions, passing yardage and passing touchdowns before calling it quits.

He led the league in passing touchdowns three times and completion percentage twice. Also, Tittle remains tied with an NFL-record seven touchdown tosses in one game. He went to seven Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro on three different occasions.

An athlete shouldn't be judged for what happened when he's past his prime. Instead, he should be celebrated for what he achieved in totality. Tittle is the shining example.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 18

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 63

35. Josh Allen

Top Accolades: 1x MVP, 4x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 88-39 (69.3%); Pass: 30,102 Yds, 220 TD, 94 INT, 64.0 Comp%, 94.4 Rating; Rush: 4,721 Yds, 79 TD; 17 4Q Comebacks; 25 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 8 (Buffalo Bills)

At 6'5" and 237 pounds with a strong arm, Josh Allen has taken the baton from Cam Newton as the NFL's Superman quarterback. For four consecutive seasons, from 2021 to 2024, the Buffalo Bills have fielded top-nine passing and rushing attacks with the big-bodied dual-threat signal-caller at the helm.

Allen has become accustomed to posting video-game numbers as he builds his legacy. He's the youngest player to record 300 total touchdowns, doing it in fewer games than anyone in history. The 29-year-old is also the all-time leader among quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns (79). 

Though Allen has yet to earn an All-Pro nod, he's a four-time Pro Bowler with gaudy numbers in those standout campaigns. He also won the 2024 MVP award in a year when he finished with a league-leading 74.8 QBR.

Allen's performances aren't all flash and highlights, though. He's become a more efficient passer, with a declining interception rate and rising completion percentage. The eighth-year veteran completed a career-high 69.3 percent of his passes in 2025.

If Allen's body holds up, he's on track to be a Hall of Famer.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 20

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 50

34. Bob Griese

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 2x SB Champion, 8x Pro Bowler, 2x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award, 1x NEA MVP

Key Stats: Record: 92-56-3 (60.9%); Pass: 25,092 Yds, 192 TD, 172 INT, 56.2 Comp%, 77.1 Rating; Rush: 994 Yds, 7 TD; 15 4Q Comebacks; 19 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 14 (Miami Dolphins)

The wildest part of Bob Griese's Hall of Fame career may be his role in Miami's perfect season in 1972—a feat no other team has accomplished.

Griese started the team's first five games before breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle against the Los Angeles Rams. Griese gave way to Earl Morrall but returned in the postseason to down the Pittsburgh Steelers and send the Dolphins to a second consecutive Super Bowl.

Griese would follow up that feat with a 12-1 season and victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII—a record (at the time) third straight Super Bowl trip.

In addition to those two Super Bowl titles, Griese was a two-time first-team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler. In 1977, he led the NFL in touchdown passes and passer rating. The following year, he paced the league in completion percentage.

The Dolphins retired Griese's No. 12 in 1985, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame five years later.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 17

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 55

33. Joe Namath

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x SB MVP, 1x SB Champion, 1x AFL champ, 5x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 1x AFL POY, 1x AFL ROY

Key Stats: Record: 62-63-4 (48.1%); Pass: 27,663 Yds, 173 TD, 220 INT, 50.1 Comp%, 65.5 Rating; Rush: 140 Yds, 7 TD; 15 4Q Comebacks; 15 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 13 (New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams)

Broadway Joe's reputation and mythic status among the annals of pro football history is built upon his guarantee to beat the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III and become the first AFL franchise to win a championship against an NFL counterpart, with Namath being named the game's MVP.

The picture of a muddied Joe Namath jogging off the field after the game and waving his index finger in the air may be the most iconic moment in NFL history. The flashy New York Jets quarterback deserved all of the adulation he received after delivering on his promise.

At the same time, Namath's prime years lasted about only five seasons due to various injuries, and he was inconsistent through a large portion of his 13-year career. Still, he led the AFC (twice) and NFL (once) in passing yardage when he became the first quarterback in league history to throw for more than 4,000 yards. He was also named the AFL MVP for the 1968 season.

Namath's career can be deservedly described as legendary, although that's primarily fueled by arguably the single biggest victory in NFL history.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 19

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 90

32. Philip Rivers

Top Accolades: 8x Pro Bowler, 1x Comeback Player of the Year

Key Stats: Record: 134-109 (55.1%); Pass: 63,984 Yds, 425 TD, 212 INT, 64.9 Comp%, 95 Rating; Rush: 600 Yds, 3 TD; 29 4Q Comebacks; 35 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 18 (Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers)

Philip Rivers had an interesting second act in 2025, nearly five full years after he had last stepped onto an NFL field. He started three games for the Colts in 2025 while trying to salvage their season. While he couldn't deliver a victory, Rivers played surprisingly well for a 44-year-old who last played for Indy in 2020.

However, Rivers wasn't the same elite pocket passer in 2025 that he was earlier in his career. He landed with the then-San Diego Chargers in 2004 as part of the trade that sent Eli Manning to the Giants. While he never experienced the postseason success of 2004 draft mates Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, Rivers was one of the best pure passers of his era.

Before leading the Colts to a playoff berth in 2020, Rivers spent 16 years with the Chargers, 14 as their starter. He made eight Pro Bowls, delivered six playoff berths and won four division titles. The 2013 Comeback Player of the Year also led the league in a variety of categories, including passing touchdowns in 2008, passing yards in 2010 and completions in 2015.

The NC State product never missed a game due to injury and amassed some gaudy numbers along the way. His 63,984 passing yards and 425 passing touchdowns rank eighth and sixth on the all-time list, respectively.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 16

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 43

31. Sid Luckman

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 4x NFL champ, 3x Pro Bowler, 5x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: Unavailable; Pass: 14,686 Yds, 137 TD, 132 INT, 51.8 Comp%, 75 Rating; Rush: -239 Yds, 4 TD; 4 4Q Comebacks; 5 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 12 (Chicago Bears)

How lasting was Sid Luckman's legacy with the Chicago Bears? Up until Caleb Williams' breakout season in 2025, Luckman's name was mentioned annually while the Bears continually failed to find a true franchise quarterback. Luckman's last season came in 1950.

