Ben Roethlisberger and Toughest QBs in NFL

While quarterbacks aren't regarded as the toughest bunch in the National Football League, there are a few who stand out.

Even though NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is doing his best to outlaw hitting all together, there are several quarterbacks who aren't given much protection by the officials. Then there are others who are just plain tough all around. By the end of the season everybody is hurting at least a little; some choose to tough it out and others are content sitting on the sidelines.

Brett Favre always comes to mind as one of the toughest players in NFL history. Favre holds the NFL record for consecutive starts at 297 games. He didn't miss a game from Sept. 27, 1992 all the way to Dec. 5, 2010! The closest active quarterback to this record who hasn't missed a start is Eli Manning, and he isn't even halfway there!

While some quarterbacks on this list miss games on occasion, it isn't because they didn't want to play. Some of them would play on one leg if the team allowed them to!

Here are seven of the leagues toughest quarterbacks, led by No. 7 Ben Roethlisberger.

Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger is the toughest quarterback in the National Football League.

He showed this toughness last Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns. He took a hit high and a hit low, and his ankle bent in a way that looked as though he may be done for at least a couple of games. His ankle looked like it snapped in two!

He had to be helped off of the field prior to the half and was in obvious pain. It was later determined that he suffered a high ankle sprain, yet he was still able to lead the Steelers to victory in the second half. The man could barely walk and he was out on that field.

He has been sacked more than any other quarterback in the NFL over the span of his career, and the most this season. 

While his style of play leads to a lot of these sacks, it doesn't force him to change his ways. He knows big hits will come and takes each one in stride. It doesn't help that defensive players are rarely penalized for hitting Ben Illegally. Phil Taylor punched Ben in the head on Thursday, and there was no call. His nose was nearly ripped off his face in Baltimore last season.

Chuck Norris answers to Ben Roethlisberger.

Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Vick takes a lot of big hits like Ben Roethlisberger.

Vick rarely makes it through an entire season, but he takes so many hard shots it's unbelievable. He gets right back up, similar to a boxer getting up off the canvas. There have been times where I didn't think he would be able to walk off the field.

Vick has run more often than any quarterback currently in the NFL, which leads to him taking as many hits as running backs do.

As bad as the Philadelphia Eagles have been this season, Michael still puts his body on the line each game. You can hate him for what he did in the past, but the man deserves respect for his toughness on the field.

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

As much as I dislike the way Philip Rivers acts on the field, to leave him off of this list would be flat-out wrong.

Rivers played with a torn ACL against the New England Patriots in the playoffs, and he did well. Most players at any position wouldn't risk worsening an injury that had to hurt a great deal. I've seen guys unable to stand after tearing an ACL, most in agony. 

He could continue his poor play this season for the remainder of his career, and it wouldn't change a thing. He is one of the toughest players and competitors in the National Football League.

Nobody can question his toughness, win or lose.

Eli Manning, New York Giants

Not only is Eli Manning playing as well as ever, he is always on the field for his teammates.

Manning has the longest consecutive start streak in the NFL for quarterbacks currently playing with 116 games started. He doesn't receive near the protection his brother Peyton did throughout his career either. Peyton has taken a beating the last couple of seasons, but before that he could have pitched a tent in the pocket.

If he keeps up his current level of play, he will be in this league for a long time. Who knows? Maybe he will break Brett Favre's record before he calls it a career.

I doubt he does, but either way Eli Manning has earned a right to be considered one of the league's toughest QB's.

Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler has taken an absolute pounding over the course of his career. 

Cutler is possibly done for the season after breaking his thumb making a tackle after throwing an interception. While his mistake led to his injury, you have to give the guy credit for not being afraid to hit somebody!

Prior to his current injury, Cutler had been sacked more than five times in three different games. There are times Cutler gets blown up by an unblocked defender and gets up like it was nothing. He gets hit hard and hit often!

He took a lot of heat for not playing in the playoffs last season, but eventually news broke that his injury was more severe than originally thought. All of his naysayers retracted their statements and tweets faster than I've ever seen. Jay Cutler is tougher than people think, and I won't be surprised if he returns to the field this season despite reports he is done.

Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow is the toughest fullback in the league!

All joking aside, Tebow is on my list for a different reason than the others. Not only does he take some shots on the field, but also he is criticized in the media. His own general manager, John Elway, publicly critiques Tebow's game each week in the media. He has backed off recently as Tebow improved to 7-1 as a starter.

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher was quoted after Tebow and the Broncos defeated the Bears, saying that Tebow is a "good running back."

He takes a verbal pounding from former players, current players, opposing players and countless fans.

Tebow isn't ever going to be a traditional quarterback and his winning may stop, but this has been unbelievable to watch. He doesn't react negatively towards any of his detractors either, and gives all of the credit to God and his teammates. 

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

People forget how awful the Packers offensive line has been at times.

Rodgers was sacked 31 times last season and is lucky to have avoided serious injury to this point. He gets rid of the ball fairly quickly now and is mobile; otherwise he probably wouldn't make it through a full season.

Rodgers still gets hit, but his athleticism and football intelligence cover up this weakness in the offensive line. Rodgers is widely regarded as the best quarterback in the National Football League, and has earned this praise.

It's no wonder the Packers are undefeated so far in 2011, and they may get to 19-0. As long as Aaron Rodgers is under center for the Packers, they will be Super Bowl contenders for a long time.