by The quarterback is the most important player on a football team.
Think of the quarterback as the team leader. He’s the one who throws the ball, makes quick decisions, and leads his team to victory.
A great quarterback can change the entire game. He calls the plays, reads the defense, and delivers passes to his teammates.
Throughout NFL history, some quarterbacks have been so good that fans still talk about them decades later.
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Top 10 Greatest NFL Quarterbacks of All Time
In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time.
These are the legends who won championships, broke records, and made football exciting.
Let’s meet these incredible players!
We also shared a detailed guide on the basic rules of American football, so new players can learn the basics first before entering the field.
Top 10 Best NFL Quarterbacks of All Time
#10 Dan Marino (1983-1999)
Who Was Dan Marino?
Dan Marino played for the Miami Dolphins for 17 amazing seasons.
He’s known as one of the best passers ever, even though he never won a Super Bowl (the championship game).
What Made Him Great?
Marino had an incredible arm. He could throw the ball far and with perfect accuracy.
In just his second year (1984), he became the first quarterback ever to throw for 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in one season. That was a huge deal!
His Big Achievements:
- 420 career touchdown passes (passes that score points)
- 61,361 passing yards (that’s like throwing the ball 34 miles!)
- 147 wins as a starting quarterback
- 1984 MVP (Most Valuable Player award)
- 9 Pro Bowl selections (like an all-star game)
Why He’s Special:
Even without a Super Bowl ring, Marino changed how the quarterback position was played. He showed everyone that a strong passing game could dominate.
Memorable Moment:
In 1984, Marino threw 48 touchdowns in a single season. No one had ever done that before. This record stood for 20 years!
#9 Drew Brees (2001-2020)
Who Was Drew Brees?
Drew Brees played 20 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the New Orleans Saints.
He’s one of the most accurate passers in football history.
What Made Him Great?
Brees wasn’t the biggest or strongest, but he was incredibly smart and accurate.
He could read defenses (understand what the other team was doing) better than almost anyone.
His Big Achievements:
- 1 Super Bowl championship (2010 season with the Saints)
- Super Bowl MVP (best player in the championship game)
- 571 career touchdown passes (second-most ever!)
- 80,358 passing yards (only he and Tom Brady crossed 80,000)
- 13 Pro Bowl selections
- 2 Offensive Player of the Year awards
- Led the league in passing yards 7 times
Why He’s Special:
Brees brought a Super Bowl to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. He became a hero both on and off the field.
Memorable Moment:
In the 2010 Super Bowl, Brees threw for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns, leading the Saints to their first-ever championship. The city went crazy with celebration!
#8 Brett Favre (1991-2010)
Who Was Brett Favre?
Brett Favre (pronounced “Farve”) played for 20 seasons, mostly with the Green Bay Packers.
He was known as a “gunslinger” because he wasn’t afraid to throw the ball anywhere.
What Made Him Great?
Favre loved taking risks. He threw some interceptions (when the other team catches your pass), but he also made incredible plays.
He played with toughness and passion. Fans loved watching him because he played with pure joy.
His Big Achievements:
- 1 Super Bowl championship (1997 season)
- 3 consecutive MVP awards (1995, 1996, 1997) — only player ever to do this!
- 508 career touchdown passes
- 71,838 passing yards
- 186 wins (tied for second-most ever)
- 11 Pro Bowl selections
Why He’s Special:
Favre’s streak of 297 consecutive starts (games played in a row) showed incredible toughness. He played through injuries that would sideline most players.
Memorable Moment:
The day after his father died in 2003, Favre played one of the best games of his career. He threw 4 touchdowns against the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football. It was an emotional and unforgettable performance.
#7 Terry Bradshaw (1970-1983)
Who Was Terry Bradshaw?
Terry Bradshaw played his entire 14-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He was a pure winner who led one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.
What Made Him Great?
Bradshaw knew how to win big games. When the pressure was highest, he played his best.
He had a powerful arm and wasn’t afraid of tough situations.
His Big Achievements:
- 4 Super Bowl championships (1975, 1976, 1979, 1980)
- 2 Super Bowl MVP awards
- 1 regular season MVP (1978)
- First quarterback to win 3 and 4 Super Bowls
- 14 playoff wins
Why He’s Special:
Bradshaw’s four Super Bowl rings came in just six years. He was the leader of the “Steel Curtain” Steelers dynasty.
His ability to win when it mattered most separates him from many other great quarterbacks.
Memorable Moment:
In Super Bowl XIII, Bradshaw threw for 318 yards and 4 touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys. He showed the whole world he was a champion.
#6 Aaron Rodgers (2005-Present)
Who Is Aaron Rodgers?
Aaron Rodgers played most of his career with the Green Bay Packers and now plays for the New York Jets.
He’s known for having one of the best arms in NFL history.
What Made Him Great?
Rodgers can make throws that other quarterbacks can’t even attempt.
He’s incredibly accurate and makes very few mistakes (interceptions).
His ability to extend plays and throw while moving is legendary.