To be fair, Luckman's legacy is hard to ignore despite primarily playing through the 1940s. He left the Bears lineup (to become the team's quarterbacks coach until 1969) as a four-time NFL champion, five-time first-team All-Pro and three-time passing-yardage, passing-touchdown and passer-rating leader.

The second overall pick in the 1939 NFL draft was also named the league's MVP four years later. He still holds the record for touchdown percentage, as the only player in history over 7 percent, and ranks second all-time in average yards per attempt.

The Bears' official website named Luckman the fourth-greatest player in the team's history behind only Walter Payton, Dick Butkus and Bronko Nagurski. The franchise struggled to find a quality starting quarterback for years, but Luckman set a high bar very early in the process.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 13

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 97

30. Ken Stabler

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x MVP, 1x SB Champion, 1x OPOY, 4x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 96-49-1 (65.8%); Pass: 27,938 Yds, 194 TD, 222 INT, 59.8 Comp%, 75.3 Rating; Rush: 93 Yds, 4 TD; 16 4Q Comebacks; 23 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 15 (Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders)

With Ken Stabler under center, the then-Oakland Raiders met the expectations of Al Davis' "Just Win Baby" motto.

While stat purists will (correctly) argue that team wins aren't a quarterback stat, the position certainly has a major influence on game outcomes. Including playoff contests, Stabler became the fastest quarterback to 100 wins in 1983. 

If you want to discuss clear individual accomplishments, Stabler had those, too. 

As an All-Pro in 1974, The Snake won Offensive Player of the Year and MVP Awards, throwing for a league-leading 26 touchdowns. Two years later, he led the NFL with a career-high 27 passing touchdowns, 228.1 passing yards per game, a 66.7 percent completion rate and a 103.4 passer rating. Stabler completed a standout 1976 campaign by leading the Raiders to their first Super Bowl title. 

Although it took longer than many expected, the NFL Selection Committee posthumously inducted Stabler into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 16

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 49

29. Len Dawson

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x SB MVP, 1x SB Champion, 3x AFL champ, 7x Pro Bowler, 2x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: 94-57-8 (59.1%); Pass: 28,711 Yds, 239 TD, 183 INT, 57.1 Comp%, 82.6 Rating; Rush: 1,293 Yds, 9 TD; 15 4Q Comebacks; 16 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 19 (Cleveland Browns, Dallas Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers)

Len Dawson played five seasons in the NFL before he found a home with the Dallas Texans-turned-Kansas City Chiefs. After flaming out with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns, Dawson reunited with Hank Stram, who coached him at Purdue University prior to becoming the Texans/Chiefs' head coach.

The two proved to be a perfect pairing thanks to Stram's innovation of the "moving pocket" in order to find throwing lanes for the 6'0" signal-caller. In Dawson's first season with the organization, he led the AFL in passing touchdowns, passer rating and completion percentage on his way to being named the league's MVP and helping the squad win an AFL championship.

Eventually, their Hall of Fame relationship culminated with a victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. Afterward, Dawson was named the game's MVP.

During Dawson's 14 seasons with the franchise, he led the AFL in passing yardage four times, passer rating six times and completion percentage seven times.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 16

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 43

28. Lamar Jackson

Top Accolades: 2x MVP, 4x Pro Bowler, 3x All-Pro, 2x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 76-31 (71.0%); Pass: 22,608 Yds, 187 TD, 56 INT, 64.8 Comp%, 102.2 Rating; Rush: 6,522 Yds, 35 TD; 11 4Q Comebacks; 13 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 8 (Baltimore Ravens)

Almost immediately after entering the league in 2018, Lamar Jackson took the title from Michael Vick as the most electric dual-threat quarterback in NFL history, earning the nickname Action Jackson. A more polished passer than Vick, Jackson led the league in passing touchdowns (36) and QBR (83) in his 2019 MVP campaign. 

As of February 2026, Jackson is the only quarterback in league history to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. He's also the only one to throw for 30 touchdowns and rush for 1,000 yards in a campaign.

From 2021 to 2022, Jackson's numbers tapered off partially because of injuries, but he rediscovered his All-Pro form in the next two seasons, winning league MVP in 2023.

Despite all the accolades and eye-popping statistics, he has drawn criticism for his underwhelming postseason performances. He did show improvement in his last two outings, throwing for four touchdowns and just one interception and rushing for 120 yards on 21 carries. He completed at least 72 percent of his passes in both games.

Action Jackson is still a peak performer who's building a Hall of Fame resume.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 11

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 40

27. Norm Van Brocklin

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 2x NFL champ, 9x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 61-36-4 (60.4%); Pass: 23,611 Yds, 173 TD, 178 INT, 53.6 Comp%, 75.1 Rating; Rush: 40 Yds, 11 TD; 17 4Q Comebacks; 17 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 12 (Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles)

Norm Van Brocklin set a single-game passing record 75 years ago that's yet to be broken even in today's wide-open NFL. His 554 passing yards against the New York Yanks in 1951 has stood the test of time.

Only 27 quarterbacks have ever thrown for 500 yards in a contest. Van Brocklin's effort was the only one to happen prior to 1960, with five before 1990.

Van Brocklin wasn't a one-year wonder, though. He was simply ahead of his time. The quarterback is in the Hall of Fame/Ring of Fame for both the Rams and Eagles organizations after leading each to an NFL championship.

"The Dutchman" was named to nine Pro Bowls, led the NFL in passing yardage, completion percentage and passer rating in different seasons, while taking home the MVP award for the 1960 season. Maybe most impressively, Van Brocklin's Eagles became the only team to beat a Vince Lombardi-led Green Bay Packers squad in a championship game before the organization went on to win five titles in seven years.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 11

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 60

26. Sammy Baugh

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 2x NFL champ, 6x Pro Bowler, 4x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: Unavailable; Pass: 21,886 Yds, 187 TD, 203 INT, 56.5 Comp%, 72.2 Rating; Rush: 325 Yds, 9 TD; 6 4Q Comebacks; 16 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 16 (Washington)

Sammy Baugh was the NFL's initial superstar quarterback, as the first to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural 1963 class.

