Field Generals: The Definitive Ranking of the NFL’s Greatest Quarterbacks
Updated as of Feb. 18, 2024.
Welcome to the quarterback quadrant of NFL lore, where precision meets power, leadership dictates legacies, and the quarterbacks are the conductors of the gridiron symphony. If you’re confident you know who the crème de la crème is, prepare to be enlightened, for we’ve crunched the numbers with a meticulous methodology. Leveraging our bespoke QB Score, we’ve delineated the elite signal-callers in NFL annals, taking into account their career yards, touchdowns, victories, and the intangible essence of leadership across their tenure. So, fasten your seatbelts, because you’re about to embark on a deep dive into a compendium of achievements, records, and the pantheon of quarterback greatness!
Let’s dive into the playbook!
- 1) Tom Brady – QB Score = 762.44 (Era: 2000s) – Eligible for HOF in 2028
- 2) Peyton Manning – QB Score = 271.29 (Era: 1995s) – HOF
- 3) Drew Brees – QB Score = 144.17 (Era: 2000s) – Eligible for HOF in 2026
- 4) Brett Favre – QB Score = 133.72 (Era: 1990s) – HOF
- 5) Dan Marino – QB Score = 124.47 (Era: 1980s) – HOF
- 6) Joe Montana – QB Score = 120.16 (Era: 1975s) – HOF
- 7) Aaron Rodgers – QB Score = 112.26 (Era: 2005s) – Active
- 8) Patrick Mahomes – QB Score = 92.98 (Era: 2015s) – Active
- 9) John Elway – QB Score = 62.19 (Era: 1980s) – HOF
- 10) Steve Young – QB Score = 57.11 (Era: 1985s) – HOF
- 11) Terry Bradshaw – QB Score = 46.96 (Era: 1970s) – HOF
- 12) Otto Graham – QB Score = 45.54 (Era: 1945s) – HOF
- 13) Dan Fouts – QB Score = 42.64 (Era: 1970s) – HOF
- 14) Kurt Warner – QB Score = 37.25 (Era: 1995s) – HOF
- 15) Ben Roethlisberger – QB Score = 36.46 (Era: 2000s) – Eligible for HOF in 2027
- 16) Bart Starr – QB Score = 33.72 (Era: 1955s) – HOF
- 17) Fran Tarkenton – QB Score = 27.13 (Era: 1960s) – HOF
- 18) Matt Ryan – QB Score = 26.90 (Era: 2005s) – Active
- 19) Russell Wilson – QB Score = 26.49 (Era: 2010s) – Active
- 20) Troy Aikman – QB Score = 24.60 (Era: 1985s) – HOF
- 21) Jim Kelly – QB Score = 24.35 (Era: 1985s) – HOF
- 22) Johnny Unitas – QB Score = 23.72 (Era: 1955s) – HOF
- 23) Randall Cunningham – QB Score = 21.44 (Era: 1985s) – Eligible for HOF in 2007
- 24) Sonny Jurgensen – QB Score = 20.73 (Era: 1955s) – HOF
- 25) Bob Griese – QB Score = 19.82 (Era: 1965s) – HOF
Rounding Out The QB Score – Ranking #26 to #50 (plus Other HOFers)
- 26 – Joe Namath (HOF)
- 27 – Carson Palmer
- 28 – Roger Staubach (HOF)
- 29 – Warren Moon (HOF)
- 30 – Eli Manning
- 31 – John Hadl
- 32 – Ken Stabler (HOF)
- 33 – Ken Anderson
- 34 – Tony Romo
- 35 – Rich Gannon
- 36 – Dak Prescott (Active)
- 37 – Matthew Stafford (Active)
- 38 – Boomer Esiason
- 39 – Len Dawson (HOF)
- 40 – Brian Sipe
- 41 – Philip Rivers
- 42 – Cam Newton
- 43 – Josh Allen (Active)
- 44 – Joe Flacco (Active)
- 45 – Lamar Jackson (Active)
- 46 – Jim Hart
- 47 – Carson Wentz (Active)
- 48 – Steve McNair
- 49 – John Brodie
- 50 – Joe Theismann
- 61 – George Blanda (HOF)
- 73 – Norm Van Brocklin (HOF)
- 75 – Y.A. Tittle (HOF)
- 86 – Bobby Layne (HOF)
- 88 – Bob Waterfield (HOF)
Hall of Fame Snubs
Randall Cunningham – QB Score = 21.44 (Era: 1985s) (Eligible Since 2007)
Dive into the annals of NFL history, and you’ll find Randall Cunningham, an athlete who redefined the quarterback position with his remarkable dual-threat capabilities. This man was not just a quarterback; he was an experience. With an arm that could launch missiles and legs that could outrun defenders, Cunningham was a highlight reel in human form.
