Standing Tall

By Peyton Schultze

Peyton Manning and Tom Brady formed one of the greatest rivalries in sports history during their time together in the AFC (via Business Insider).

Every single year, there’s rumblings of who the next great quarterback will be in the NFL Draft. Whether it’s comparisons to the greats such as Joe Montana or Tom Brady or rising stars such as Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, draft analysts always find a way to hype up plenty of prospects in the event they tap into their potential. However, the reality is that none of these players end up becoming the “next Manning” or the “next Favre”. While each of the top quarterback targets in this year’s draft has plenty of hype alongside their name, they are the ones who will pave their own path in the NFL and possibly become a true legend of the game like the greats of the past.

With just two days remaining until the Bengals are on the clock in the 2020 NFL Draft, here’s our list of the top ten quarterbacks in the history of the National Football League.

Honorable Mentions: Steve Young, Ben Roethlisberger, and Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers’ prime years in Green Bay are some of the best single seasons of all-time (via Washington Post).

Young was truly a freak of nature during his career with the San Francisco 49ers. Taking over for an icon in Joe Montana was already hard enough, but Young took the stage and found immense success in the Bay Area. With a rare blend of size, speed, and accuracy, Young was a true treat to watch on Sundays with his relentless playing style that saw the Niners win one Super Bowl with him under center. Although he may not have had the longevity of other quarterbacks of his age, Young is an all-time great and set the bar for future mobile quarterbacks to enter the league.

Roethlisberger has been underappreciated for large portions of his career, especially considering his clutch reputation down the stretch in big moments. While he may not have massive numbers during his playing days like his predecessors in Manning and Brady, the two-time Super Bowl champion is already a Steelers’ icon and has a playoff pedigree to that is hard to come by. Big Ben’s size, strength, and awareness in the pocket makes him one of the most unique talents to ever play, and there’s no doubt he will be in Canton one day.

Rodgers happens to be the most controversial out of any selection due to his brash nature and peak performances over the course of his career. With some huge moments in big games and some of the most ridiculous numbers at the position in NFL history, Rodgers is a surefire lock for the Hall of Fame and still has several years left in the tank at this point in his career. Another Super Bowl victory would certainly thrust Rodgers into the top ten and secure his legacy as one of the most talented football players of all-time.

10. Terry Bradshaw

Terry Bradshaw’s Steelers were surely one of the greatest dynasties in the history of the league (via FanBuzz).

Pittsburgh Steelers (1970-1983)

4-Time Super Bowl Champion, 2-Time Super Bowl MVP, 1-Time League MVP, 3-Time Pro Bowler, 1-Time All-Pro, 27989 Passing Yards (61st All-Time), 212 Touchdowns (36th All-Time), 3901 Pass Attempts (61st All-Time), 14 Playoff Wins (3rd All-Time)

He may be more well-known now for being the lead FOX NFL Sunday personality on TV these days, but Terry Bradshaw was no slouch on the field in his illustrious career. Over the course of his thirteen year career with the Steelers, Bradshaw helped carry the load for Pittsburgh’s dynamic passing attack under Chuck Noll that was significantly ahead of its time. In addition, Bradshaw’s awesome offense was backed up by several Hall of Fame talents such as Lynn Swann, Franco Harris, and John Stallworth, forming one of the most recognizable offensive units of all-time. Yet Bradshaw’s greatness largely comes from his standout performance in the postseason, where he was able to capture fourteen playoff wins and four Super Bowl titles in all. His performances in Super Bowls alone is the stuff of legends, especially considering the quality of opponents the Steelers were matching up with back then. The Steel Curtain dynasty of the 70’s and 80’s may be more known for its hard-hitting defense than anything, but there is no denying that Bradshaw’s play on the field was a major reason why they became one of the most significant teams of all-time.

9. Roger Staubach

Staubach’s impressive play over the course of his career set his place in Cowboys’ lore forever (via Jewish Telegraphic Agency).

Dallas Cowboys (1969-1979)

2-Time Super Bowl Champion, 1-Time Super Bowl MVP, 6-Time Pro Bowler, 22700 Passing Yards (94th All-Time), 153 Touchdowns (87th All-Time), 11 Playoff Wins (5th All-Time), 21 Game-Winning Drives (51st All-Time), 83.4 Passer Rating (48th All-Time)

Captain Comeback of the Dallas Cowboys comes in at ninth on the list due to his status as one of the game’s most popular players and greatest winners in the Super Bowl era. Staubach was the main leader of the Dallas Cowboys during their Super Bowl runs of the 1970’s, tossing for 153 touchdowns over the course of his illustrious career. Considering the fact that the league was not yet as prolific in the passing game as it is today, Staubach’s numbers are way ahead of his time and illustrate why he currently holds the title of the greatest quarterback in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. Roger the Dodger also happened to have some true flair while playing the position, consistently moving in and out of the pocket to avoid danger before throwing the ball downfield. His style of play is seen all throughout the NFL in today’s game, especially in mobile talents such as Russell Wilson and Patrick Mahomes. Names like Tony Romo and Dak Prescott have come and gone, but Staubach’s transcendent play remains the gold standard of greatness among America’s Team.

