With the start of the NFL season just days away, it is the perfect time to look at how the great quarterbacks of today rank with the legends of the past. To see how Tony Romo and Philip Rivers compare to John Hadl or Bob Waterfield, to see how Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning stack up against greats like Roger Staubach and Sammy Baugh.
Doing a list like this is like looking at great art – totally subjective. After all, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
The thing that really made doing these rankings tricky is the fact that the game has changed so much since its inception. The style of play would be almost unrecognizable to the pioneers who played in the early days. Because of that, each quarterback can’t be judge based on just stats or our list would be full of players from today, and totally discount the legends of yesteryear.
The things that I evaluated when doing the rankings are wins, winning percentage, championships, Pro Bowls, All-Pro selections, touchdowns, touchdown to interception ratio and championships. When comparing players from different eras I also factored in how dominant they were against their peers.
Here is my list of the greatest 50 quarterbacks in NFL history.
All stats and award information from Pro-football-reference.com.
50. Andrew Luck (2012-current)
Even though he has been in the league just three seasons, Andrew Luck has already proven to be an elite signal caller. He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection who has led the Colts to the playoffs each year. His best season came in 2014 when he completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 4,761 yards and a league-leading 40 touchdowns. He added 273 yards and three scores on the ground.
To this point in his career, he has completed 58.6 percent of his throws for 12,957 yards and 86 touchdowns to go along with 905 yards and 12 touchdowns in the running game.
49. Drew Bledsoe (1993-2006)
Bledsoe was selected with the first overall pick by the New England Patriots in the 1993 draft. He spent 14 years in the league playing for the Patriots, Buffalo Bills and the Dallas Cowboys. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection who led the NFL in passing yards in 1994. One of his best years came in 2002 when he completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 4,359 yards and 24 touchdowns.
For his career, he threw for 44,611 yards and 251 touchdowns while completing 57.2 percent of his passes. Even though he was not the most mobile quarterback, he also rushed for 10 touchdowns.
48. Tony Romo (2004-current)
After going un-drafted out of college, Romo made the Dallas Cowboys. He has spent his 11-year career in Dallas and has been very productive. He has made four Pro Bowls and finished in the top three in the league in passing yards three times. One of his best seasons came in 2014 when he led the league in completion percentage (69.9) and quarterback rating (113.2) while throwing for 3,705 yards and 34 touchdowns.
To this point in his career, he has completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 33,270 yards and 242 touchdowns to go along with 607 yards and five scores on the ground.
47. John Brodie (1957-1973)
Brodie was selected with the third overall pick in the 1957 draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He spent his entire 17 career with the 49ers and was their first great quarterback. He led the NFL in passing yards and completion percentage three times while leading the league in touchdown passes twice. He was also a two-time Pro Bowler, a First-Team All-Pro and the 1970 AP NFL MVP. One of his best statistical seasons came in 1965 when he led the league in completion percentage (61.9), passing yards (3,112) and passing touchdowns (30)
For his career, he completed 55 percent of his passes for 31,548 yards and 214 touchdowns. He also carried the ball 235 times for 1,167 and 22 scores.
46. Joe Theismann (1974-1985)
Theismann was selected in the fourth round (99th overall) by the Miami Dolphins in the 1971 draft out of Notre Dame, but never played a game for the Dolphins. He landed with the Washington Redskins three years later and spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Redskins. He was a two-time Pro Bowler, a First-Team All-Pro and an AP NFL MVP. One of his best years came in 1983 when he led Washington to a 14-2 record while completing 60.1 percent of his passes for 3,714 yards and 29 touchdowns.
For his career, Theismann completed 56.7 percent of his passes for 25,206 yards and 160 touchdowns. He also carried the ball 355 times for 1,815 yards and 17 scores.
45. Philip Rivers (2004-current)
Rivers was selected with the 4th overall pick by the San Diego Chargers in the 2004 draft and has spent his entire 11-year career with them. He is a five-time Pro Bowler who has led the league in passing yards, completion percentage, touchdown passes and passer rating. One of his best seasons came in 2013 when he completed a league-leading 69.5 percent of his passes for 4,478 yards and 32 touchdowns.