Since the TCU product primarily played in the 1930s and '40s, his contributions extended beyond traditional expectations. Baugh was a three-way player as a quarterback, safety and punter. In fact, he led the NFL in completion percentage, interceptions and punt yardage during the 1943 campaign.

Still, Baugh didn't earn the nickname "Slingin' Sammy" for nothing. His passing prowess helped the pro football game evolve. He led the NFL in passing yardage four times, completion percentage eight times and touchdown passes twice. He became only the second NFL quarterback to throw for more than 1,000 yards during a campaign. His 2,939 passing yards during the 1947 season were the most by a quarterback in the league's first 40 years.

Along the way, Baugh helped the Washington win two championships and earned four first-team All-Pro nods.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 7

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 96

25. Russell Wilson

Top Accolades: 1x SB Champion, 10x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 121-80-1 (59.9%); Pass: 46,966 Yds, 353 TD, 114 INT, 64.6 Comp%, 99.3 Rating; Rush: 5,568 Yds, 31 TD; 32 4Q Comebacks; 40 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 14 (Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks)

Russell Wilson's early-career success forced contemporary coaches and scouts to reconsider their prototypical height measurements for the position. At 5'11", Wilson may not have been able to see over massive offensive linemen and throw darts in the middle of the field, but he moved the pocket and threw accurately on the move.

Because of his accuracy and mobility, Wilson eventually found himself in a unique statistical category with Hall of Famer Steve Young as the only quarterbacks to throw for 30,000 yards and rush for 4,000 yards.

With his efficiency and ability to create from off-script plays, Wilson led the Seattle Seahawks through a stretch of golden years when they contended for a Super Bowl for nearly a decade. Within his first three seasons, Seattle advanced to the title game in back-to-back seasons, winning one. He was named to the Pro Bowl in nine of his first 10 campaigns.

Wilson wasn't the same high-end quarterback in short stints with the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, but he helped guide the Steelers to the playoffs and remains sixth all-time in career passer rating (99.3).

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 19

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 42

24. Eli Manning

Top Accolades: 2x SB MVP, 2x SB Champion, 4x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 117-117 (50.0%); Pass: 57,023 Yds, 366 TD, 244 INT, 60.3 Comp%, 84.1 Rating; Rush: 567 Yds, 7 TD; 27 4Q Comebacks; 37 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 16 (New York Giants)

Eli Manning spent much of his playing career in the shadows of his brother, Peyton. The Mississippi product was never regarded as an elite quarterback and never led the league in any major statistical category during the regular season—except for interceptions, which he did twice.

However, Manning's performances in a pair of postseasons helped forge a Hall of Fame-caliber career.

Taken by the Chargers with the first overall pick in the 2004 draft, Manning was traded to the Giants on draft night and went on to lock down their quarterback spot for nearly 16 years.

While Manning was never an All-Pro, he helped lead six playoff berths and deliver two Lombardi Trophies. He came up huge against the vaunted Patriots in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI, and he was named the MVP of both championship games.

And while Manning was a pure pocket passer who was often at his best in the postseason, he was incredibly durable for New York over the years. He started 210 consecutive games before Ben McAdoo decided to bench him in 2017.

Manning's 57,023 passing yards and 366 passing touchdowns both rank 11th all-time.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 17

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 58

23. Dan Fouts

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x OPOY, 6x Pro Bowler, 2x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: 86-84-1 (50.3%); Pass: 43,040 Yds, 254 TD, 242 INT, 58.8 Comp%, 80.2 Rating; Rush: 476 Yds, 13 TD; 21 4Q Comebacks; 23 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 15 (San Diego Chargers)

Dan Fouts put up some truly gaudy numbers in his heyday.

Playing in Don Coryell's pass-heavy offense, Fouts led the NFL in passing yards four straight seasons from 1979-1982. In three of those seasons, Fouts threw for over 4,000 yards—including two seasons with over 4,500.

In 1981, he led the NFL in passing attempts (609), completions (360), passing yards (4,802) and passing touchdowns (33) while averaging over 300 yards per game through the air. That year, Fouts made the Pro Bowl for the fourth of what would be five straight times. At the time, those 4,802 yards were the most in a single season in NFL history.

The following season, Fouts was named the league's Offensive Player of the Year. At the end of his 15-year NFL career, Fouts had thrown for over 43,000 yards—a franchise record at the time. In 1993, Fouts was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

He may never have won a Super Bowl, but Fouts was one of the best pure passers the NFL has ever seen.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 15

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 51

22. Jim Kelly

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 5x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: 101-59 (63.1%); Pass: 35,467 Yds, 237 TD, 175 INT, 60.1 Comp%, 84.4 Rating; Rush: 1,049 Yds, 7 TD; 21 4Q Comebacks; 28 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 11 (Buffalo Bills)

An argument could be made that Jim Kelly is the most successful quarterback of the Super Bowl era to never lift the Lombardi Trophy. A Bills icon and first-ballot Hall of Famer, Kelly helped lead Buffalo to four straight Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s.

While the Bills didn't win any of those championship appearances, getting to four consecutive title games—a feat no other franchise has matched in the Super Bowl era—is an incredible accomplishment. Kelly had several of those during his historic career.

In addition to winning four AFC championships and leading eight playoff campaigns, Kelly made five Pro Bowls and one first-team All-Pro roster. He posted a 9-8 record in the postseason and threw for 3,863 yards and 21 touchdowns in the playoffs alone.

One of the most prolific passers of the '80s and '90s, Kelly was an in-game tactician and a master of uptempo offense. He racked up 35,467 yards and 237 touchdowns in only 11 seasons. Those figures rank 35th and 36th, respectively, on the all-time passing list.

