I am looking for the “next great debate” in the comment section of this post. I originally intended to write a post on my 12 Most Favorite Athletes…which became 12 Most Favorite Football Players…which narrowed down to 12 Most Qualitatively Awesome Quarterbacks of All Time! Let me tell you, it is tough to find suitable adjectives/adverbs that start with “q”. I did not think these men would appreciate being called “queenly” or something much worse!
I base this list on who I feel had a big impact for their team or just helped to grow my love for the sport. You will see some quarterbacks listed who were wildly successful in college but may or may not make it at the next level. You will also pick-up on some noticeable exceptions that do not make the list that are considered GOATs (Greatest Of All Time) by others.
Enjoy…and comment, of course!
Troy Aikman is my favorite quarterback of all time. I caught the tail-end of Roger Staubach’s career, and then I watched Danny White have success but never win the big one. Then Aikman came into the league and spent the first few years on his backside while the Cowboys built up an offense. After fighting off the Steve Walsh competition (didn’t he play for The Eagles…no that was Joe Walsh), he went on to win three Super Bowls. He displayed accuracy, durability through 11 concussions, and a leadership to hold his teammates accountable. FYI, I also like him as a color commentator for today’s NFL football games.
Colt McCoy had the tough task of following Vince Young after Vince won a National Championship for the University of Texas. However, I always thought Colt was a far better quarterback. He should have played in two national championships, but the “broken BCS” sent Oklahoma to the national championship game in 2008 even though Texas beat OU by 10 points that year! He got Texas back to the national championship the next year, and he was knocked out of the game in the first offensive series! I also thought he was a more complete quarterback than Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow yet both of them beat Colt in the Heisman races. I think he will flourish in the NFL in the right system (fingers crossed).
Peyton Manning has been the class of the NFL his entire career. After finally “getting over the hump” and winning a Super Bowl in 2006, he had the complete resume. He should have won a second Super Bowl in 2009, but the rookie Indy head coach played too conservatively and the Colts lost to the New Orleans Saints. Peyton is well-spoken and is a superb role model and face of the NFL. His understanding of his offense, and the ability to call the plays in-game, are unparalleled. I only hope his career doesn’t end prematurely based upon the after-effects of his neck surgery.
Drew Brees was cast off by the San Diego Chargers, and the New Orleans Saints are grateful! Besides guiding the Saints to their first Super Bowl win in 2009, he was the perfect quarterback for a region hit hard by Hurricane Katrina. Brees should be the face of the New Orleans franchise for a few more years, and he will be part of Saints lore forever. He is an intelligent, accurate, and vocal leader for his team.
Is Aaron Rodgers the class of the NFL right now? He rode the pine for three years behind an iconic (and I think over-rated) Brett Favre. Rodgers is now the most efficient quarterback in the NFL for one of the most prolific offenses. He graciously deflects all comparisons to Favre even though he knows he will probably far exceed Favre’s success if not his longevity. He is an ideal, squeaky-clean quarterback for a small-market team with a wholesome image.
Even though I grew up a Dallas Cowboys fan, I still admired John Elway. It seemed like he single-handedly got the Denver Broncos to three Super Bowls in the 1980’s, and he was destroyed by the Giants, Redskins and 49’ers. However, he prevailed to win consecutive Super Bowls in 1997 and 1998 and has a signature play that shows up on just about every NFL highlight reel.
Vince Young won Rookie of the Year when he came out of college, but he has struggled since then. Part of those struggles originated when he started hearing the crowd boo him and his team while playing for the Tennessee Titans. Vince was previously accustomed to a loving fan base because he was a legend at the University of Texas on his way to a national championship and 2nd place showing in Heisman voting. His individual abilities, and will to win, were extraordinary to behold when beating Michigan in the Rose Bowl in 2005 and beating USC for the National Championship in 2006. I hope he comes out of his funk at the pro level.
Has there been a bigger lightning rod in the NFL than Tim Tebow? His fundamentals are terrible, he has days he can’t throw the ball in the ocean, he was getting sacked like potatoes in his first two games that he started in 2011, and people ridicule his faith and values…and he just keeps winning with grit followed by a smile and humility. He makes my list because of his great attitude and compassion off the field. He also won a Heisman and a couple of National Championships in college!
Joe Montana earned his nickname of Joe Cool. His calm demeanor and leadership took the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl wins and produced a legendary play simply called “The Catch” (which hurts to mention as a Cowboys fan). I also enjoyed his duel against John Elway in a 1994 Monday Night Football game. Incredible drama with Montana coming out on top!