For his career to this point, Rivers has completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 36,655 yards and 252 touchdowns to go long with 512 yards and three touchdowns rushing.
44. Steve McNair (1995-2007)
McNair was the third overall pick by the Houston Oilers in the 1995 draft out of Alcorn State. McNair played 13 seasons in the NFL with the Oilers/ Tennessee Titans and the Baltimore Ravens. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and an AP NFL MVP. One of his best years came in 2003 when he completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 3,215 yards and 24 touchdowns.
For his career, McNair completed 60.1 percent of his passes for 31,304 yards and 174 touchdowns. He also rushed for 3,590 yards and 37 touchdowns on only 669 attempts.
43. Earl Morrall (1956-1976)
Morrall is the only quarterback to make the list after being a backup for more than half of his lengthy career. The reason he was a backup was because of the talent that played ahead of him. He played behind Y.A. Tittle, Bobby Layne, Fran Tarkenton, Johnny Unitas and Bob Griese. When he got on the field he was able to do some special things.
Morrall was selected with the second overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1956 draft and played 21 seasons. He played for the 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection, a First-Team All-Pro twice and was a part of three Super Bowl winners. One of his best seasons came with the Colts when he completed 57.4 percent of his passes for 2,909 yards and a league-leading 26 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 51.3 percent of his passes for 20,809 yards and 161 touchdowns to go along with 878 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.
42. George Blanda (1949-1975)
Blanda was selected in the 12th round (119th overall) by the Chicago Bears in the 1949 draft. He played 340 games in the NFL and AFL over the course of 26 years for the Chicago Bears, Houston Oilers and the Oakland Raiders, but only spent about a third of those games as a starting quarterback. During his seven years as a starter for the Oilers, he was a three-time Pro Bowler, a two-time AFL champion, a First-Team All-Pro and the AP and UPI 1961 AFL Player of the Year. That season, he led the league in passing yards (3,330) and touchdowns (36) while completing 51.7 percent of his throws.
For his career, he threw for 26,920 yards and 236 touchdowns while running for nine more scores. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981.
41. John Hadl (1962-1977)
Hadl was drafted in the first round (10th overall) by the Detroit Lions in the 1962 NFL draft and the 24th overall pick by the San Diego Chargers in the AFL draft. He played 16 years with the Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams and Houston Oilers. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection who led the league in passing yards three times and touchdowns twice. One of his best seasons came in 1973 when he was a First-Team All-Pro after he led the Rams to a 12-2 record.
For his career, he completed 50.4 percent of his passes for 33,503 and 244 touchdowns while rushing for 1,112 yards and 16 more scores.
40. Donovan McNabb (1999-2011)
McNabb was selected with the second overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1999 draft. McNabb played 13 years in the for the Eagles, Washington Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings and was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. One of his best seasons came in 2004 when he completed 64 percent of his passes for 3,875 yards and 31 touchdowns.
For his career, he threw for 37,276 yards and 234 touchdowns while completing 59 percent of his passes. He also carried the ball 616 times for 3,459 yards and 29 scores while leading the Eagles to five NFC Championship games.
39. Boomer Esiason (1984-1997)
Esiason was selected in the second round (38th overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1984 draft. He played 14 seasons for the Bengals, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. He was a four-time Pro Bowl honoree, First-Team All-Pro and an AP NFL MVP. One of his best years came with the Bengals in 1988 when he completed 57.5 percent of his passes for 3,572 yards and 28 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 57 percent of his passes for 37,920 and 247 touchdowns while carrying the ball 447 times for 1,598 yards and seven more scores.
38. Ken Anderson (1971-1986)
Anderson was selected in the third round (67th overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1971 draft. He spent his entire 16-year career with the Bengals and was the starter for 13 of those seasons. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a First-Team All-Pro and an AP MVP. One of his best seasons came in 1981 when he completed 62.6 percent of his throws for 3,754 yards and 29 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 59.3 percent of his passes for 32,838 yards and 197 touchdowns while carrying the ball 397 times for 2,220 yards and 20 scores.