His Big Achievements:
- 1 Super Bowl championship (2011 season)
- Super Bowl MVP
- 4 MVP awards (2011, 2014, 2020, 2021) — second-most ever!
- Over 500 career touchdown passes (top 5 all-time)
- Over 150 wins
- 10 Pro Bowl selections
Why He’s Special:
Rodgers has the best touchdown-to-interception ratio in NFL history. This means he throws way more touchdowns than mistakes.
He’s also famous for his “Hail Mary” throws — long, desperate passes that somehow work!
Memorable Moment:
In 2015, Rodgers threw a 61-yard Hail Mary touchdown as time expired to beat the Detroit Lions. The announcers couldn’t believe what they just saw!
#5 John Elway (1983-1998)
Who Was John Elway?
John Elway spent his entire 16-year career with the Denver Broncos.
He’s remembered for his powerful arm and clutch performances.
What Made Him Great?
Elway had incredible mobility for a quarterback. He could run and scramble to avoid defenders.
He never gave up, leading many comeback victories.
His Big Achievements:
- 2 Super Bowl championships (1998, 1999 seasons)
- 1 MVP award (1987)
- 148 career wins (most ever when he retired)
- 9 Pro Bowl selections
- 3 All-Pro selections
- 51,475 passing yards
Why He’s Special:
Elway finally won his Super Bowl rings in his final two seasons. After years of falling short, he got his championships before retiring.
Memorable Moment:
In the 1987 AFC Championship Game, Elway led his team 98 yards in the final minutes to tie the game. This drive is simply called “The Drive” — one of the most famous moments in NFL history.
#4 Patrick Mahomes (2017-Present)
Who Is Patrick Mahomes?
Patrick Mahomes is only 29 years old but has already accomplished incredible things.
He plays for the Kansas City Chiefs and is the best quarterback in today’s NFL.
[Explore: Patrick Mahomes Net Worth]
What Makes Him Great?
Mahomes can throw from any angle and make passes that seem impossible.
He’s creative, fast-thinking, and plays with confidence.
His arm strength and accuracy are both elite (the very best).
His Big Achievements:
- 3 Super Bowl championships (2020, 2023, 2024 seasons)
- 3 Super Bowl MVP awards
- 2 regular season MVP awards (2018, 2022)
- 17 playoff wins (second-most ever, only behind Tom Brady)
- 46 playoff touchdown passes (second-most, behind Brady)
Why He’s Special:
At only 29 years old, Mahomes is already on pace to potentially break Tom Brady’s records if he stays healthy.
He’s revolutionizing how the quarterback position is played with his creative throws.
Memorable Moment:
In Super Bowl LIV (2020), Mahomes led his team back from 10 points down in the fourth quarter to win the championship. He was only 24 years old!
#3 Peyton Manning (1998-2015)
Who Was Peyton Manning?
Peyton Manning played 18 seasons, mostly with the Indianapolis Colts, and finished with the Denver Broncos.
He was nicknamed “The Sheriff” because he controlled the offense like a general.
What Made Him Great?
Manning was the smartest quarterback ever. He could read defenses and call audibles (change plays at the line).
Watching Manning before the snap was like watching a genius at work.
His Big Achievements:
- 2 Super Bowl championships (2007, 2016 seasons)
- Record 5 MVP awards (most ever!)
- 539 career touchdown passes (third-most ever)
- 71,940 passing yards (third-most ever)
- 186 wins (tied for second-most)
- 14 Pro Bowl selections
- Set single-season records: 55 TDs and 5,477 yards (2013)
Why He’s Special:
Manning’s football IQ was unmatched. He was like a coach on the field, outsmarting opponents.
His preparation and study habits became legendary — he watched more film than anyone.
Memorable Moment:
In 2013, at age 37, Manning threw 55 touchdowns and 5,477 yards — both NFL records. He showed that quarterbacks could be great even as they got older.
#2 Joe Montana (1979-1994)
Who Was Joe Montana?
Joe Montana played 16 seasons, mostly with the San Francisco 49ers.
He was nicknamed “Joe Cool” because he never panicked in big moments.
What Made Him Great?
Montana was perfect in the biggest games. He never lost a Super Bowl — going 4-0!
He was incredibly accurate and calm under pressure.
When the game was on the line, you wanted Joe Montana as your quarterback.
His Big Achievements:
- 4 Super Bowl championships (1982, 1985, 1989, 1990 seasons)
- 3 Super Bowl MVP awards
- 2 regular season MVP awards
- Perfect 4-0 Super Bowl record
- 45 playoff touchdown passes
- 16 playoff wins (third-most ever)
- Highest Super Bowl passer rating (127.8)
Why He’s Special:
Montana’s clutch gene was legendary. He led 31 fourth-quarter comebacks in his career.
He’s considered the most clutch quarterback ever, always performing best when it mattered most.
Memorable Moment:
In Super Bowl XXIII (1989), with 3 minutes left and his team down by 3, Montana drove 92 yards and threw the game-winning touchdown with 34 seconds left. Pure magic!
#1 Tom Brady (2000-2022)
Who Was Tom Brady?
