Holding Fort Under Pressure: Here are 10 of the Greatest NFL Quarterbacks Ever
The ongoing debate about the most exceptional quarterbacks in NFL history is an enduring one, with virtually everyone possessing a distinctive viewpoint. Within the confines of this article, we will examine the ten preeminent quarterbacks in NFL history.
1. Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning is easily in every discussion for the top five quarterbacks playing today. He has great leadership qualities and has led his team to an impressive seven consecutive twelve-win seasons. Manning holds NFL records for consecutive seasons with over 4,000 yards passing and the most total seasons with 4,000 or more yards passing in a career. He also has the second-highest efficiency rating of all time. Manning is most well known for his responsibility to call his own plays, making the Colts the best 3rd-and-4th-down team in the NFL today.
2. Tom Brady
Tom Brady, an exceptional quarterback in contemporary football, achieved a staggering feat by clinching three Super Bowl championships before the age of 26. With two Super Bowl MVP titles to his name, he also holds records for consecutive playoff victories and the highest number of completed passes in a Super Bowl. Brady's uncanny knack for snatching victory from the jaws of defeat defines his career, even though recent Super Bowl losses and the Spygate controversy have slightly tarnished his legacy.
3. Bart Starr
Bart Starr, is revered as one of the NFL's most precise and clutch quarterbacks in history, for guiding his team to an impressive five NFL Championships and two Super Bowl triumphs. Starr's remarkable record of five NFL passer rating titles still stands as proof of his passing prowess, even in an era where the passing game was less emphasized. However, his stint to a career as a head coach didn't yield the same level of success.
4. Steve Young
Steve Young's talents often live in the shadow of Joe Montana, but his achievements are remarkable. He holds several passing records, including an exceptional four consecutive seasons with a passer rating exceeding 100. With 43 career rushing touchdowns despite being a quarterback, he demonstrated extraordinary versatility. What truly sets him apart, though, is his remarkable precision as a passer.
5. Otto Graham
Otto Graham's legacy is defined by an astonishing ten consecutive championship game appearances, seven of which he won. His career passer rating of 86.6, a standout in his era, and his unmatched yards-per-attempt record in NFL history underscore his excellence. While a portion of his career was in the lesser AAFC, his performance dipped when he transitioned to the NFL, impacting his overall standing. Nevertheless, his championship prowess remains a monumental achievement in football history.
6. John Elway
John Elway's illustrious career is marked by remarkable statistics, featuring 51,475 passing yards, 300 touchdowns, and 33 rushing touchdowns across 234 games. However, what truly distinguishes Elway is his penchant for late-game heroics and clutch performances, elevating him to legendary status among football greats.
7. Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas' incredible achievements include his record of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass, which remains a remarkable feat. Unitas secured ten Pro-Bowl appearances and etched his name in history for leading his team to victory in the iconic "Greatest Game Ever Played." During the 1959 season, he threw an astonishing 32 touchdowns in a 12-game schedule, equivalent to 42 touchdowns in today's 16-game season. His leadership also yielded three championships, establishing him as a football legend.
8. Dan Marino
Dan Marino, a legendary figure in NFL history, is widely regarded as one of the greatest passers to ever grace the sport. His remarkable career was marked by Marino consistently ranking second in numerous statistical categories. What truly distinguishes him is the fact that none have managed to surpass his illustrious records. Regrettably, the absence of a championship win is the sole factor preventing him from being ranked even higher in the pantheon of football greatness.
9. Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw, known as the "Blond Bomber," secures a key spot on our list of all-time great NFL quarterbacks. Bradshaw's career thrived amidst challenging circumstances, facing formidable defenses and limited protection. He is celebrated for his remarkable passing skills, particularly during the playoffs. What truly sets him apart is his uncanny ability to orchestrate late-game heroics, as evidenced by his four game-winning drives in Super Bowl showdowns.
1. Joe Montana
In the pantheon of NFL quarterbacks, Joe Montana reigns supreme. Widely acclaimed as the greatest ever to grace the gridiron, Montana's storied career boasts four Super Bowl victories, a staggering 40,000-plus passing yards, and an impressive passer efficiency rating of 92.3. His enduring consistency, unwavering leadership, and legendary clutch performances unequivocally establish Montana as the pinnacle choice for the greatest NFL quarterback of all time.
