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Few topics in sports generate as much heated debate as which quarterbacks are the best of all time. Some legends are unequivocally the GOATs, while others are products of hype, large-market teams, and highlight reels that never tell the whole story. With that in mind, here are the 10 best, and 10 that might be overblown.

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1. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers’ game has been statistically superior in nearly every way to any quarterback in history. He has a 4-to-1 TD-to-INT ratio that borders on unfathomable, a career passer rating over 100, and throws with unmatched accuracy, zip, touch, and awareness while scrambling or throwing off-platform. He has multiple MVPs in a QB-run generation led by Brady, Manning, and Brees. Rodgers is often underrated in rankings due to debate and popularity, but at his best, there has never been a more efficient or technically clean passer.

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2. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning elevated the quarterback position to a cerebral chess match with his line-of-scrimmage improvisations. He did more than stack records and five MVP trophies: Manning changed the game with on-the-fly diagnosis of defenses, audibles, decoys, and other stratagems. Few defenders could match his acumen, making him one of the most challenging players to gameplan against. Manning didn’t merely direct an offense, he surveilled the entire field.

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3. Otto Graham

Otto Graham has an almost mythical résumé: ten seasons, ten trips to the championship game, and dominance in two different leagues. Graham posted strong passing numbers in an era when the passing game was still in its infancy. He guided the Browns to four AAFC championships and immediately proved himself in the NFL, terrorizing top-flight defenses from day one. Graham’s combination of winning, efficiency, and production makes him one of the most underrated greats of all time.

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4. John Elway

John Elway was both a one-man army piloting deficient Broncos teams to three Super Bowls early in his career, and a savvy veteran quarterback who shepherded them to two titles. His arm and athleticism were so uncanny that some contemporary fans compare him to Patrick Mahomes. Terrell Davis was the engine of Denver’s late-’90s machine, but they wouldn’t have won championships without Elway’s steady leadership. He checks all the boxes: talent, durability, and leadership at the highest level.

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5. Joe Montana

Joe Montana was the quarterback by which all others were judged for years. With Bill Walsh, he helped usher in a new NFL era with the West Coast offense, predicated on timing, rhythm, and precision. Montana had an uncanny ability to remain calm under pressure, especially in the playoffs. His influence continues to be felt today, as many modern offenses are based on the West Coast philosophy.

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6. Dan Marino

Dan Marino is the best quarterback to never win a Super Bowl, but his talent overshadows that one blemish. He had a rocket arm and quick release, setting passing records before the league was passing-dominant. Marino’s 1984 season of 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns was light years ahead of its time. His talent, ability, and “wow” factor make him a GOAT contender.

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7. Johnny Unitas

Johnny Unitas transformed the NFL quarterback role, introducing innovations like the two-minute drill and timing routes. With accuracy and calm under pressure, he led numerous championships and set a standard for QB-WR relationships with receiver Raymond Berry. Unitas’ leadership solidified his place as one of the original icons of the position.

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8. Drew Brees

Drew Brees is remembered for his Hall of Fame career built on consistency, smarts, and accuracy rather than size or athleticism. Despite not having prototypical quarterback stature, he compiled over 74,000 yards and five 5,000-yard seasons, more than anyone else. Brees often carried the Saints through roster deficiencies, remaining durable, dependable, and highly productive.

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9. Roger Staubach

Roger Staubach’s path was unique, serving in the Navy and going to Vietnam before playing a single NFL snap. When he took command in Dallas, he became a mobile, clutch playmaker. In just eight seasons as a starter, he reached four Super Bowls, won two, and led the league in passer rating. Staubach’s leadership elevated the Cowboys to a national brand.

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10. Tom Brady

Tom Brady may be the greatest quarterback not because of individual numbers, but because of wins. His 207 regular-season and 30 postseason victories are unprecedented. Early in his career, Brady gained a reputation as an accurate, poised passer in high-pressure situations. At his peak, he evolved into the ultimate closer: calm, efficient, and virtually unfazed in critical moments.

Now that we talked about the best of the best, here are 10 that are unfortunately quite overrated.

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1. Troy Aikman

Troy Aikman won three Super Bowls, but behind Hall of Fame talent and one of the league’s greatest offensive lines. His stats were solid but unimpressive compared to elite passers of his era. Aikman excelled in a system designed around protecting him and emphasizing the running game. His success reflects team quality more than dominance.

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2. Drew Bledsoe

Bledsoe posted impressive yardage totals, but consistency and efficiency were lacking. His career passer rating of 77.1 reflects accuracy struggles and difficulty adjusting to defenses. With just over 57% completion and a strong arm that didn’t always produce smart passes, Bledsoe rarely separated himself as an elite quarterback.

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3. Brett Favre

Favre’s legendary toughness and gunslinger mentality made him a superstar, but also a turnover machine. He leads all-time in interceptions by a wide margin. His highs were incredible, but his lows were often game-breaking. Favre’s inconsistencies prevent him from being as flawless as some fans believe.

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4. Eli Manning

Eli Manning’s two Super Bowl victories are memorable, but inconsistency defined his career. He led the league in interceptions three times, and his 244 career picks rank among the most ever. While capable of superstar moments, he was just as likely to throw a costly interception. His clutch performances were the exception, not the rule.

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5. Terry Bradshaw

Bradshaw’s résumé is filled with championships, but he benefited from one of the greatest defenses in NFL history: the “Steel Curtain.” While he made big plays, he often enjoyed favorable field position and limited pressure. His legacy is notable, but closely tied to the talent around him.

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6. Ken Stabler

“Ken the Snake” was a fan favorite for swagger and fearlessness, but threw more interceptions than touchdowns. His TD-to-INT ratio is one of the worst among Hall of Fame QBs. Stabler had memorable highlights, but his high-risk style often led to turnovers.

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7. Dan Fouts

Fouts posted huge numbers in Air Coryell’s potent offense, but production was inflated by the scheme. He struggled on big stages, winning just three of ten playoff appearances with a 70.0 postseason passer rating. Explosive in the regular season, but not always clutch.

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8. Tony Romo

Romo posted strong regular-season stats, but late-game errors in close contests marred his career. Despite talent and precision, he often fell short when it mattered most. His career is a textbook example of “peripheral helper.”

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9. Bob Griese

Griese’s reputation is bolstered by his team’s success more than individual play. The 1972 perfect season was largely led by backup Earl Morrall while Griese was injured. Griese also benefited from Miami’s elite defense and run game. The team’s greatness wasn’t dependent on him alone.

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10. Joe Namath

Namath is remembered for guaranteeing Super Bowl III, but as a player, he was below elite. His career completion rate was 50.1%, with more interceptions than touchdowns, and a passer rating of 65.5. Namath is more famous than he was great.

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