Brady, Manning, Brees, Rivers, Vick, Big Ben: A Golden Age for Quarterbacks

How tired is the banal complaint of athlete's salaries?   Ask yourself how much Ben Affleck's salary was for Gigli.  Answer: $12.5 million. How much does Pink earn on a record deal? Answer: Don't know. Don't care.  

Lament and moan as we do about the obscenity of player's paychecks, we must reflect upon what our era offers us and appreciate this time. The crop of quarterbacks which we are privileged, yes I am quoting Chad Pennington, to observe does warrant heartfelt gratitude.

These are legitimate stars; electrifying and thrilling athletes who bring fans legendary acts of gladiator grit. I happily shell out the additional $40 a month for my Super Sports Package that gives me my NFL Sunday Ticket and I enjoy the option of having virtually every NFL game at my fingertips.

Why, you may ask—in perfunctory fashion—do I feel there is such value in today's NFL dollar? Because of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, Michael Vick and to a lesser degree, Ben Roethlisberger. Each of these six players make every dollar I spend to watch their games a veritable steal.

While the NHL can offer Crosby and Ovechkin and the NBA delivers Kobe and guy who went to Miami, the NFL offers six stars to brighten your Thursday, Sunday and Monday!

Tom Brady is the consummate quarterback and exudes winning; he wears three Super Bowl rings and once led his squad to 21 wins in a row. An NFL first. Pre-Brady life in Patriots Nation was void of Super Bowl glory.

The game last week against the Colts was an instant classic and a script from football heaven. His AFC counterpart, Peyton Manning, is also a winning machine and rarely disappoints. This is baseball's 1947. 

Manning and Brady are tantamount to Williams and DiMaggio except there are multiple Williams and DiMaggio's around too!

Last year, Peyton was on pace for an undefeated season until his coach decided that "winning isn't everything". Not a sign seen in most locker rooms. Although the Colts succumbed to the upstart Saints in the dramatic finale, the concept remains evident: We are witnessing history.

The streaks, the mega showdowns, the intense rivals and classic games, how often does this happen in sports/life?

Drew Brees led his team to glory last season with poetic flair and drama.  Drew brought, not only to New Orleans but to the world, an everlasting feeling of much needed euphoria.

(Admittedly, some Colts fans may object.)

Like Brady, Brees brought the first Super Bowl trophy to his team. Did you ever feel the Saints were out of a game once last season? That is another reason that speaks to why these players are worth their money, their games are always intriguing regardless of the score.

The viewer always feels that these stoic commanders are capable of performing magical comebacks at any time. Even if they don't, the anticipation and possibility remains. This makes every game and each moment any of these players are in a game a treat to watch.

Philip Rivers is a "yappy" player. Normally, I do not gravitate to such personalities, but he makes it work. He backs it up with winning and gutsy play. Every snap is exciting with this guy. Despite having minimal playoff success, he is the reason the Chargers are perennial favorites to challenge for the title. 

In the shadows of Brady and Manning is Big Ben, a winner of two rings, himself. His poise, leadership and empirical success is indisputable. He is a champion. It was Ben who ended Brady's winning streak which brings even more rivalry and intensity to the league. This is akin to adding Leonard to the Hagler-Hearns era.

Still dubious that we are in a fortunate sporting era?  Look to superstar Michael Vick. No quarterback can do what he can do. Even the president of the A.S.P.C.A would admire his intelligence, sports acumen and athletic prowess.

He put up 59 points against the Redskins last Monday night on national television, throwing for an 88-yard TD and running for another 80 yards and two scores. Legitimately, he needs to be treated as someone who can throw the field for a touchdown and run the length of the field for a score on every down.

He redefines the role of quarterback every Sunday. One day, we will be the "old-timers" and reminisce about the legendary Vick and we will not need hyperbole to describe his abilities. On every snap, he is capable of creating one more accolade to add to his mystique.

Honorable Mention: Donovan McNabb. Donovan is an affable and charming guy. People will be quick to mention his four NFC championship appearances, but slow to mention that he produced no rings.

No doubt, he is skilled, intelligent and multi-faceted, but his best days are slowly waning. He seems to lack the indomitable spirit that can will a team to victory which the other players have proven they possess.

Dishonorable Mention: Brett Favre. Who knows what conspiracy theory can explain the media's fascination with this guy. They forgive him for all of his inexcusable picks on and pics off the field. After 21 seasons, he will have won a single Super Bowl ring, which he owes to Desmond Howard.

He has thrown more interceptions and fumbled the ball more than anyone, ever. With No. 4, it is not what will he do, but when will he do it. And what he will do, if you hadn't already guessed, is throw the ball into triple coverage off his back foot while running to his left for another record setting interception.

He ended the Viking's season last year will a horrific Junior High toss and knifed the Jets season in similar fashion the season prior. He is the quintessential glory hound and his plays epitomize selfishness. NO list for you! And to loosely paraphrase Eminem, "What is this guy, retarded? Give me back my $15!"

Previously, people had often spoken of the mid-'80s to late '90s as the greatest era for quarterbacks. This stellar group first entered in 1983 and 1984. The heroic Joe Montana passed the torch to capable hands: Steve Young, Warren Moon, Jim Kelly, Dan Marino and John Elway who are indeed an impressive class. Introducing them, here are:

Steve Young (1984-99): Three rings.

Warren Moon (1984-2000, sorry CFL :  No rings.

Dan Marino (1983-99): No rings.

John Elway (1983-98) No rings during the important years of the era (winner of the 1997 and 1998 seasons when the generation's reign had begun to decline).

Jim Kelly (1986-96): No rings.

Thank goodness for late arrivals. Troy Aikman (1989-2000) produced three rings and saved legitimacy to the '80s gang. As a late edition to the era, he generated the only real drama between any of these classmates. The lone great feud between any of these would have to be when Troy faced off against Steve Young and the 49ers.

However, the truth of this group is that only two of them could win the big name. The Hall of Famers will be more remembered for what they never did than their actual accomplishments, which are statistically impressive.

Outside of the NFC showdowns between Dallas and San Francisco, we are left with few classic feuds between any of these gridiron generals. Despite all this talent, no Bird-Magic drama ensued. I would take a single, modern Colts-Pats game over an entire season of games with those legends.

I reside in Toronto where there won't be a live sporting event worth attending until the UFC arrives next spring. Believe me that I have seen the other end of the sports spectrum—check the bottom of the standings to find the Leafs, Buffalo/Toronto Bills, Blue Jays and Raptors—and I can tell you where there is value for your sports dollar.

Look to the sunny days of the NFL and enjoy them as much as you possibly can! As these, my dear friends, are the good ole days!