But Cunningham’s impact goes beyond just his playmaking abilities on the field. He brought a new dimension to quarterbacking, demonstrating that a quarterback could be just as lethal with his legs as with his arm. His leadership and electrifying play left an indelible mark on the NFL, inspiring a generation of quarterbacks who came after him.
Despite his groundbreaking career, some might argue his overall stats don’t stack up against other Hall of Famers. However, those in the know understand that Cunningham’s value cannot be merely quantified by numbers. He was a pioneer, a game-changer, and an icon of the NFL.
Carson Palmer – QB Score: 18.78 (Era: 2000s) (Eligible Since 2023)
Turn the page to Carson Palmer, and you’ll find one of the most underrated quarterbacks of his generation. Palmer, with his textbook-perfect throwing mechanics and razor-sharp vision, was a maestro on the field, orchestrating drives with precision and grace.
His career, marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, saw him revitalize franchises and leave his mark in the hearts of fans across the nation. Palmer’s dedication, resilience, and leadership qualities made him a standout player, yet his journey to the Hall of Fame remains pending.
Critics often overlook the adversity Palmer faced, including significant injuries and team transitions. Yet, through it all, his performance never wavered. Palmer was not just a quarterback; he was a warrior, deserving of his place among the legends of the game.
Eli Manning – QB Score: 17.29 (Era: 2000s) (Eligible Since 2025)
Lastly, let’s talk about Eli Manning, a name synonymous with clutch performances and improbable victories. Manning’s career was a testament to the adage that big moments are reserved for big players. With two Super Bowl MVPs to his name, Manning’s legacy is etched in the annals of NFL lore.
Eli’s unflappable nature and ability to perform under pressure made him a legend in New York and beyond. His remarkable journey is highlighted by those iconic playoff runs, leading his team to victory against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Yet, despite his achievements, Manning’s path to the Hall of Fame is debated. Detractors point to inconsistent regular-season performances, but true fans know that Eli Manning was about moments—moments that will live forever in NFL history. His leadership, durability, and the magic of those championship drives make him a Hall of Fame snub who deserves recognition for his contributions to the sport.
Summary: Closing Thoughts
And that’s the final whistle! We’ve presented the definitive hierarchy of the most illustrious NFL quarterbacks based on our comprehensive QB Score. At the summit is Tom Brady, boasting an unparalleled QB score of 762.44, followed by gridiron luminaries such as Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Brett Favre, and Dan Marino. Regardless of where your favored signal-caller is placed, it’s indisputable that these quarterbacks have left an indelible mark on the annals of football history. Be it through their arm strength, strategic acumen, leadership, or clutch performances, these athletes have redefined what it means to be a quarterback. We trust you’ve relished this journey through the archives, celebrating the statistics, the milestones, and the legends who have sculpted the game we love.
Till the next snap.
Also, check out our other All-Time NFL articles:
Link: UNCATCHABLE, MADE EASY: RANKING THE ALL-TIME BEST NFL WIDE RECEIVERS
Link: THE MOUNT RUSHMORE OF RUNNING BACKS: THE ALL-TIME GREATS OF THE NFL
Link: FIELD GENERALS: THE DEFINITIVE RANKING OF THE NFL’S GREATEST QUARTERBACKS
Link: ENDZONE GIANTS: RANKING THE ALL-TIME BEST TIGHT ENDS IN NFL HISTORY