All of that came after a prolific two-year career with the USFL's Houston Gamblers. Kelly threw for 9,842 yards and 83 touchdowns in those two seasons and was the USFL MVP in 1984.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 16

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 43

21. Warren Moon

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x OPOY, 9x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 102-101 (49.8%); Pass: 49,325 Yds, 291 TD, 233 INT, 58.4 Comp%, 80.9 Rating; Rush: 1,736 Yds, 22 TD; 25 4Q Comebacks; 35 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 17 (Houston Oilers, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks)

Moon is the biggest gaffe by NFL general managers in league history.

After going undrafted in 1978, Moon spent the first six seasons of his professional career in Canada, where he was dominant on a Gretzky-esque level—five straight Grey Cups, two Grey Cup MVP awards and a CFL Most Outstanding Player nod in 1983.

Then the NFL noticed Moon was pretty good at the whole football thing. And even more history was made.

Moon spent 17 years in the NFL with four different teams, primarily in Houston. He threw for over 4,000 yards four times. Made the Pro Bowl a whopping nine times in 10 years. And led the league in passing twice. He's the all-time leading passer in Titans/Oilers history.

Moon never won a championship in the States, but when all was said and done, he had thrown for 49,325 yards and 291 touchdowns—both of which rank inside the top 20 all-time. Throw in the 21,000-plus yards he threw for in Canada, and he'd be top-five in that category.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006—the first CFL player, undrafted quarterback and Black signal-caller to get into Canton.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 12

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 32

20. Matthew Stafford

Top Accolades: 1x SB Champion, 1x MVP, 3x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 1x Comeback Player of the Year

Key Stats: Record: 120-118-1 (50.2%); Pass: 64,516 Yds, 423 TD, 196 INT, 63.5 Comp%, 92.4 Rating; Rush: 1,357 Yds, 15 TD; 39 4Q Comebacks; 50 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 17 (Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams)

Matthew Stafford just keeps adding to what should eventually be a Hall of Fame career. Even if the 38-year-old decides he doesn't want to continue playing in 2026 and beyond, he's made a strong case for Canton.

With an elite bag of arm talent, delivery angles and field vision, Stafford has been making highlight-reel throws since he entered the NFL.

While Stafford never found postseason success in Detroit, he had a prolific career as one of the best players in franchise history. The 45,109 passing yards he produced with the Lions alone would put him inside the top 20 all-time. The 282 passing touchdowns he had in Detroit are more than Joe Montana had in his entire career.

Of course, Stafford was traded to the Rams in 2021 and has added to his resume in the five years since. He's led more playoff campaigns in L.A. (four) than he did in Detroit (three), has appeared in two NFC title games with the Rams, and won the Super Bowl in his first campaign with the franchise.

Though Stafford didn't get back to the Super Bowl in 2025, he led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns while earning his first league MVP. His 64,516 career yards and 423 touchdowns rank sixth and seventh, respectively, on the all-time list.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 15

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 40

19. Troy Aikman

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x SB MVP, 3x SB Champion, 6x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 94-71 (57.0%); Pass: 32,942 Yds, 165 TD, 141 INT, 61.5 Comp%, 81.6 Rating; Rush: 1,016 Yds, 9 TD; 15 4Q Comebacks; 20 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 12 (Dallas Cowboys)

Cowboys legend Troy Aikman may not have had the gaudy passing numbers of some other first-ballot Hall of Famers, but it's impossible to overstate his impact on the NFL landscape or his place in franchise history.

Aikman arrived in Dallas as the first overall pick in the 1989 draft. While the UCLA product joined a rebuilding Cowboys team and had a rough rookie season, he was a Pro Bowler and a playoff starter by Year 3. By Year 4, Aikman was a Super Bowl champion.

The Cowboys went on to win three Super Bowls in four years while appearing in four straight NFC title games under Aikman's guidance. In short, the Dallas dynasty of the '90s wouldn't have been possible without him.

A precise, efficient pocket passer, he developed a knack for delivering when it mattered the most.

Aikman played his entire 12-year career with the Cowboys, delivering three championships, six division titles and eight playoff berths. He made six Pro Bowls, won one Super Bowl MVP and led the league in completion percentage in 1993. His 32,942 career passing yards rank 47th on the all-time list.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 12

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 34

18. Kurt Warner

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 2x MVP, 1x SB MVP, 1x SB Champion, 4x Pro Bowler, 2x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 67-49 (57.8%); Pass: 32,344 Yds, 208 TD, 182 INT, 65.5 Comp%, 93.7 Rating; Rush: 286 Yds, 3 TD; 7 4Q Comebacks; 11 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 12 (Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, St. Louis Rams)

Kurt Warner's football journey is the stuff of storybooks.

Undrafted out of Northern Iowa in 1994, Warner spent time as a camp arm with the Packers before playing for the IFL's Iowa Barnstormers and NFL Europe's Amsterdam Admirals. However, he latched on with the Rams in 1998 and went on to become a franchise icon.

When Trent Green was injured in a 1999 preseason game, Warner took over, led St. Louis to a 13-3 record, won Super Bowl XXXIV and helped create the Greatest Show on Turf. A pure pocket passer, Warner used arm talent and anticipation to carve up many a secondary.

He led three consecutive playoff runs with the Rams, returning to the Super Bowl after the 2001 season. After six years with St. Louis and a forgettable season with the Giants, he then reemerged as a star with the Cardinals.

In 2008, Warner helped Arizona reach its only Super Bowl in franchise history, which the Cardinals narrowly lost to Pittsburgh.