Tom Brady is one of those guys I would prefer to root against. His career is truly the stuff of legend, and he is Mister GQ of the NFL, but I always vote for Peyton Manning as the better quarterback between the two. I think Manning would have as many Super Bowls in that New England system. However, Brady’s accuracy and leadership are undeniable. He has also shown a willingness to defer salary to get better teammates around him. I always value the player that places a priority on team goals versus self.
Dan Marino will always be known as having one of the fastest releases in the game. Most pundits would probably put him in the top 5 quarterbacks of all time. I really wish he could have won a Super Bowl because he put up incredible statistics and carried a Miami Dolphins team many times.
Tony Romo narrowly edges out Jim Kelly, and I guess that is because I still follow the Dallas Cowboys (even though the Denver Broncos are my #1 team nowadays). Jim Kelly had four Super Bowl appearances and brought a linebacker mentality to the quarterback position. I loved it!! However, I enjoy the accuracy, fun and creativity that Tony Romo can bring to a game. He is in one of the most brutal football markets when it comes to the fans and the press passing harsh judgment. Yet he generally carries himself with a smile as he graciously accepts criticism. I hope he gets a championship sometime in his career.
Others that did not make the short list even though I still appreciate what they brought to their team and the game: Jim Kelly, Roger Staubach, Danny White, Jim McMahon, Boomer Esiason, Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, Dan Fouts, and Doug Flutie.
Others that did not have enough of the selfless, or at least inspirational, leadership to make my longer list include Brett Favre, Ben Roethlisberger, Jay Cutler, and Philip Rivers. Steve Young was a great quarterback, but I thought he was over-rated compared to Troy Aikman.
Any noticeable omissions that you would like to add to the comments? Here is a great list to jog your memory: Quarterbacks by Passer Rating
I love my wife and two daughters. I am blessed in that I also love my job as a principal and EVP of the Rocky Mountain Region for Mantis Technology Group. I am very excited about our Pulse Analytics SaaS social media monitoring solution for measuring consumer sentiment and supporting social engagement. I enjoy teaching and coaching. I graduated UT-Austin.
Interesting list... some too early for the list. Several favorites, especially Peyton Manning. Seems to be a good person and, obviously, sorely missed!
@ThinDifference Well, if I was making a more "by pro numbers" list, then Colt McCoy, Vince Young and Tim Tebow would fall off the list. I would replace those with Staubach, Bradshaw and Jim Kelly! @deleted_91832_Sean McGinnis then gets a Steelers QB on the list (and I get another Cowboy on there).
When Eli Manning come to Green Bay, it was like Eli who, where was he? He sure looked small.
Same with Tim Tebow. I didn't know who he was until he came to play at Green Bay. Green Bay seems to chop them big names down.
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Brian - Not a bad list, but alitle heavy on the Longhorn slant. Being a life-long Packer fan, my list would be slanted NFL and former Green and Gold greats. It's interesting how we perceive things through our own personal prisms! That's what makes life great and can cause some passionate exchanges (Ever been at a game sitting next to a Bear's fan?) Keep the lists coming... by the way, Bart Starr and Brett Favre would be in my QB dozen!
@ClarkSchafer Thanks for the comments, Clark...glad you stopped by on this lively discussion. I have some unprovens on there, and then you take someone like Favre who was record-setting. I just never bought into the gunslinger act. I heard Rodney Harrison one time say he would much rather go against Favre than Rodgers because he knew that Favre would ultimately make a mistake by believing too much in his own abilities.
He also tainted the legacy with the retirement scenario(s) and texting.
I think Rodgers will become Green Bay's best QB of all time.
@dbvickery@ClarkSchafer I got you on Favre! It'll be interesting to see how history treats him.. the star but flawed QB or the off the field joke of his last season (In time, I think it will be the former). I agree with you on Rodgers. When he's driving the team down the field, you have confidence he's going to do something great. When Brett drove it, especially a crunch time, I had great anticipation I'd see something amazing but tempered with a fear he'd make a stupid decision and tear my heart out and stomp on it! Being in Big 12 country... I did appreciate Vince and Colt in college! Brian, thanks for the fun discussion!
This season I don't even know there other teams or quarterbacks besides the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers. When the other quarterbacks some to town we seem to chop them down.
@jodineibeme If I went back that many generations, I easily could have come up with another 12-24 QBs ;) I pretty much kept it to Active QBs and the immediately prior generation (Aikman, Montana, Marino).
