List of NFL Top 100 Players of All Time Half the QBs Part 5

The NFL’s All-Time Top 100 list isn’t just a collection of legendary names; it’s a pantheon of gridiron gods who redefined the game. But among these titans, one position reigns supreme – the quarterback. These signal-callers are the orchestrators, the maestros conducting symphony-like plays that leave fans breathless.

A few years ago, the NFL released its prestigious list. It was a media frenzy and stirred controversy and discussion as only the NFL can. For our list, we will consult the NFL’s choices but also use the power of the Stathead Football database and its Approximate Value and Fantasy rankings data to provide a top 100 of the NFL’s best players. With so many deserving players, crafting a list of the top 100 is daunting. We’ll tackle it by position groups and in three separate posts. We’ll have a compelling 100 to discuss by the end, sparking lively conversations among NFL fans. We are entering the final leg to round out the top one hundred players who were chosen.

This article is a deep dive into the elite quarterbacks enshrined in the Top 100. These are the men who defied expectations, shattered records, and led their teams to glory. We’ll dissect their playing styles, delve into their iconic moments, and explore the lasting impact they’ve had on the sport. This comprehensive analysis will leave you with a profound understanding of their contributions to the game.

From the pinpoint accuracy of surgical passers to the scrambling gunslingers who defied convention, get ready to meet the architects of victory, the quarterbacks who cemented their place as legends not just in the Top 100 but in the annals of NFL history.

So, please sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into Part 5 of the definitive NFL’s Top 100 list of players of all time. This exploration promises to ignite debates, rekindle memories of legendary plays, and solidify your understanding of the men who have truly shaped the game we love. Here, you will find half of the signal-callers who made many memories of the unbelievable throws, extraordinary feats escaping the pocket, and more in football history.

Some of the Top Quarterbacks That Made the Top 100 List

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John Elway’s name is synonymous with perseverance and championship glory. Drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1983, Elway’s career became a captivating saga of near misses and ultimate triumph. Despite leading the Broncos to three Super Bowls in his early years, frustration grew as they fell short each time. However, Elway’s unwavering determination and clutch performances earned him a reputation as a comeback artist.

In the twilight of his career, a more mature Elway, surrounded by a talented supporting cast, finally conquered the Super Bowl mountain. He led the Broncos to back-to-back victories in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII, cementing his legacy as a champion and silencing his doubters.

Beyond his stats—51,477 passing yards and 300 touchdowns—Elway’s impact lies in his fierce competitiveness and leadership. He inspired a generation of Broncos fans and quarterbacks with his never-say-die attitude. John Elway’s career wasn’t just about statistics; it was a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring pursuit of greatness.

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Young’s NFL career wasn’t a straight shot to greatness. Drafted 1st overall of the 1984 NFL Supplemental Draft Tampa Bay Buccaneers he was not an immediate success. But in 1987, a trade sent him to the San Francisco 49ers, where destiny awaited and he learned more about his craft from veteran Joe Montana and coaching legend Bill Walsh. Initially a backup to Montana, Young honed his skills, showcasing his exceptional athleticism and pinpoint accuracy.

When Montana suffered an injury in 1991, Young seized the opportunity. He led the 49ers to a Super Bowl victory, dazzling audiences with his scrambling ability and clutch throws. Young dominated the next few years, winning the NFL MVP award in 1992 and 1994. He led the league in passing yards and touchdowns multiple times, establishing himself as one of the game’s most electrifying quarterbacks.

Young’s crowning achievement came in Super Bowl XXIX. He torched the San Diego Chargers defense with a record-breaking six touchdown passes, solidifying his place as a Super Bowl MVP and cementing his legacy as a champion. Though injuries hampered his later years, Steve Young retired in 1999 with a resume boasting three Super Bowl rings, two NFL MVP awards, and a reputation as one of the most exciting quarterbacks ever to play the game.

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Troy Aikman’s legacy is etched in the silver and blue of the Dallas Cowboys. Drafted first overall in 1989, he led them to three Super Bowl victories (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX), earning MVP honors in Super Bowl XXVII. Aikman’s calm demeanor and pinpoint accuracy made him the perfect foil for the explosive offense led by Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. He set numerous franchise passing records, including most career passing yards and touchdowns. Though injuries hampered his later years, Aikman retired in 2000 as one of the winningest quarterbacks of his era, solidifying his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the hearts of Dallas Cowboys fans.