While leading two different franchises to a conference championship was likely the feat that got Warner into the Hall of Fame, he had an incredible overall career. He finished it with four Pro Bowls, five playoff berths, a 67-49 record, 32,344 passing yards and 208 passing touchdowns.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 13

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 25

17. Roger Staubach

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x SB MVP, 2x SB Champion, 6x Pro Bowler, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 85-29 (74.6%); Pass: 22,700 Yds, 153 TD, 109 INT, 57.0 Comp%, 83.4 Rating; Rush: 2,264 Yds, 20 TD; 13 4Q Comebacks; 21 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 11 (Dallas Cowboys)

For the Dallas Cowboys, Roger Staubach was their Captain America". He led them to a pair of Super Bowl victories despite a Thanos-level threat in the "Steel Curtain" Pittsburgh Steelers defense dominating most of the 1970s.

The 1963 Heisman Trophy winner didn't even become the Cowboys' starting quarterback until 1971 at 29 years old because of a four-year Naval commitment, which included a tour of Vietnam until 1967. Then, Staubach spent time backing up Craig Morton before finally taking over at QB1.

Staubach was known for his artful way of playing the position. He was a mobile quarterback who ran for more than 300 yards during three different seasons. While that number doesn't sound as impressive in retrospect, it also doesn't reflect how well he extended plays and helped his offense move the ball when necessary.

Roger the Dodger retired with the NFL's best passer rating, though his number has long been surpassed by dozens of quarterbacks thanks to the NFL's pass-first evolution. From a historical perspective, Staubach is also credited for popularizing the term "Hail Mary" when he said a little prayer that was answered upon connecting with Drew Pearson for a 50-yard touchdown to beat the Minnesota Vikings in the 1975 playoffs.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 10

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 35

16. Ben Roethlisberger

Top Accolades: 2x SB Champion, 1x OROY, 6x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 165-81-1 (66.8%); Pass: 64,088 Yds, 418 TD, 211 INT, 64.4 Comp%, 93.5 Rating; Rush: 1,373 Yds, 20 TD; 41 4Q Comebacks; 53 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 18 (Pittsburgh Steelers)

The loaded 2004 NFL draft class featured legendary quarterbacks Eli Manning, Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger. Of the three, Roethlisberger went on to have the most prolific playing career.

Roethlisberger will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2027, and it'll be a surprise if he isn't a first-ballot inductee. Strong-armed and incredibly difficult to bring down in the pocket, he could generate big plays as well as anyone during his era.

Selected 11th overall by the Steelers, Roethlisberger was a starter early in his rookie season and held down Pittsburgh's starting job for 18 years. Along the way, he appeared in three Super Bowls with the Steelers, won two and helped deliver an astounding 12 playoff appearances.

Pittsburgh won eight division titles under Roethlisberger's watch.

Big Ben was a six-time Pro Bowler who led the league in passing yards twice. He compiled a 165-81-1 record in the regular season and a 13-10 record in the postseason.

Roethlisberger's 64,088 passing yards and 418 passing touchdowns rank seventh and ninth, respectively, on the all-time list. His 5,972 postseason passing yards are fourth on the all-time list.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 12

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 24

15. Terry Bradshaw

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x MVP, 2x SB MVP, 4x SB Champion, 3x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 107-51 (67.7%); Pass: 27,989 Yds, 212 TD, 210 INT, 51.9 Comp%, 70.9 Rating; Rush: 2,257 Yds, 32 TD; 15 4Q Comebacks; 23 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 14 (Pittsburgh Steelers)

In 14 years spent entirely in Pittsburgh, Terry Bradshaw never led the NFL in passing yards. He surpassed 3,000 passing yards in a season only twice. Bradshaw's 27,989 career passing yards ranks 69th in league history, behind the likes of Jake Plummer and Jon Kitna.

But Bradshaw was also a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 1989, and for good reason.

There are two quarterbacks in the history of the NFL who have four Super Bowl wins and zero defeats under their belts. Bradshaw is one of them.

The Steelers went back-to-back twice. The second-time (Super Bowl XIII and XIV), Bradshaw won consecutive Super Bowl MVP awards.

Only five other players in league history have two of them.

Bradshaw admittedly played on a loaded team, but he led the team in passing touchdowns twice and was the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1978. When the Steelers needed Bradshaw to step up, he almost always came through.

The history of the NFL at the position can't be told without him.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 3

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 30

14. Bart Starr

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x MVP, 2x SB MVP, 2x SB Champion, 5x NFL champ, 4x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro

Key Stats: Record: 94-57-6 (59.9%); Pass: 24,718 Yds, 152 TD, 138 INT, 57.4 Comp%, 80.5 Rating; Rush: 1,308 Yds, 15 TD; 18 4Q Comebacks; 17 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 16 (Green Bay Packers)

Vince Lombardi and the toss sweep were synonymous with the 1960s Green Bay Packers, which often downplays Bart Starr's importance to the one-time dynasty. The Packers didn't win five championships over the course of seven seasons without Starr setting the tone for the team and directing the offense.

In today's world, too many would proclaim that Starr was a game-manager.

"Bart was rarely the best quarterback in the league on a statistical basis," Hall of Fame guard Jerry Kramer once said. "But for three hours each Sunday, he was—almost always—the best quarterback in the game in which he was playing."

A quarterback's primary objective is to operate the system as efficiently as possible. Lombardi referred to Starr as "the smartest quarterback I ever saw."

The Packers' signal-caller did lead the NFL in passer rating and completion percentage during four different seasons. Most importantly, Starr's team won at the highest level, including setting the table in the first and second Super Bowls for what the event is today.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 4

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 40

13. Fran Tarkenton

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x MVP, 1x POY, 9x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 124-109-6 (51.9%); Pass: 47,003 Yds, 342 TD, 266 INT, 57.0 Comp%, 80.4 Rating; Rush: 3,674 Yds, 32 TD; 29 4Q Comebacks; 33 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 18 (Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants)

The NFL's original dual-threat quarterback helped the Minnesota Vikings experience tremendous success throughout the 1970s, though the team came up short in the Super Bowl on three different occasions during a four-season span.

Fran Tarkenton and the Vikings found their most success during his second stint with the franchise. Between the 1972 and '78 seasons, Minnesota's quarterback won an MVP award, became a first-team All-Pro and led the NFL in passing touchdowns, completion percentage and passing yards—each in a different season.