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I don't know how many comments you'll get from English people here in England - here's one. As a kid I followed the Seahawks and was a huge Dave Krieg fan. A down to earth guy with some great stats and more than enough inconsistency to make him human. His partnership with Steve Largent was something special and despite his inconsistency I never felt that Krieg got the recognition he deserved. I'll never forget him throwing 400+ yards and four touchdowns v the Raiders in 1988. I nenevr saw him play live, though I did fly from London to Denver to see John Elway - man he was goooooood! A great post Brian - thanks
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Big Ben didn't make your list because he didn't have enough "selfless, or at least inspirational, leadership?!" Really?! This is a man who, in addition to leading his team to playoff contention every year since joining the league and becoming the youngest QB every to win a Super Bowl, has exhibited a dedication to the game and his team so deep that he comes back into games on broken bones, sprains, concussions, and more. Just this week, as he limped back onto the field on a high-ankle sprain to lead the team to victory, the ESPN commentators and twittersphere alike said that his performance cemented him as "the toughest QB in the NFL" and "one of the greatest QBs." Lots of people don't like the Steelers, for various reasons, but c'mon. Give some credit where credit is due!Incidentally, I'm a QB snob since I grew up in the Cradle of Quarterbacks - western PA - and have followed the careers of many of our region's finest... native PA QBs, QBs who went to western PA colleges, and Steelers QBs! Two on your list (Dan Marino & Joe Montana) as well as one QB just edged out of #12 (Jim Kelly) are all "ours" - along with Joe Namath, Matt Schaub, Tyler Palko, Charlie Batch and the GREAT Johnny Unitas!
@AVDawn A great list of QBs definitely came out of PA. And if I did it purely on who I thought the greats were, then Jim Kelly, Terry Bradshaw and Roger Staubach would have replaced Colt McCoy, Vince Young and Tim Tebow. However, I had to get a couple Longhorns on there because they had fantastic college careers and were inspirational to the Longhorn Nation. And Tim Tebow was a fantastic leader at the college level. He has come on to go 7-1 as a starter, has the press and pundits dogging him for his faith and QB fundamentas, and he just finds a way to win. Yes, he has had exceptional support from the defense, but it is a special ride and truly inspirational (especially if you are living it in Denver like I am). And the kid carries it with tremendous grace.
Big Ben has the stuff of legend, and he is arguably the toughest QB in the league. However, his idiocy with a motorcycle and then foolishness in a bar reflected badly on both his judgment...and his character in the latter case. And both of those scenarios put his team's success at risk. Thus, he doesn't make my list.
@AVDawn You said it! I'm not a Steelers fan but I admit they have has some amazing teams and QB's.
On this list, Peyton Manning is my favorite, both on and off the field. Being a born and bred NYGiant fan, I can't help wishing that little bro Eli was added as well. Thinking waaay back, probably Y.A. Tittle could use a mention here as well!
Cheers! enjoy the games today!
@WineEveryday I think Peyton is the class of the NFL and represents well both on and off the field (and has a powerful "brand"). As for little bro Eli, I thought he was always the whiny little brother that was crying for his due. However, this season...and last night...he has proven he has taken the next step towards greatness. I always put Rodgers/Brees/Brady at the top of the Active QB list, but Eli has proven he could be in that short list right now.
Brian, I haven't watched football in like 10-15 years, but I was fanatical as kid. Troy Aikman. John Elway. Joe Montana. Dan Marino. Brings me back. Also, I think Dan deserves a little extra kudos for his role in Ace Venture: Pet Detective ;-)
@douglaserice Somebody needs to write an article about 12 Most Awesome Movie Cameos by Sports Stars, Doug ;). I'm thinking Kareem/Airplane...Ditka with Will Ferrell...etc
@douglaserice Space Jam was even goofier than Airplane...and Michael was definitely played up more than a simple cameo ;)
I don't know much about football, but I know a LOT about the Green Bay Packers - husband and family are insane fans. Glad to see Aaron Rodgers on your list - if for no other reason than that he's cute. Please, no penalties for being a dumb girl!
@Sharon Greenthal Wow, Sharon...I didn't consider Cuteness factor (OK, anybody watch Master of Disguise or is that just a Vickery thing). Then you must like Mr GQ Tom Brady then, right? Notice that Sanchez and Leinert did not make my list ;)
I think Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady are the class of the NFL right now...hands down.
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@dbvickery Tom Brady is a little too cute for me, but I do like Sanchez. And Leinart gets bonus points for being from USC. However my heart belongs to the Packers due to extreme indoctrination by those around me...and yes, Drew Brees is pretty fantastic too.
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Great post, Brian!
There’s no one I enjoyed watching play more than Joe Montana (which includes Jerry Rice too, of course). Just sayin’.
Hey, I think these Saturday 12 Most posts have legs! What say you???