Tom Brady played 23 seasons — 20 with the New England Patriots and 3 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He is widely considered the greatest football player of all time.
What Made Him Great?
Brady combined longevity, consistency, and winning like no one else.
He was the ultimate competitor who hated losing more than he loved winning.
His work ethic, preparation, and leadership were unmatched.
His Incredible Achievements:
- 7 Super Bowl championships (2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 seasons)
- 5 Super Bowl MVP awards
- 3 regular season MVP awards
- 251 career wins (most ever by far!)
- 35 playoff wins (most ever)
- 89,214 passing yards (most ever — that’s 50+ miles!)
- 649 touchdown passes (most ever)
- 19 division titles
- 46 fourth-quarter comebacks
Why He’s Special:
Brady’s seven Super Bowl rings are more than any entire NFL franchise has won.
He won a championship at age 43, proving age is just a number.
He took teams that weren’t favored and made them champions through sheer will.
Memorable Moment:
In Super Bowl LI (2017), Brady led the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history. Down 28-3 against the Atlanta Falcons, he brought his team back to win 34-28 in overtime. Unbelievable!
Quick Comparison – Greatest NFL Quarterbacks
Here’s an easy way to compare these legendary quarterbacks:
| Quarterback | Years Active | Super Bowls Won | MVP Awards | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Brady | 2000-2022 | 7 | 3 | Most wins ever (251) |
| Joe Montana | 1979-1994 | 4 | 2 | Perfect 4-0 in Super Bowls |
| Peyton Manning | 1998-2015 | 2 | 5 | Most MVP awards (5) |
| Patrick Mahomes | 2017-Present | 3 | 2 | 3 rings before age 30 |
| John Elway | 1983-1998 | 2 | 1 | “The Drive” legend |
| Aaron Rodgers | 2005-Present | 1 | 4 | Best TD-to-INT ratio |
| Terry Bradshaw | 1970-1983 | 4 | 1 | 4 rings in 6 years |
| Brett Favre | 1991-2010 | 1 | 3 | 3 straight MVPs |
| Drew Brees | 2001-2020 | 1 | 0 | 80,000+ passing yards |
| Dan Marino | 1983-1999 | 0 | 1 | First to 5,000 yards |
Summary: The Top 10 Greatest NFL Quarterbacks
Let’s quickly recap why each quarterback made this list:
- Tom Brady – The GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) with 7 Super Bowls and every major record
- Joe Montana – “Joe Cool” was perfect in Super Bowls (4-0) and the ultimate clutch performer
- Peyton Manning – The smartest QB ever, with 5 MVP awards and incredible stats
- Patrick Mahomes – Modern superstar with 3 rings before turning 30
- John Elway – Tough competitor who finally got his championships after years of trying
- Aaron Rodgers – Most talented arm with 4 MVPs and incredible accuracy
- Terry Bradshaw – Won 4 Super Bowls in 6 years, leading a dynasty
- Brett Favre – Iron man who played 20 seasons and won 3 straight MVPs
- Drew Brees – Accuracy king who brought a championship to New Orleans
- Dan Marino – Revolutionary passer who changed the game forever
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who is the greatest quarterback of all time?
Tom Brady is widely considered the greatest quarterback ever. His 7 Super Bowl wins, 251 victories, and numerous records make him the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).
- Which quarterback has the most Super Bowl wins?
Tom Brady holds the record with 7 Super Bowl championships. Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw are tied for second with 4 Super Bowls each.
- Who is the best modern quarterback playing today?
Patrick Mahomes is considered the best quarterback currently playing. At age 29, he already has 3 Super Bowl rings and is on pace for a Hall of Fame career.
- Which quarterback is known as “Joe Cool”?
Joe Montana earned the nickname “Joe Cool” because of his calm demeanor in pressure situations. He never seemed nervous, even in the biggest games.
Who has thrown for the most passing yards in NFL history?
Tom Brady holds the record with 89,214 career passing yards. That’s like throwing the football over 50 miles! Drew Brees is second with 80,358 yards.
- Has any quarterback won more than 3 MVP awards in a row?
Yes! Brett Favre is the only quarterback to win 3 consecutive MVP awards (1995, 1996, 1997). No other player has ever achieved this.
- Who was the first quarterback to throw for 5,000 yards in a season?
Dan Marino was the first in 1984. He threw for 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns in just his second NFL season — a revolutionary achievement at the time.
Final Thoughts: Legends of the Game
These 10 quarterbacks didn’t just play football — they changed it.
They showed us what’s possible with talent, hard work, and determination.
From Tom Brady’s unmatched success to Dan Marino’s revolutionary passing, each quarterback brought something special to the game.
Whether it was Joe Montana’s clutch performances, Peyton Manning’s football intelligence, or Patrick Mahomes’ creative throws, these legends defined what greatness looks like.
Football fans will talk about these quarterbacks for generations.
They are the standard by which all future quarterbacks will be measured.
This was a simple look at the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
For more NFL player rankings, team analysis, game breakdowns, and easy-to-understand football guides, visit FieldBulls.com — your trusted NFL blog where we make American football simple and fun!
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