37. Roman Gabriel (1962-1977)
Gabriel was the first overall pick in the 1962 AFL by the Oakland Raiders and the second overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL draft. He played for 16 years with the Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a First-Team All-Pro and an AP and UPI NFL MVP. One of his best seasons came with the Rams in 1969 when he completed 54.4 percent of his passes for 2,549 yards and a league-leading 24 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 52.6 percent of his passes for 29,444 and 201 touchdowns while also carrying the ball 358 times for 1,304 yards and 30 scores.
36. Rich Gannon (1987-2004)
Gannon was selected in the fourth round (98th overall) by the New England Patriots in the 1987 draft, but never played a game for New England. He spent 17 years in the league with the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time First-Team All-Pro and an AP NFL MVP. One of his best seasons came in 2002 when he completed 67.6 percent of his passes for a league-leading 4,689 yards and 26 touchdowns.
For his career, Gannon completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 28,743 yards and 180 touchdowns. He was also a real threat with his legs, rushing for 2,441 yards and 21 touchdowns on 521 carries.
35. Ben Roethlisberger (2004-current)
Roethlisberger was selected in the first round (11th overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2004 draft. He has spent his entire 11-year career with the Steelers. He is a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time Super Bowl champion. One of his best seasons came in 2014 when he completed 67.1 percent of his passes for a league-leading 4,952 yards and 32 touchdowns.
For his career, he has completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 39,057 yards and 251 touchdowns while carrying the ball 378 times for 1,162 yards and 15 more scores.
34. Eli Manning (2004-current)
Manning was selected with the first overall pick in the 2004 draft by the San Diego Chargers and traded to the New York Giants where he has spent his entire career to this point. He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection who has led the Giants to a pair a Super Bowl victories while winning the MVP both times. One of his best seasons came in 2011 when he completed 61 percent of his passes for 4,933 yards and 29 touchdowns.
To this point in his career, he has completed 59 percent of his throws for 39,755 yards and 259 touchdowns to go along with 462 yards and five touchdowns in the running game.
33. Ken Stabler (1970-1984)
Stabler was selected in the second round (52nd overall) by the Oakland Raiders in the 1968 draft. He played 15 years for the Raiders, Houston Oilers and the New Orleans Saints. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, a First-Team All-Pro, an AP MVP and the Super Bowl winner. One of his best seasons came in 1974 when he completed 57.4 percent of his throws for 2,469 yards and a league-leading 26 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 27,938 yards and 194 touchdowns to go along with four rushing scores.
32. Daryle Lamonica (1963-1974)
Lamonica was selected in the 12th round (168th overall) by the Green Bay Packers in the 1963 NFL draft and the 188th overall pick by the Buffalo Bills in the AFL draft. He played 12 years for the Bills and the Oakland Raiders. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time First-Team All-Pro and a a two-time UPI AFL player of the year. One of his best seasons came with the Raiders in 1969 when he completed 51.9 percent of his passes while leading the league in passing yards (3,302) and touchdown passes (34) to win his second player of the year in three years.
For his career, he threw for 19,154 yards and 164 touchdowns while rushing for 640 yards and 14 scores.
31. Randall Cunningham (1985-2001)
Cunningham was selected in the second round (37th overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1985 draft. Cunningham played 16 years in the NFL for the Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys. He was a four-time Pro Bowler who won different MVP or player of the year awards four times. One of his best years came in 1990 when he completed 58.3 of his passes for 3,466 yards and 30 touchdowns to go along with 942 yards and five scores in the running game.
For his career, Cunningham threw for 29,979 yards and 207 touchdowns. He also rushed for 4,928 yards and 35 scores on only 775 carries.
30. Bob Waterfield (1945-1952)
Waterfield might be a name that plenty of football fans haven’t heard of before but he was one of the stars of the league in the 40’s and deserves a spot on this list.