@PaulBiedermann I think Lifestyle and Sports topics are great Saturday posts. We are hopefully wearing different hats and striving for some life balance. Wines, resort areas, recipes, FOOOOOOTBAAAAAAALLLL! Yeah, I dig it ;)
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Still don't like football - but I like you Brian!
Happy Saturday and enjoy the sporty commentary. :)
Fabulous post!
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@PegFitzpatrick <whistle> Unsportsmanlike posting on a Football Blog Post....@PegFitzpatrick. Results in a penalty of 15 Kred Points. Automatic first down @dbvickery !
Latest blog post: "Kloutman" (Sung to The Beatles "Taxman")
@BrandFlair@PegFitzpatrick Love the Happy Saturday and the unsportsmanlike 15 Kred point penalty...hilarious.
Brian, I'm a BIG Bronco fan too, Glad that Elway is on the list! He was awesome to watch from the stands. Even though I'm a fan of Tebow, thinking it maybe a little earlier for the younger ones on the list. Some others Namath, Star ...
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Terry Bradshaw for sure. Colt is cool (Hook'em Horns) but he is still just a pup and needs to prove himself. Elway's running play in the Super Bowl vs Packers was beast. So glad you posted this today. Read it while making Eggs, bacon and muffins for the family.
Latest blog post: "Kloutman" (Sung to The Beatles "Taxman")
@BrandFlair Nice breakfast to have while reading about NFL QBs, John ;) I am worried that Colt played himself out of a job on Thursday, but he did throw one pick...and almost another one...after going back in with a concussion!! He needs a great offensive coordinator running West Coast offense for shorter/accurate passes. He needs a healthy running game (Hillis), and his receivers can't have bricks for hands. Meanwhile, he needs a full offseason to get better on reads, progressions, etc.
Yeah, Bradshaw should be on the list as a QB, and I love what he has given to the game with his colorful and humorous commentary over the years.
@DWesterberg Kurt Warner was a special player with a special story, for sure. I really loved his game, and he should have won that Super Bowl against the Steelers! That is why he made my "almost made it" list.
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@dbvickery@GrandmaOnDeck Broadway Joe was THE man in my house when I was growing up in NY!
@GrandmaOnDeck Both were excellent...and Namath will always be a legend for carrying out his guarantee (uh, as well as for the underwear ad).
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@deleted_91832_Sean McGinnis Stabler was a crafty one! And I really liked Jim Kelly w/his linebacker mentality. If I went back to Fran, then that would have opened the door for another 12 QBs ;) Ben is a winner, but he will never make my list because I did consider citizenship. He has also jeopardized his team's success with his off-field follies (motorcycle and bar scene). Yeah, per my earlier comments you are right about Terry. He has given much to the game, and he was the ideal QB for Pittsburgh mentality.
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@deleted_91832_Sean McGinnis I agree because Big Ben was built for legendary status. Holds the ball too long, takes vicious hits, shrugs off tacklers...and wins. Another strike against him...he did NOT get in the endzone against the Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
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@deleted_91832_Sean McGinnis Which is incredible. I worked with him just prior to his rookie season — nice guy but had no personality and terrible teeth. Now look at him! Hope for us all!
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@deleted_91832_Sean McGinnis A great follow up post would be greatest color commentary men who played in the NFL. Montana would not make that list. Bradshaw tops it!
Latest blog post: "Kloutman" (Sung to The Beatles "Taxman")
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@BrandFlair@deleted_91832_Sean McGinnis I agree that Troy Aikman is the best color commentary going right now. And I love how Bradshaw has transitioned to the studio and really drives the ratings there w/his antics as well as his insight.
This list is a tough one for me, Brian.
Colt McCoy is not a name to be uttered in my presence, as we have discussed.
John Elway broke my heart twice, so I can't really like him (although I guess he was pretty okay).
And I just had a natural dispensation to dislike Troy. I have no idea why :)
One I would add to this list is Eli Manning. His work with the Giants in the playoffs a few years ago was pretty darned phenomenal, in my opinion.
Great post :)
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@margieclayman Hah Margie, I definitely "understand" our differences at this point coming from a Browns fan! Several folks didn't like Troy...probably like I have issues with Brady sometimes. He won 3 Super Bowls for a team people love...or HATE.
I can't add Eli. He's too much of a "I'm elite too" guy. He had a great Super Bowl run, he's a great citizen in a tough sports town and he's played decent throughout his career. But he is still a huge step behind his big brother and most of the folks on this list (if you are tossing out the unprovens I have)
I agree with your list. Especially with Tim Tebow.He makes many yards rushing. He makes many touchdowns, and the most important he inspires his teamates to be winners.If your team does not protect the pocket then your gr8 passes are useless.Maybe he is not the standard NFL Quarter back, but he wins and loves the game.