But the Georgia product built his reputation as The Scrambler.

Tarkenton ran for more than 300 yards in seven of his first eight seasons and contributed 32 career rushing touchdowns. While those numbers don't stack up today in a world where the best athletes now line up behind center, Tarkenton still ranks eighth among quarterbacks in total rushing yardage. Steve Young finds himself just ahead of Tarkenton in the category, but he never produced a similar stretch of rushing performances.

To this day, the 6'0", 190-pound Tarkenton remains an inspiration for quarterbacks with similar body types and skill sets.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 11

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 26

12. Otto Graham

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 3x NFL champ, 4x AAFC champ, 5x Pro Bowler, 7x All-Pro, 3x UPI MVP

Key Stats: Record: 57-13-1 (80.3%); Pass: 23,584 Yds, 174 TD, 135 INT, 55.8 Comp%, 86.6 Rating; Rush: 882 Yds, 44 TD; 12 4Q Comebacks; 10 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 10 (Cleveland Browns)

Otto Graham's greatness can be summed up in just one game. As it happens, it was his first in the NFL.

After dominating the All-American Football Conference so thoroughly that the league dissolved, the Browns joined the NFL in 1950. Their first game was against the two-time defending champion Eagles in Philadelphia. Leading up to the game, the Eagles openly derided the Browns and their "gimmicky" pocket passing attack. Called them a "minor league" team.

The Browns piled up 487 yards of offense, Graham threw for 346 yards and three scores, and the Browns waxed the Eagles, 35-10. Cleveland went 10-2 that year and won the NFL championship in its first season in the league.

Graham led the AAFC in passing three times and the NFL twice. He was a Pro Bowler every season he was in the NFL and was the MVP three times. He was inducted into Canton in 1965. And most impressively, over 10 years in the AAFC and NFL, Graham's Browns played for 10 championships.

That's right. He played for the title. Every. Single. Year.

The Browns went 7-3 in those games.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 3

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 61

11. Johnny Unitas

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 3x MVP, 1x SB Champion, 10x Pro Bowler, 5x All-Pro, 3x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 118-63-4 (63.8%); Pass: 40,239 Yds, 290 TD, 253 INT, 54.6 Comp%, 78.2 Rating; Rush: 1,777 Yds, 13 TD; 34 4Q Comebacks; 38 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 18 (Baltimore Colts, San Diego Chargers)

Before Tom Brady and Joe Montana entered the sports lexicon, Johnny Unitas existed as the standard by which all quarterbacks were defined.

Unitas, who was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers but never played for them, became the NFL's first quarterback to win three Associated Press MVP awards, helped lead the Baltimore Colts to three championships between the 1959 and 1967 seasons, led the league in passing yardage four different times and went to 10 Pro Bowls.

Upon retirement after the 1973 campaign, having played 18 seasons, Unitas was the NFL's all-time leading passer. The Golden Arm produced 40,239 passing yards, which still ranks 25th in league history even though he started his career in the 1950s and played during the dead-ball era.

In fact, the five-time first-team All-Pro became the first quarterback to throw for 30 touchdowns in the (12-game) regular season. His record of leading the NFL in touchdown passes during four consecutive campaigns wasn't duplicated until five decades later when Drew Brees finally broke it.

Often, an individual's accomplishments are mitigated based on the period in which they played. Unitas was good enough to play in any era.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 5

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 13

10. Dan Marino

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x MVP, 1x OPOY, 9x Pro Bowler, 3x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 147-93 (61.3%); Pass: 61,361 Yds, 420 TD, 252 INT, 59.4 Comp%, 86.4 Rating; Rush: 87 Yds, 9 TD; 33 4Q Comebacks; 47 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 17 (Miami Dolphins)

Dan Marino is arguably the greatest pure arm talent in NFL history. Period. Full stop.

To call his right arm a cannon is an understatement. And in an era when 4,000 passing yards was a big year, Marino did the unthinkable and threw for 5,000 yards. It's legitimately the equivalent of 6,000 passing yards in a season today.

Not only was Marino the first quarterback to hit five grand, but it was over 25 years before Tom Brady and Drew Brees did it again—in 2011.

During that historic season (his second), Marino won both Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year. It was the first of three straight seasons that he led the league in passing—a feat he would accomplish five times over 17 years.

Marino tallied a gaudy 61,361 passing yards over a career that got him inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. At the time, that was the most passing yards in NFL history.

Brett Favre didn't pass him until 2007.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 5

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 23

9. Steve Young

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 2x MVP, 1x SB MVP, 3x SB Champion, 1x OPOY, 7x Pro Bowler, 3x All-Pro, 2x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 94-49 (65.7%); Pass: 33,124 Yds, 232 TD, 107 INT, 64.3 Comp%, 96.8 Rating; Rush: 4,239 Yds, 43 TD; 13 4Q Comebacks; 16 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 15 (San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Though Steve Young was the second quarterback involved with the 49ers' dynasty of the 1980s and 1990s—the first being Joe Montana—that shouldn't diminish his place in franchise or NFL history.

Young began his career with the USFL's Los Angeles Express and was selected by the Buccaneers with the first overall pick in the 1984 supplemental draft. However, he was traded to San Francisco in 1987, and there, he became the eventual heir to Montana.

While Young only won one Super Bowl as the 49ers' starter, he led the franchise to seven playoff berths. The BYU product also earned a place in NFL history as a premier dual-threat signal-caller. In fact, his combination of elite rushing ability and passing efficiency may never be matched.

A seven-time Pro Bowler, three-time first-team All-Pro, two-time regular-season MVP and one-time Super Bowl MVP, Young is unquestionably one of the best to ever do it. He compiled a 94-49 record as a regular-season starter with an 8-6 record in the postseason.