Waterfield was selected in the fifth round (42nd overall) by the Cleveland Rams in the 1944 draft and spent his entire eight year career as a member of the Rams organization (in Cleveland and Los Angeles). He was a three-time First-Team All-Pro, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was a part of two league champions. One of his best seasons came in 1945 when he won the Joe F. Carr Trophy (MVP) after he led the league with 14 touchdown passes while completing 52 percent of his passes for 1,609 yards.
For his career, he threw for 11,849 yards and 97 touchdowns while also scoring 13 touchdowns on the ground. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.
29. Sonny Jurgensen (1957-1974)
Jurgensen was selected in the fourth round (43 overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1957 draft. Jurgensen appeared in 218 games (147 starts) over 18 seasons with the Eagles and the Washington Redskins. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro while leading the league in passing yards five times and passing touchdowns twice. One of his best seasons came in 1967 when he completed 56.7 percent of his passes while leading the league in passing yards (3,747) and passing touchdowns (31).
For his career, he completed 57.1 percent of his passes for 32,224 yards and 255 touchdowns. He also ran the ball 181 times for 493 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
28. Dan Fouts (1973-1987)
Fouts was selected with in the third round (64th overall) by the San Diego Chargers in the 1973 draft. He spent his entire 15-year career with the Chargers and started 171 of 181 games that he appeared in. He was a six-time Pro Bowler, two-time First-Team All-Pro and a MVP. One of his best seasons came in 1981 when he completed 59.1 percent of his passes while leading the league in passing yards (4,802) and touchdown passes (33).
For his career, he completed 58.8 percent of his passes for 43,040 yards and 254 touchdowns to go along with 13 touchdowns on the ground. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
27. Joe Namath (1965-1977)
Namath was selected with the 12th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1965 NFL draft and the first overall pick by the New York Jets in the 1965 AFL draft. He played 13 seasons for the Jets and the Los Angeles Rams. He was a five-time Pro Bowler, a two-time AFL player of the year, a First-Team All-Pro and a Super Bowl champion. One of his best years came in 1967 when he completed 52.5 percent of his passes for a league-leading 4,007 yards and 26 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 50.1 percent of his passes for 27,663 yards and 173 touchdowns while scoring seven times on the ground. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
26. Norm Van Brocklin (1949-1960)
Van Brocklin was selected in the fourth round (37th overall) by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1949 draft. He played 12 seasons for the Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles as a quarterback and a punter. He was in the top four in passing yards in 10 of his 12 years in the NFL, a nine-time Pro Bowler, First-Team All-Pro, a MVP and a NFL champion. One of his best years came in 1960 when he completed 53.9 percent of his passes for 2,471 yards and 24 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 53.6 percent of his passes for 23,611 yards and 173 touchdowns to go along with 11 rushing scores. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.
25. Bobby Layne (1948-1962)
Layne was selected with the third overall pick by the Chicago Bears in the 1948 draft out of Texas. Layne played 15 seasons with the Bears, New York Bulldogs, Detroit Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time First-Team All-Pro and a two-time NFL champion. One of his best years came in 1951 when he led the league in passing yards (2,403) and passing touchdowns (26).
For his career, threw for 26,768 yards and 196 touchdowns to go along with 2451 yards and 25 scores on the ground. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967.
24. Kurt Warner (1998-2009)
Warner spent 12 seasons in the NFL after going undrafted out of Northern Iowa. He played for the Saint Louis Rams, New York Giants and the Arizona Cardinals. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time First-Team All-Pro, two-time MVP and a Super Bowl champion. One of his best years came in 2001 when he led the league in completion percentage (68.7), passing yards (4,830) and passing touchdowns (36).
For his career, he completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 32,344 yards and 208 touchdowns to go along with three rushing scores.