8. Brett Favre

Favre’s gunslinger mentality at the position made him one of the most fun players to watch in NFL history (via Madison.com).

Atlanta Falcons (1991), Green Bay Packers (1992-2007), New York Jets (2008, Minnesota Vikings (2009-2010)

1-Time Super Bowl Champion, 1-Time Super Bowl MVP, 11-Time Pro Bowler, 3-Time League MVP, 3-Time All-Pro, 71838 Passing Yards (4th All-Time), 508 Touchdowns (4th All-Time), 10169 Passing Attempts (1st All-Time), 43 Game-Winning Drives (5th All-Time), 297 Consecutive Starts (Longest Ever)

It wasn’t always pretty, but there is no doubt that few players have ever had as much fun playing football than Brett Favre. After being traded to Green Bay after not playing much in his rookie year with the Falcons, Favre showed Packer fans what they had been missing for a while with his unique style of play. With one of the biggest arms at the position in league history, Favre made some of the boldest and craziest throws the game has ever seen, which is why he also is the all-time leader in interceptions thrown. Favre also happens to be one of the most enjoyable players to watch in NFL history due to his scrambling style, which was ever on display in his lone Super Bowl win with the Packers in Super Bowl XXXI. The gunslinging quarterback has also had his fair share of iconic moments, such as a miraculous Monday Night Football game on the road versus the Raiders less than a week after his father had passed, which has sealed his legacy as the Packers’ best quarterback in franchise history along with other stars such as Bart Starr and Aaron Rodgers. Favre also had a late career stint with the Vikings that came up just short of another Super Bowl appearance in a loss in the NFC Championship Game versus the Saints, which would have given him another shot at a ring. But in the end, Favre’s legacy is summed up by his effort in putting together the league’s longest Iron Man streak by playing 297 consecutive games over the course of his career, which is as impressive as any kind of feat in the history of the league. Some of his choices on-the-field could have driven you crazy, but it’s clear that there will never been another Brett Favre.

7. Drew Brees

Brees’ small stature in the pocket may have discouraged some early on, but there’s no doubt he is one of the game’s greatest quarterbacks (via CBS Sports).

San Diego Chargers (2002-2005), New Orleans Saints (2006-present)

1-Time Super Bowl Champion, 1-Time Super Bowl MVP, 1-Time All-Pro, 13-Time Pro Bowler, 77416 Passing Yards (1st All-Time), 547 Touchdowns (1st All-Time), 281.5 Passing Yards Per Game (1st All-Time), 67.6 Completion Percentage (1st All-Time), 50 Game-Winning Drives (2nd All-Time)

One of the most underrated players in the history of the sport, Brees is the current holder of some of the most prestigious records in NFL history such as passing yards and passing touchdowns. But it hasn’t always been easy for him. After starting his career in San Diego with the Chargers, Brees was cast away to open up a spot for youngster Philip Rivers due to concerns over his durability and small size at only 6 feet. Yet after deciding late not to sign with the Miami Dolphins in the following free agency period, Brees took his talents to New Orleans to form one of the greatest offensive duos in history alongside head coach Sean Payton. Brees recaptured football in the city, especially after New Orleans suffered a massive amount of damage back in 2005 due to Hurricane Katrina, and the Saints found some immediate success with Brees at quarterback. The right-handed quarterback’s career jump-start was capped off in Super Bowl XLIV with a stunning victory over Peyton Manning and the Colts, which gave Brees the game’s MVP honors and his only Lombardi Trophy in his illustrious career. Since then, Brees has only continued his outstanding level of play, consistently putting up huge numbers and keeping the Saints in the playoff race in the NFC. The last chapter of Brees’ book hasn’t been written yet, but it’s clear that one more Super Bowl victory would life his league status even higher and to immense heights with some of the greatest quarterbacks the league has ever seen. Brees proved the stereotype model for a quarterback isn’t always what scouts say it is, which makes him one of the true legends of the game.

6. Johnny Unitas

Johnny Unitas’ advanced play set the table for generations of quarterbacks still to come (via The Read Optional).