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Fran Tarkenton wasn’t your typical pocket passer. Known for his scrambling ability and pinpoint accuracy, “The Scrambler” carved a unique path to greatness. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1961, Tarkenton led them to three Super Bowl appearances, with a few seasons as a NY Giant in between, showcasing his dual-threat talents. He retired in 1978, holding multiple NFL records. While overshadowed by more traditional quarterbacks of his era, Tarkenton’s impact is undeniable. 

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Sid Luckman helped revolutionize the T-formation offense and carved a unique path in the NFL (1939-1950).  While not boasting the gaudy statistics of modern quarterbacks, Luckman’s impact on the game was significant.  He led the Chicago Bears to four NFL Championship victories (1940, 1941, 1943, 1946).  Nicknamed “The Playmaker” for his pinpoint passing and scrambling ability, Luckman excelled in the short and intermediate passing game, a rarity in his era. Sid won the NFL MVP after the 1943 season. He holds the record for most passing yards in a single game during the 1940s (431 yards) and is credited with popularizing the rollout pass.  Sid Luckman’s legacy extends beyond statistics; he was a pioneer of the passing game, paving the way for future generations of quarterbacks to embrace the aerial assault.

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Roger Staubach wasn’t your typical NFL quarterback. A Heisman Trophy winner at Navy, he served his country before embarking on a prestigious career with the Dallas Cowboys. Nicknamed “Captain Comeback” for his clutch performances, Staubach led the Cowboys to four Super Bowls, winning two (VI and XII).  Though his career was shortened by military service, Staubach excelled, leading the league in passing touchdowns four times and recording the highest passer rating in the NFL on four occasions.  His leadership, intelligence, and ability to engineer game-winning drives cemented his legacy as a Hall of Famer and a key figure in the Cowboys’ rise to prominence.

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“The Dutchman,” carved his name into NFL history with a blend of grit and gunslinging bravado.  Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1949, he set a record-breaking mark in 1951, throwing for a staggering 554 yards – a record that still stands today.  Van Brocklin led the league in passing three times and showcased his versatility by adding punting titles to his resume.  He guided both the Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles to NFL championships, showcasing his ability to elevate offenses and lead teams to victory.

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Brady’s NFL career transcends mere statistics. He’s the undisputed king of quarterbacks, leading his teams to a record seven Super Bowl victories (five with the New England Patriots, two with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and earning five Super Bowl MVP awards. Brady holds numerous NFL records, including most career passing yards, touchdowns, and wins by a quarterback. He defied doubters throughout his 22-year career, winning his final Super Bowl at the age of 43. Brady’s unmatched work ethic, clutch performances, and longevity solidify him as a candidate for the greatest quarterback in NFL history.

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Joe Montana, the “Joe Cool,” wasn’t just a quarterback; he embodied clutch play. Drafted in the third round, Montana rose to stardom with the San Francisco 49ers. His leadership and composure under pressure led the team to four Super Bowl victories (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV), earning him three Super Bowl MVP awards – a record at the time.  Montana’s precise throws and ability to extend plays with his legs tormented defenses.  His touchdown pass to Dwight Clark in the 1981 NFC Championship, known as “The Catch,” is an iconic moment in NFL history.  With 4,0551 passing yards and 273 touchdowns, Montana cemented his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever.

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Conclusion

Do you think we’ve talked about all the greats? These are just a handful of the phenomenal quarterbacks enshrined in the NFL’s All-Time Top 100. From the cerebral playmakers to the audacious gunslingers, each has etched their name in gridiron history. Their leadership, resilience, and unmatched talent redefined the quarterback position and elevated the sport to new heights. Just wait to see who else made our list!

But the story doesn’t end here. Join us in the next installment as we unveil the remaining elite signal-callers who grace the Top 100, further exploring the legacies of these modern-day magicians who orchestrate victories on the gridiron.

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This entry was posted on Monday, July 8th, 2024 at 11:08 am and is filed under Top Lists. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.