23. Bob Griese (1967-1980)
Griese was selected with the fourth overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 1967 draft. He played his entire 14 year career with the Dolphins and started 151 of the 161 games he appeared in. He was an eight-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, won two different MVP awards and was a two-time champion. One of his best years came in 1977 when he completed 58.6 percent of his passes for 2,252 yards and a league-leading 22 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 56.2 percent of his passes for 25,092 yards and 192 touchdowns while carrying the ball 261 times for 994 yards and seven more scores. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
22. Sid Luckman (1939-1950)
Luckman was selected with the second overall pick by the Chicago Bears in the 1939 draft. He played 12 seasons for the Bears as a quarterback and a punter as well as playing defense. He was a five-time All-Pro, a four-time champion, three-time Pro Bowler and won a MVP. One of his best seasons came in 1943 when he completed 54.5 percent of his throws while leading the league in passing yards (2,194) and touchdown passes (28)
For his career, he completed 51.8 percent of his passes for 14,686 yards and 137 touchdowns to go along with four rushing scores. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.
21. Jim Kelly (1986-1996)
Kelly was selected with the 14th overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 1983 draft. He spent two seasons in the USFL with the Houston Gamblers before the league folded and he landed back with the Bills. He spent all 11 of his years in the NFL with Buffalo and led the Bills to the Super Bowl four straight times. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro. One of his best years came in 1991 when he completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 3,844 yards and a league-leading 33 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 60.1 percent of his passes for 35,467 yards and 237 touchdowns. He also scored seven touchdowns on the ground while rushing for 1,049 yards. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
20. Aaron Rodgers (2005-current)
Rodgers was selected in the first round (24th overall) by the Green Bay Packers in the 2005 draft. Rodgers has played his entire 10-year career with Green Bay including the last seven years as a starter. He is a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time First-Team All-Pro, two-time MVP and Super Bowl champion. One of his best seasons came in 2011 when he completed 68.3 percent of his passes for 4,643 yards and 45 touchdowns.
So far in his career, he has completed 65.8 percent o his throws for 28,578 yards and 226 touchdowns to go along with 1,831 yards and 20 scores on the ground.
19. Troy Aikman (1989-2000)
Aikman was selected with the first overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 1989. Aikman played his entire 12-year career in Dallas and is one of the best Cowboy quarterbacks of all-time. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and a three-time Super Bowl champion. One of his best seasons came in 1992 when he completed 63.8 percent of his passes for 3,445 yards and 23 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 32,942 yards and 165 touchdowns while carrying the ball 327 times for 1,016 yards and nine scores. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
18. Warren Moon (1984-2000)
After leaving the University of Washington, Moon spent six seasons in the CFL with the Edmonton Eskimos before coming to the NFL. He played 17 years in the NFL for the Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler and a MVP. One of his best seasons came in 1990 when he completed 62 percent of his passes while leading the league in passing yards (4,689) and passing touchdowns (33).
For his NFL career, he completed 58.4 percent of his passes for 49,325 yards and 291 touchdowns while carrying the ball 543 times for 1,736 yards and 22 more scores. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame 2006.
17. Len Dawson (1957-1975)
Dawson was selected in the first round (fifth overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1957 draft. He appeared in 211 games (159 starts) over 19 seasons with the Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler, a two-time First-Team All-Pro and a two-time champion while leading the league in completion percentage six times, passer rating six times and touchdown passes four times. One of his best seasons came in 1962 when he completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,759 yards and 29 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 57.1 percent of his passes for 28,711 yards and 239 touchdowns while also carrying the ball 294 times for 1,293 yards and nine scores. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
16. Terry Bradshaw (1970-1983)
Bradshaw was selected with the first overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970 draft. Bradshaw played 168 games (158 starts) over 14 seasons in Pittsburgh. He was a four-time Super Bowl champion, three-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl MVP, First-Team All-Pro and MVP. One of his best season came in 1978 when he completed 56.3 percent of his passes for 2,915 yards and 28 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 51.9 percent of his passes for 27,989 yards and 212 touchdowns while carrying the ball 444 times for 2,257 yards and 32 more scores. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
15. Y.A. Tittle (1948-1964)
Tittle was selected with the sixth pick of the first round by the Detroit Lions in the 1948 draft. He played 17 years with the Baltimore Colts, San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler, a three-time First-Team All-Pro and won different MVP awards in four years. One of his best years came in 1963 when he completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 3,145 yards and a league-leading 36 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 55.2 percent of his passes for 33,070 yards and 242 touchdowns while carrying the ball 372 times for 1,245 yards and 39 scores. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.