Baltimore Colts (1956-1972), San Diego Chargers (1973)

4-Time NFL Champion, 1-Time Super Bowl Champion, 3-Time League MVP, 5-Time All-Pro, 10-Time Pro Bowler, 40239 Passing Yards (21st All-Time), 290 Touchdowns (15th All-Time), 78.2 Passer Rating (89th All-Time), 2830 Passes Completed (33rd All-Time)

Unitas was one of the most influential players of all-time during his playing days, combining accurate precision in the pocket with timely play down the stretch in close games. The right-handed quarterback is certainly one of the most recognizable names from the early days of the NFL, and many traits that he possessed on-the-field have influenced the quarterbacks of today’s game. Unitas’ four titles surely put him in a class of his own for the era he played in, and his passing numbers from a different time for offensive football is truly shocking when you look at it on paper today. With 40,239 passing yards and 290 passing touchdowns over the course of his long career with the Colts and final season in San Diego with the Chargers, Unitas was a perfect example of the developing role of a quarterback in the National Football League. There’s certainly a case to be made that Unitas could translate his game to any era of football over the past 50 years, and it’s not a long shot to say there’s a good chance he would be even better in the passing league of today’s game.

5. John Elway

John Elway’s epic end to his career sealed his football legacy as one of the best to ever suit up (via Today Show).

Denver Broncos (1983-1998)

2-Time Super Bowl Champion, 1-Time Super Bowl MVP, 1-Time League MVP, 9-Time Pro Bowler, 51475 Passing Yards (9th All-Time), 300 Touchdowns (12th All-Time), 31 Comebacks (6th All-Time)

John Elway may not have had as big of numbers as some others on this list, but the league would not be what it is today without him. Since coming out of college at Stanford as one of the elite prospects in league history, Elway was thrust onto the picture in Denver and forced to perform at a high level nearly right away. And did he ever. Although his regular season numbers often weren’t as high as many people would project for Elway, the quarterback lacked a ton of targets on the outside for much of his career but still found a way to produce year in and year out. “The Drive”, Elway’s late 98-yard drive to tie the game versus the Browns in the 1986 AFC Championship Game, remains one of the most impressive playoff feats in NFL history, and he and the Broncos found a way to make five Super Bowls over the course of his career. And although the gunslinger would drop each of his first three appearances on the league’s biggest stage, Elway’s last two seasons in the league were as special as anyone’s in NFL history. With back-to-back titles with an impressive group of Broncos such as Shannon Sharpe, Rod Smith, and Terrell Davis, Elway was able to get all of the previous playoff pressure off his back and sealed his legacy as one of the game’s best winners. The lasting image of the popular Bronco remains his helicopter run in Super Bowl XXXII, which was a perfect example of just how much Elway was willing to put on the line in order to win each and every week.

4. Dan Marino

Marino’s style of play was truly ahead of his time during his playing days in the 80’s and 90’s (via The Athletic).

Miami Dolphins (1983-1999)

1-Time MVP, 3-Time All-Pro, 9-Time Pro Bowler, 61361 Passing Yards (5th All-Time), 420 Touchdowns (5th All-Time), 4967 Passes Completed (5th All-Time), 47 Game-Winning Drives (3rd All-Time), 33 Comebacks (5th All-Time)

It is somewhat of a shame that Dan Marino’s career has been defined by his lack of a Super Bowl win to solidify his status as arguably the best quarterback ever, because he was truly one of the most explosive quarterbacks of all-time. Before revolutionary passing attacks would invade the league years later, Marino was already slinging the ball all over the field for the majority of his career in Miami. With the fifth most passing yards and touchdowns of all-time, Marino came to be known for his huge arm and impressive play in and outside of the pocket. By sitting near the top of the league almost yearly, including his impressive second year in the league that goes down as one the best season of all-time, Marino was almost in a league of his own in terms of his talent and production for large parts of his career. Yet the only thing that holds him back from moving up higher on the list is his lack of huge postseason success. Marino’s Dolphins were almost able to get it done for one time back in 1984, but fell short at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. It is too bad that more people aren’t able to recognize the greatness of Marino based on his influence in today’s passing league alone, but that doesn’t mean that he is not one of the best players at the quarterback position in NFL history.

3. Joe Montana

Joe Montana’s glory days with the 49ers made him one of the most recognizable players in NFL history (via Los Angeles Times).

