The Greatest NFL Quarterbacks of All Time — Ranked from Legendary to Iconic

August 29, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Quarterback is the most demanding position in football — and arguably all of sports. The players on this list weren’t just great athletes; they were field generals, game-changers, and icons who redefined what it meant to lead a team. Here are the top 20 quarterbacks in NFL history, counting down from 20 to 1.

20. Lamar Jackson – Electrifying Dual-Threat Talent

Lamar Jackson has changed the blueprint for modern quarterbacks with his unmatched speed, elusiveness, and arm talent. His record-breaking 2019 MVP season showcased just how dangerous a true dual-threat can be, setting the stage for a new era of playmaking.

19. Jim Plunkett – The Ultimate Comeback Story

Jim Plunkett’s career was one of perseverance and redemption. After a rocky start, he found glory with the Raiders, winning two Super Bowls and a Super Bowl MVP, proving that resilience and timing can rewrite a legacy.

18. Len Dawson – Calm Commander of the Chiefs

Dawson was a model of grace under pressure, guiding the Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl IV. His leadership across both the AFL and NFL, combined with sharp passing and strategic command, made him one of the most respected QBs of his era.

17. Randall Cunningham – The Prototype for the Modern QB

Cunningham brought unprecedented athleticism to the quarterback position, dazzling defenses with his ability to launch deep passes or take off running. He paved the way for today’s mobile quarterbacks and remains one of the most exciting players the league has seen.

16. Russell Wilson – Modern Master of the Deep Ball

Russel wilson — Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com

Wilson’s ability to escape pressure and deliver deep, accurate passes has become his trademark. With a Super Bowl ring, multiple Pro Bowls, and an unmatched knack for late-game heroics, his place among the greats is already secure.

15. Y.A. Tittle – A Legend of Longevity and Accuracy

Tittle’s 17-season career was filled with records and resilience. Known for his leadership and sharp arm, he became one of the league’s most prolific passers in an era defined by physicality and grit, despite never claiming a Super Bowl title.

14. Ken Stabler – “The Snake” with Ice in His Veins

Stabler was the embodiment of clutch, often saving his best for the game’s biggest moments. His nickname, “The Snake,” suited his smooth, slippery play style, and he led the Raiders to a championship while delivering thrilling comebacks throughout his career.

13. Jim Kelly – The Warrior of Buffalo

Kelly’s legacy is built not just on stats, but on heart. He led the Bills to four straight Super Bowl appearances — a feat no other QB has achieved — and his toughness and command of the no-huddle offense changed the pace of the game.

12. Otto Graham – The Original Champion

Few quarterbacks can match Graham’s winning pedigree: seven titles in ten championship game appearances. He dominated both in the pre- and early NFL era, creating the mold for what it meant to be a successful, strategic field general.

11. Patrick Mahomes – The New Era Superstar

Mahomes burst onto the scene with jaw-dropping throws and off-script brilliance. With two MVPs, multiple Super Bowl appearances, and a game-altering style, he’s already pushing the limits of quarterback play — and he's just getting started.

10. Warren Moon – A Trailblazer with a Rocket Arm

Moon broke racial barriers and passing records alike. Known for his beautiful deep ball and composure in the pocket, his success in both the CFL and NFL made him a pioneer whose legacy goes far beyond stats.

9. Joe Montana – “Joe Cool” Under Pressure

Montana was the ultimate clutch performer. With four Super Bowl titles and three MVPs on the biggest stage, his composure and ability to deliver in pressure-packed moments defined an entire dynasty in San Francisco.

8. Bart Starr – The Quiet Commander of the Packers Dynasty

Starr’s five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls, showcased his unflappable nature and leadership. A field general with elite efficiency, he defined winning football during the Lombardi era.

7. Steve Young – The Smart and Elusive Star

Young mastered the art of the dual-threat quarterback, pairing a lethal left arm with quick feet and elite decision-making. His MVP seasons and Super Bowl XXIX win solidified him as one of the most efficient and exciting quarterbacks of all time.

6. Brett Favre – The Gunslinger with Grit

Favre's fearless style, ironman durability, and record-breaking career made him an icon. With a Super Bowl title and three straight MVPs, he was equal parts wild and brilliant — a gunslinger with a flair for the dramatic.

5. Johnny Unitas – The Original Field General

Unitas brought precision and professionalism to the position like no one before him. His ability to call plays, read defenses, and win close games made him the prototype for modern quarterbacks and a true trailblazer of the game.

4. Aaron Rodgers – The Precision Machine

Rodgers’ ability to thread the needle and execute with surgical accuracy is unmatched. With multiple MVPs and a Super Bowl title, he’s one of the most technically skilled and efficient quarterbacks in league history.

3. Dan Marino – The Greatest Without a Ring

Marino’s lightning-quick release and deep passing ability revolutionized the game. While he never won a Super Bowl, his statistical dominance and pure talent have kept him in GOAT conversations for decades.

2. Peyton Manning – The Mastermind Behind the Line

Peyton's cerebral approach and unmatched preparation changed how quarterbacks operate pre-snap. With five MVPs and two Super Bowl wins, he turned football into a chess match — and always seemed two moves ahead.

1. Tom Brady – The Undisputed GOAT

Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Steve Jacobson / Shutterstock.com

No one comes close to Brady’s resume: seven Super Bowl rings, five Super Bowl MVPs, and longevity that defies logic. His calm demeanor, legendary comebacks, and obsessive drive to win make him the greatest quarterback the game has ever seen.