14. Fran Tarkenton (1961-1978)
Tarkenton was taken in the third round (29th overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1961 draft. He played 246 games (239 starts) over 18 seasons with the Vikings and the New York Giants. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler, First-Team All-Pro and a MVP who led the Vikings to the Super Bowl three times. One of his best seasons came in 1975 when he threw for 2,994 while leading the league in completion percentage (64.2) and touchdown passes (25).
For his career, he completed 57 percent of his passes for 47,003 yards and 342 touchdowns as well as adding 3,674 yards and 32 touchdowns on 675 carries. When he called it quits, he was the all-time NFL leader in both passing yards and touchdowns. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
13. Drew Brees (2001-current)
Brees was taken in the second round (32nd overall) by the San Diego Chargers in the 2001 draft. He has played 14 years for the Chargers and the New Orleans Saints. He is a nine-time Pro Bowler, two-time AP offensive player of the year and a Super Bowl MVP. He has led the league in passing yards and touchdowns four times and completion percentage on three occasions. One of his best years came in 2011 when he completed 71.2 percent of his throws for 5,476 yards and 46 touchdowns.
To this point in his career, he has completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 56,033 yards and 396 touchdowns while adding 690 yards and 13 scores on the ground.
12. Roger Staubach (1969-1979)
Staubach was taken in the 10th round (129th overall) by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1964 draft. He played his entire 11-year career with the Cowboys where he was a six-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl winner and player of the year. One of his best years came in 1979 when he completed 57.9 percent of his passes for 3,586 yards and 27 touchdowns.
For his career, the six-time Pro Bowler completed 57 percent of his passes for 22,700 yards and 153 touchdowns. He also carried the ball 410 times for 2,264 yards and 20 scores. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
11. Bart Starr (1956-1971)
Starr was selected in the 17th round (200th overall) by the Green Bay Packers in the 1956 draft. Starr played his entire 16-year career for the Packers and appeared in 196 games (157 starts). He was a five-time champion, four-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl MVP and MVP who led the league in completion percentage and quarterback rating three times. One of his best years came in 1966 when he completed 62.2 percent of his passes 2,257 yards and 14 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 57.4 percent of his passes for 24,718 yards and 152 touchdowns to go along with 1,308 yards and 15 scores on the ground. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
10. Sammy Baugh (1937-1952)
Baugh was selected with the sixth overall pick by the Washington Redskins in the 1937 draft. He played 165 games over 16 seasons for Washington as a quarterback, tailback, punter as well as playing defense. He was a six-time Pro Bowler, four-time First-Team All-Pro and a two-time champion. He led the league in completion percentage in nine times, passing yards and passer rating four times and passing touchdowns twice. One of his best seasons came in 1947 when he led the league in completion percentage (59.3), passing yards (2,938) and passing touchdowns (25).
For his career, he completed 56.5 percent of his passes for 21,886 yards and 187 touchdowns to go along with 325 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. Baugh was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.
9. Steve Young (1985-1999)
Young was selected with the first overall pick in the 1984 Supplemental draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He spent his first two seasons in pro football playing for the Los Angeles Express of the now defunct USFL before joining the Bucs during the ’85 season. Young played 169 games (143 starts) over 15 seasons with Buccaneers and the San Francisco 49ers. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler, three-time First-Team All-Pro, a two-time MVP and a Super Bowl MVP. He led the league in passer rating six times, completion percentage five times and passing touchdowns four times. One of his best years came in 1994 when he threw for 3,969 yards while leading the league in completion percentage (70.3) and touchdown passes (35).
For his career, Young completed 64.3 percent of his passes for 33,124 yards and 232 touchdowns to go along with 4,239 yards and 43 touchdowns on 722 carries on the ground. Young was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005 for his remarkable eight-year stretch.
8. Brett Favre (1991-2010)
Favre was selected in the second round (33rd overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1991 draft. He played 302 games (298 starts) over 20 seasons with the Falcons, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets and the Minnesota Vikings. He was an 11-time Pro Bowler, three-time First-Team All-Pro and a three-time MVP. One of his best seasons came in 1995 when he completed 63 percent of his passes while leading the league in passing yards (4,413) and passing touchdowns (38).