San Francisco 49ers (1979-1992), Kansas City Chiefs (1993-1994)

4-Time Super Bowl Champion, 3-Time Super Bowl MVP, 2-Time League MVP, 3-Time All-Pro, 8-Time Pro Bowler, 40551 Passing Yards (20th All-Time), 273 Touchdowns (17th All-Time), 16 Playoff Wins (2nd All-Time), 92.3 Passer Rating (15th All-Time)

Few players have been as accomplished in league history as Joe Montana, the signal caller of the 49ers during their dynasty of the 1980’s. Montana shined on the field under head coach Bill Walsh over the course of his career, capturing two league MVPs and winning four Super Bowls in impressive fashion. Forming one of the greatest offensive units of all-time alongside studs such as Jerry Rice, Dwight Clark, and Roger Craig, Montana’s 49ers also became one of the most popular teams in America with the former Notre Dame product under center. The laid-back leader’s career is highlighted by several iconic moments in the history of the league, including “The Catch” against the Dallas Cowboys and the “John Candy Drive” in Super Bowl XXIII versus the Cincinnati Bengals. Although he eventually departed San Francisco after the 49ers found their prize of the future in the talented Hall of Famer, Steve Young, Montana finished his time in San Francisco by becoming arguably the greatest player to ever put on a helmet and shoulder pads. Montana also found some solid success in his final chapter when he finished his career in Kansas City, making the playoffs in both of his successful years with the Chiefs. Joe Cool may have been eventually passed up by two of the greatest modern quarterbacks to ever play, but there’s no denying he is one of the greatest, and most important, players in the history of the league.

2. Peyton Manning

Manning’s two Super Bowl wins with two different teams separate him from some of the game’s greats (via Mile High Report).

Indianapolis Colts (1998-2011), Denver Broncos (2012-2015)

2-time Super Bowl Champion, 5-time League MVP, 14-time Pro Bowler, 7-time All-Pro, 1-Time Super Bowl MVP, 65.3 Completion Percentage (9th All-Time), 71940 Passing Yards (3rd All-Time), 539 Touchdowns (3rd All-Time), 54 Game-Winning Drives (1st All-Time)

Perhaps the greatest regular season player in the history of the sport, Manning is one of the most revolutionary players to ever suit up in the NFL. Drafted with the first overall pick by the Colts back in 1998, Manning took the football world by storm and turned the city of Indianapolis from a basketball town into a football city. Manning struggled near the beginning of his career in Indy, even throwing the most interceptions in a rookie season, but eventually transformed the league with a dynamic passing attack alongside superstar talents such as Marvin Harrison, Dallas Clark, and Reggie Wayne. Eventually capturing his lone title with the Colts in Super Bowl XLI, Peyton was named the Super Bowl MVP and sealed his fate early on as one of the greats. Years of success continued for #18 and the Colts, even making another Super Bowl in which they fell at the hands of the New Orleans Saints, until he hit a major block in the road. Manning then suffered a devastating neck injury that many thought would end his career, before he made a triumphant return to the field and signed with the Denver Broncos. Manning’s time with the Broncos was just as special as ever, returning for two Super Bowl appearances and putting together one of the best offensive seasons of all-time in 2013. The 6’5 signal caller called it a career after Denver’s miraculous run to a Super Bowl-winning year in the 2015 season, which punched his ticket as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

1. Tom Brady

Tom Brady’s six Super Bowl wins have earned him the mantle of the GOAT throughout the NFL (via Patriots Wire).

New England Patriots (2000-2019), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020-present)

6-Time Super Bowl Champion, 3-Time League MVP, 14-Time Pro Bowler 3-Time All Pro, 4-Time Super Bowl MVP, 30 Playoff Wins (1st All-Time), 74571 Passing Yards (2nd All-Time), 541 Touchdowns (2nd All-Time), 45 Game-Winning Drives (4th All-Time)

There’s a reason that many people call him the GOAT. Brady, the six-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, reigns supreme as the greatest quarterback to ever play the position. Entering the league as a little-known sixth round draft pick back in 2000, Brady worked his way into the starting lineup once longtime starter Drew Bledsoe went down with a brutal head injury in a game versus the Jets in 2001. Instead of just filling the time until Bledsoe’s return, Brady took over for good and never looked back. Winning three Super Bowls in the first four full seasons of his career as the starter, Brady shot near the top of the league in terms of statistics on an almost yearly basis and looked like he was already well on his way to Canton. Brady also put together one of the most sensational seasons ever back in 2007, where the Patriots would find themselves only one game short of a perfect, undefeated season. After success from the 2000’s carried over into three more crucial Super Bowl wins in the 2010’s, the quarterback sealed his legacy as the key player on the league’s longest dynasty and the greatest winner the sport has ever seen. Brady’s career has also dealt with a fair share of controversy, including ones he could control (the mysterious Deflategate situation) and ones he could not (the infamous Tuck Rule game). But those events have done virtually nothing to affect Brady’s legacy, which remains as impressive as anyone in league history. Nevertheless, the six-time champion is still going at it and is now looking to add even more to his legacy in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers. His final chapter has not been written yet, but it’s clear it will take a lot for anyone to pass him anytime in the future.