The quarterback position is the most important role in American football. For decades, NFL quarterbacks have carried teams, created dynasties, delivered historic comebacks, and become global sports icons.
This guide covers the most famous NFL quarterbacks of all time, complete with career stats, Super Bowl records, awards, and legendary moments that made each QB unforgettable.
⭐ 1. Tom Brady
Teams: New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Super Bowl Wins: 7 (Most in history)
MVP Awards: 3
Career Stats:
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Passing yards: 89,214
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Touchdowns: 649
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Playoff wins: 35 (Most all-time)
Why He’s Famous
Tom Brady is widely considered the greatest quarterback in NFL history. He dominated two decades, created the Patriots dynasty, then won another Super Bowl with Tampa Bay at age 43.
Brady holds countless NFL records, including:
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Most Super Bowls
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Most playoff wins
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Most passing attempts & completions
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Most game-winning drives
A symbol of longevity, leadership, and clutch performance.
⭐ 2. Joe Montana
Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs
Super Bowl Wins: 4
Super Bowl MVPs: 3
Career Stats:
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Passing yards: 40,551
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Touchdowns: 273
Why He’s Famous
Before Tom Brady, Joe Montana was the GOAT. Known as “Joe Cool,” he delivered legendary comebacks and never lost a Super Bowl.
His connection with Jerry Rice formed one of the greatest QB–WR duos in history. Montana’s precision, poise, and big-game performances made him the standard for elite quarterback play.
⭐ 3. Peyton Manning
Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos
Super Bowl Wins: 2
MVP Awards: 5 (Most ever)
Career Stats:
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Passing yards: 71,940
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Touchdowns: 539
Why He’s Famous
Peyton Manning was the most intelligent and strategic QB ever. His pre-snap reads, audibles, and ability to analyze defenses changed the sport.
He holds records for:
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Most MVP awards
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55 passing TDs in a season (record)
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Over 5,400 passing yards in a season
Manning retired as one of the most accurate and respected QBs of all time.
⭐ 4. Brett Favre
Teams: Packers, Jets, Vikings
Super Bowl Wins: 1
Career Stats:
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Passing yards: 71,838
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Touchdowns: 508
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Consecutive starts: 297 (Ironman record)
Why He’s Famous
Favre was the original gunslinger — fearless, unpredictable, exciting. He holds one of the longest streaks in NFL history and was known for:
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Huge arm strength
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Dramatic wins
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Toughness and durability
Favre’s passion and style made him a fan favorite worldwide.
⭐ 5. Dan Marino
Teams: Miami Dolphins
Super Bowl Wins: 0
Career Stats:
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Passing yards: 61,361
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Touchdowns: 420
Why He’s Famous
Dan Marino is the greatest quarterback to never win a Super Bowl. His lightning-quick release and arm strength were decades ahead of his time.
He set records that stood 20+ years, including:
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48 TDs in a season
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5,000+ passing yards season
Marino revolutionized the modern passing game.
⭐ 6. John Elway
Teams: Denver Broncos
Super Bowl Wins: 2
Career Stats:
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Passing yards: 51,475
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Touchdowns: 300
Why He’s Famous
Elway had one of the strongest arms in NFL history and engineered some of the most dramatic comebacks ever, including the iconic “The Drive.”
He won back-to-back Super Bowls late in his career, cementing his legacy as a top-10 all-time quarterback.
⭐ 7. Aaron Rodgers
Teams: Green Bay Packers, New York Jets
Super Bowl Wins: 1
MVP Awards: 4
Career Stats:
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Passing yards: 59,055+
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Touchdowns: 475+
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Lowest interception percentage ever
Why He’s Famous
Aaron Rodgers is arguably the most talented pure quarterback ever — elite arm talent, accuracy, mobility, and decision-making.
He holds records for:
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Best TD–INT ratio
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Highest single-season passer rating
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Most seasons with 40+ TDs
Rodgers’ highlight throws are legendary.
⭐ 8. Drew Brees
Teams: San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints
Super Bowl Wins: 1
Career Stats:
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Passing yards: 80,358
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Completions: 7,142 (all-time leader before Brady passed him)
Why He’s Famous
Brees broke nearly every passing record during his career. Known for his accuracy and timing, he revitalized the Saints franchise and brought them their first Super Bowl.
He is considered one of the most accurate QBs in history.
⭐ 9. Steve Young
Teams: Buccaneers, 49ers
Super Bowl Wins: 3 (1 as starter, 2 as backup)
Career Stats:
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Passing yards: 33,124
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TDs: 232
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Rushing yards: 4,239
Why He’s Famous
Steve Young was a pioneer of the mobile quarterback era, blending speed, rushing, and pinpoint accuracy.
His 6-TD performance in Super Bowl XXIX remains one of the greatest QB performances ever.
⭐ 10. Roger Staubach
Teams: Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl Wins: 2
Career Stats:
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Passing yards: 22,700
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TDs: 153
Why He’s Famous
Known as “Captain America,” Staubach led the Cowboys to multiple Super Bowls and defined clutch quarterbacking in the 1970s.
He popularized the term “Hail Mary.”
⭐ 11. Terry Bradshaw
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers
Super Bowl Wins: 4
Career Stats:
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Passing yards: 27,989
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TDs: 212
Why He’s Famous
Bradshaw led the Steelers dynasty of the 1970s with four Super Bowl victories. His arm strength, leadership, and playoff performances made him a legend.
⭐ 12. Patrick Mahomes (Modern Era Icon)
Teams: Kansas City Chiefs
Super Bowl Wins: 3
MVP Awards: 2
Career Stats: (still active)
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Passing yards: 28,000+
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TDs: 230+
Why He’s Famous
Mahomes is already on pace to become one of the greatest ever at a young age.
Known for:
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Insane arm angles
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No-look passes
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Comeback wins
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Playoff dominance
He is the modern face of the NFL.
Honourable Mentions
These QBs nearly made the top list:
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Ben Roethlisberger
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Philip Rivers
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Warren Moon
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Kurt Warner
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Jim Kelly
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Matt Ryan
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Eli Manning
All left an incredible mark on the sport.
Conclusion
These quarterbacks shaped NFL history through:
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Championships
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Records
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Legendary comebacks
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Iconic plays
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Unmatched leadership
From Brady’s 7 Super Bowls to Montana’s perfection, Manning’s intelligence, Favre’s toughness, Marino’s arm talent, and Mahomes’ rising dynasty quarterbacks define every era of football.