Young finished his career with 33,124 passing yards, 232 passing touchdowns, 4,239 rushing yards, 43 rushing touchdowns and an impressive 96.8 career quarterback rating.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 5

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 15

8. Drew Brees

Top Accolades: 1x SB MVP, 1x SB Champion, 2x OPOY, 13x Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 172-114 (60.1%); Pass: 80,358 Yds, 571 TD, 243 INT, 67.7 Comp%, 98.7 Rating; Rush: 752 Yds, 25 TD; 36 4Q Comebacks; 53 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 20 (New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers)

Drew Brees' NFL career had two distinct chapters, though he's known best as the longtime face of the New Orleans Saints.

A second-round pick of the Chargers in 2001, Brees spent four seasons as their starter before a significant shoulder injury eventually caused San Diego to turn the page to Philip Rivers. The Chargers did make Brees a free-agent offer, but it was a relatively modest one.

While the torn labrum Brees suffered in his throwing shoulder made him a risk, the Saints jumped at the chance to add him in 2006 and never regretted it. The 13-time Pro Bowler went on to lead New Orleans to nine playoff berths, seven division titles and a win in Super Bowl XLIV.

A master of timing, accuracy and anticipation, Brees was one of the best pure passers of his era, as evidenced by some truly eye-popping statistics. He led the NFL in passing yards seven times and led the league in completion percentage six times.

Brees finished his career with 80,358 passing yards and 571 passing touchdowns, which both rank second all-time, behind only Tom Brady.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 5

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 16

7. Brett Favre

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 3x MVP, 1x SB Champion, 1x OPOY, 11x Pro Bowler, 3x All-Pro, 2x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 186-112 (62.4%); Pass: 71,838 Yds, 508 TD, 336 INT, 62.0 Comp%, 86 Rating; Rush: 1,844 Yds, 14 TD; 28 4Q Comebacks; 43 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 20 (Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets)

Known for his thrilling playing style and larger-than-life personality as much as for his on-field success, Brett Favre was the sort of quarterback who excited just about everyone who watched him.

For more than a decade-and-a-half, Favre was the face of the Packers, though he didn't begin his career in Green Bay. A second-round pick of the Falcons in 1991, he was traded to the Packers in 1992 and quickly took the league by storm. With a rocket arm, underrated elusiveness and an aggressive approach, Favre was flat-out fun.

While He only won one Lombardi Trophy, he led Green Bay to two Super Bowl appearances, 11 playoff berths, four NFC Championship Games and seven division titles in 16 seasons. Favre then spent a year with the Jets before playing two seasons with the Vikings.

He reached his fifth NFC title game with Minnesota after the 2009 season.

A three-time MVP, three-time passing leader, four-time passing touchdown leader, three-time first-team All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowler, Favre was also a true iron man for the modern era. His 297 consecutive starts represent an NFL record that may never be broken.

Favre's 71,838 passing yards and 508 passing touchdowns both rank fifth on the all-time career list. His 5,855 postseason passing yards also rank fifth in NFL history.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 6

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 14

6. John Elway

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 1x MVP, 1x SB MVP, 2x SB Champion, 9x Pro Bowler

Key Stats: Record: 148-82-1 (64.1%); Pass: 51,475 Yds, 300 TD, 226 INT, 56.9 Comp%, 79.9 Rating; Rush: 3,407 Yds, 33 TD; 31 4Q Comebacks; 40 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 16 (Denver Broncos)

John Elway's career began and ended in wildly dramatic fashion—with a whole lot of greatness in between.

It started with Elway's now-famous snubbing of the Colts, which led to him landing in Denver. It ended with him riding off into the sunset after a second straight championship in Super Bowl XXXIII as the MVP of the game.

Those championships erased all doubt about Elway's status as an all-time great after he lost the game three times in four years in the '80s. But the reality is that rings or no, Elway is one of the best the NFL has ever seen at his position.

He was a nightmare for opposing defenses. He was big. Mobile. Incredibly difficult to bring down. He extended plays and ran the scramble drill as well as anyone ever has.

Nine Pro Bowls. An MVP nod in 1987. The Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004. Over 51,000 passing yards—over three times more than any other Broncos quarterback ever.

Other than that, he was just OK.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 4

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 12

5. Aaron Rodgers

Top Accolades: 4x MVP, 1x SB MVP, 1x SB Champion, 10x Pro Bowler, 4x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 163-93-1 (63.4%); Pass: 66,274 Yds, 527 TD, 123 INT, 65.1 Comp%, 102.2 Rating; Rush: 3,634 Yds, 36 TD; 25 4Q Comebacks; 37 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 21 (Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers)

Aaron Rodgers may or may not return to play in 2026 at age 42. Whatever he decides to do, his status as a first-ballot Hall of Famer has already been cemented.

The Cal product was drafted 24th overall by the Packers in 2005, when Brett Favre was still playing at a high level. And while Rodgers had to wait behind Favre for three years, he hit the ground running and never looked back.

With an elite blend of arm strength, athleticism, accuracy and efficiency, Rodgers was a truly appropriate heir to Favre.

Rodgers had Green Bay in the playoffs in his second season as a starter and won Super Bowl XLV in Year 3. In 15 years as the Packers' starter, he delivered 11 playoff berths and eight division titles. He was a 10-time Pro Bowler, a four-time first-team All-Pro, a four-time regular-season MVP, a one-time Super Bowl MVP and led the league in passing touchdowns twice.

While the bulk of Rodgers' production came in Green Bay, his story didn't end when he was traded to the Jets in 2023. After a torn Achilles and one disappointing season in New York, he reemerged as a playoff quarterback with the Steelers in 2025.