@GrandmaOnDeck Living here in Denver it is astounding to see. It's also fun to watch John Elway every time Tebow makes a play. He and Fox were hoping he would fail spectacularly, so they could draft a QB without having an angry mob. Personally, I think they plan on Tebow as starter next year with a full offseason. Draft defensive tackle, cornerbacks and physical running back!
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I watch this kid from high school-they said he would never make it in college. I watched him through college winning the Heisman Trophy & a National Championship. The media started right out saying he was not a quarterback because couldn't throw-but what a creative jump shot he did to a receiver in the end zone to win a crucial game college game.The media was not giving this young man a chance like they did Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, or Cam Newton. Give him the receivers like Percy Harvin & those great Pouncy Twins
who all played with him for the Gators and some of those throws will be caught.
Pouncys gave him time to throw and Harvin gauranteed a catch while Tim ran for 1st downs and touch downs.
@GrandmaOnDeck True, and as always, Tebow is a lightning rod (even on this 12Most post). If I'm starting a team from scratch folks, I'm taking Rodgers or Brees ;)
@dbvickery@GrandmaOnDeck Well said db. I would disagree on the credit and blame. Look at us. Cutler is out and we stink. You may have a great car but without the engine your not going anywhere. History and stats will show that the QB is the lynchpin. You have to have a mediocre QB to get somewhere, we did, lol. (When Cutler was bad and our past QB's) What a great QB and a horrible QB bring to a team most often does make or break the team. Yes, he cant win it alone but he can lose it alone. Team spirit is great but it's not always the truth. One person CAN lose a game and a season for a team.
For Tebow it's all just hype and waaaaaaaaaaay to early to even talk about him in sports news. It's all smoke and mirrors.
And Grandma, I'm one of the few women in the world who has played quaterback for a pro tackle womens football league. And you dont have to have played to have a valuable opinion. You could also be more right than commentators who played the game. To me, stats talk and the BS can walk. I dont care how nice the QB is, JUST WIN. That stuff only counts after the game. Tebows hype and press are a 11 on a 1 to 10 scale and his stats are a 5...maybe. This is how it seems to me.
Sometimes players are judged by those Sunday Chair Quaterbacks
and paid for what they say Commentators who some times forget all about character.Regardless, if the person brings the winning spirit, and shares success with his team, and does win so be it.Your list was suppose to be all time Quarterbacks. Tebow is just breaking in the Denver Football scene.
@AmberEFT@GrandmaOnDeck This is a perspective that likely to be in one of my pending blog posts, Amber. QBs get too much credit, and they take too much blame.
You have to take the full package with Tebow. Does he deserve to make a list of best QBs in the NFL...perhaps never (although Elway started worse, and look where he ended). Same goes for Colt and Vince Young. In Tebow's case, you do have to talk wins over stats, though. His stats are pedestrian bordering on terrible, but his 4Q QB-rating is one of the best in the biz right now. He also does a good job of deflecting the praise and recognizing he has had fantastic defensive support and a great running game.
And what the Bears did...and what the Cowboys did in the late game...inexplicable. But this is sports, and we all have our favorites and our criteria.
Enjoy the ride, folks...regardless of your team!
@GrandmaOnDeck With all do respect I get how you would be a fan watching this guy for many years but I feel the team and the QB are soooooooo overated. They were 7 and 5 and now 8 and 5. That does not deserve all the overblown media coverage. They are not 13-0 or anything close. All the teams that have better records have better QB's. This Tebow train is a joke to me. It's like you are all drinking the purple coolaid or something. Everybody is going crazy over a 8 and 5 QB? Really? No, REALLY? Yes Denver fans will care but all the media hype is BS and needs to be spent on winning QB's not lucky ones. IF they get to the playoffs and win a few then maybe he can qualify as a good QB, not great, just good. Then if he performs next season he is on his way to really good. And this last win was a joke! The Bears totally gave them the game (Twice) with all their mistakes that had nothing to do with Tebow. Barber running out of bounds gave them the win Period. And the Bears shut the team down cold the first half, and we dont have a good team anymore. Now your talking about a 7 and 5 QB. If your going to talk QB's then talk wins and stats, not press and hype. There are very few Greats out there and right now Rogers is on his way to be in the group which is hard for me to say as a Bears fan who's never had any great or barely good QB, I just get to watch Farve and Rogers kill us almost every season. So jump off the train Press, as it never left the station even though you all try to act like it has. It's as bad as a political election.