For his career, he completed 62 percent of his passes for an NFL record 71,838 yards and 508 touchdowns. He also added 1,844 yards and 14 scores on the ground.
7. Dan Marino (1983-1999)
The Miami Dolphins landed Marino with the 27th overall pick in the 1983 draft. He played his entire 17-year career with the Dolphins with some impressive results. He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection who led the league in passing yards five times and passing touchdowns three times. He was a First-Team All-Pro three straight years and won the 1984 AP NFL MVP. His best season came in 1984 when he led Miami to a 14-2 record while throwing for 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 59.4 percent of his passes for 61,361 yards and 420 touchdowns. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
6. John Elway (1983-1998)
Elway was the first overall pick by the Baltimore Colts in the 1983 draft, but never played a game for the Colts. He played his entire 16-year career with the Denver Broncos. He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection who led the Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances. One of his best seasons came in 1987 when he won the AP NFL MVP after he threw for 3,198 yards and 19 touchdowns with a career-high 304 rushing yards and four scores.
For his career, he completed 56.9 percent of his passes for 51,475 yards and 300 touchdowns. He added 3,407 yards and 33 scores in the running game. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
5. Peyton Manning (1998-current)
Manning was the first overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1998 draft. He has played 17 seasons for the Colts and the Denver Broncos. He is a 14-time Pro Bowl selection who made First-Team All-Pro seven times and has won the AP NFL MVP five times. One of his best seasons came with the Broncos in 2013 when he completed 68.3 percent of his passes for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns.
To this point in his career, he has completed 65.5 percent of his throws for 69,691 yards and 530 touchdowns. He added 673 yards and 18 scores on the ground.
4. Tom Brady (2000-current)
Brady was the 199th pick by the New England Patriots in the 2000 draft. He has played 15 seasons for the Patriots and is a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time First-Team All-Pro and a two-time AP NFL MVP. He has led New England to six Super Bowl appearances. One of his best seasons came in 2007 when he led the Patriots to a 16-0 record after he completed 68.9 percent of his passes for 4,806 yards and 50 touchdowns with just eight interceptions.
So far in his career, he has completed 63.5 percent of his throws for 53,258 yards and 392 touchdowns to go along with 823 yards and 14 scores.
3. Johnny Unitas (1956-1973)
Unitas was the 102nd overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1955 draft, but never played a game for Pittsburgh. He played 18 seasons for the Baltimore Colts and the San Diego Chargers. He was a 10-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro and a three-time AP and UPI NFL MVP. He led the Colts to two championships and the 1970 Super Bowl. One of his best years came in 1959 when he completed 52.6 of his passes while leading the league in passing yards (2,899) and touchdown passes (32).
For his career, he completed 54.6 percent of his throws for 40,239 yards and 290 touchdowns to go along with 1,777 yards and 13 scores in the running game. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
2. Otto Graham (1946-1955)
Graham was the fourth overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 1944 draft, but never played a game for the Lions. He played his entire 10-year career with the Cleveland Browns and carried them to unprecedented success. He was a seven-time First-Team All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time UPI NFL MVP and a seven-time league champion. One of his best seasons came in 1947 when he completed 60.6 percent of his passes for 2,753 yards and 25 touchdowns. Those numbers were good enough to lead the league in all three categories.
For his career, he completed 55.8 percent of his passes for 23,584 yards and 174 touchdowns to go along with 882 yards and 44 touchdowns in the running game. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.
1. Joe Montana (1979-1994)
Montana was the 82nd overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1979 draft. He played 16 seasons for the 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time First-Team All-Pro and a two-time AP NFL MVP. He also led the 49ers to four Super Bowl victories while winning the MVP three times. One of his best years came in 1989 when he completed 70.2 percent of his passes for 3,521 yards and 26 touchdowns.
For his career, he completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 40,551 yards and 273 touchdowns to go along with 1,676 yards and 20 scores in the running game. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
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