Rodgers' 66,274 passing yards and 527 passing touchdowns rank fifth and fourth, respectively, on the all-time list. With 6,040 postseason passing yards, only Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have thrown for more.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 4

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 14

B/R Community Run-off Ranking: 5

4. Patrick Mahomes

Top Accolades: 2x MVP, 3x SB MVP, 3x SB Champion, 1x OPOY, 6x Pro Bowler, 2x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 95-31 (75.4%); Pass: 35,939 Yds, 267 TD, 85 INT, 66.2 Comp%, 100.8 Rating; Rush: 2,665 Yds, 19 TD; 20 4Q Comebacks; 24 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 9 (Kansas City Chiefs)

You can write a book about Patrick Mahomes' career highlights and his role in the Kansas City Chiefs' dominance from 2018 to 2024, though here's why he's already one of the greatest to play the game.

By age 30, Mahomes won two league MVPs, claimed three Super Bowl MVPs, led the NFL in passing touchdowns and QBR twice and passing yards once. He's thrown for 30,000 yards and 250 touchdowns faster than any player in history.

In terms of postseason production, Mahomes is sixth in passing yards (5,814) and second in passing touchdowns (46) with a 67.7 percent completion rate, which is better than any signal-caller with more than six playoff starts.

You get the picture.

Mahomes has earned acclaim for his individual accolades, the pace at which he's achieved them, and his contributions to the Chiefs' attempt at a historic three-peat.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 3

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 7

B/R Community Run-off Ranking: 4

3. Peyton Manning

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 5x MVP, 1x SB MVP, 2x SB Champion, 2x OPOY, 14x Pro Bowler, 7x All-Pro, 1x Comeback Player of the Year, 3x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 186-79 (70.2%); Pass: 71,940 Yds, 539 TD, 251 INT, 65.3 Comp%, 96.5 Rating; Rush: 667 Yds, 18 TD; 43 4Q Comebacks; 54 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 17 (Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts)

Peyton Manning played the quarterback position at a higher level from the neck up than anyone else who's ever walked onto a football field. Drafted No. 1 overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 1998, his ability to assess defenses, manipulate them to his liking and surgically pick them apart came across like he had a computer chip lodged into his brain.

He basically served as his team's offensive coordinator, play-caller and starting QB. 

Even when Manning's physical ability started to fail after requiring neck surgery during his 14th season and he no longer had feeling in his fingertips, he still joined the Denver Broncos, set NFL records with 5,477 passing yards and 55 scoring tosses in a single season, earned his fifth MVP award and basically willed his team to a Super Bowl victory based solely on his ability to consistently place his offense in the right play on every snap. Then, The Sheriff rode off into the sunset. 

The two-time Super Bowl champion ranks third all-time with 71,940 passing yards and 539 passing touchdowns. He has the most MVP awards and first-team All-Pro nods among quarterbacks, as well as the most seasons with at least 4,000 passing yards.

Manning redefined the quarterback position based on how he thought his way through games, displayed a relentless work ethic to reach that level of preparation and accumulated yardage. 

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 2

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 5

B/R Community Run-off Ranking: 3

2. Joe Montana

Top Accolades: Hall of Famer, 2x MVP, 3x SB MVP, 4x SB Champion, 1x OPOY, 8x Pro Bowler, 3x All-Pro, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 117-47 (71.3%); Pass: 40,551 Yds, 273 TD, 139 INT, 63.2 Comp%, 92.3 Rating; Rush: 1,676 Yds, 20 TD; 26 4Q Comebacks; 28 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 15 (Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers)

With all due respect to Joe Burrow, the real "Joe Cool" retired from the NFL two years before he was born.

San Francisco 49ers legend Joe Montana wasn't the biggest quarterback. He certainly wasn't the fastest. He didn't have the best arm in the game. But he was an absolute assassin.

Montana is one of only two quarterbacks in NFL history with four Super Bowl rings without a loss. Two of those championships came courtesy of last-minute drives from a player whose veins were filled with ice water when it mattered most.

Montana was the perfect quarterback for Bill Walsh's West Coast Offense. He led the league in completion percentage five times. But he could hurt you vertically as well. In 1989, he led the league in passing yards per game, won the first of two straight MVP awards and led the Niners to the most lopsided victory in Super Bowl history—a 55-10 dismemberment of John Elway's Broncos.

He won his third Super Bowl MVP award that year, making him the first player in NFL history to do so.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 1

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 4

B/R Community Run-off Ranking: 2

1. Tom Brady

Top Accolades: 3x MVP, 5x SB MVP, 7x SB Champion, 2x OPOY, 15x Pro Bowler, 3x All-Pro, 1x Comeback Player of the Year, 1x Bert Bell Award

Key Stats: Record: 251-82 (75.4%); Pass: 89,214 Yds, 649 TD, 212 INT, 64.3 Comp%, 97.2 Rating; Rush: 1,123 Yds, 28 TD; 46 4Q Comebacks; 58 GW Drives

Total Seasons: 23 (New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

While he was never the biggest, fastest or most physically gifted quarterback in any given season, it's hard to argue that Tom Brady wasn't the best to ever do it.

A sixth-round pick out of Michigan in the 2000 draft by the New England Patriots, Brady entered the NFL with good size (6'4") and few other characteristics that stood out. However, he worked his way into a starting role with an elite work ethic and eventually became a star.

By his playing prime, Brady could see the field as well as anyone, anticipate defenses better than most and put the ball anywhere on the field. His blend of touch, accuracy, anticipation and pocket presence made him the ultimate clutch quarterback. Remarkably durable, he never missed time due to injury outside of the torn ACL he suffered in 2008.

Brady ended his 23-year career with almost every meaningful passing record in the books, including an all-time best 89,214 passing yards and 649 passing touchdowns. His 13,400 postseason passing yards are almost double those of Peyton Manning, who comes in at No. 2 with 7,339.

A three-time MVP, five-time Super Bowl MVP, three-time first-team All-Pro and 15-time Pro Bowler, Brady is also as decorated as they come. Oh, and he started in a full one-sixth of all Super Bowls that have been played to date, winning seven of them—six with New England and one with Tampa Bay.

That's right, Brady owns more Super Bowl rings than any single NFL franchise.

Highest Top 99 Ranking: 1

Lowest Top 99 Ranking: 2

B/R Community Run-off Ranking: 1