Figuring out who the best quarterback to ever play in the NFL truly was, is that, a question that stirs up quite a lot of conversation among football fans. It's a debate that, really, has been going on since the NFL first started way back in the 1920s. Every single fan, you know, seems to have their own idea about what makes a quarterback the absolute finest, and that's what makes this discussion so, so interesting.

Defining who the best quarterback of all time actually is, isn't easy, as a matter of fact, since every fan has a different criteria. Some folks might look at the number of championships won, while others might focus on individual statistics, or even how much a player changed the game itself. There are so many different ways to look at what makes a player excel above all others, and that's why there's no single, simple answer to this really big question.

This discussion isn't just about picking one person; it's about looking at how different players offered the greatest advantage or utility to their teams. It's about seeing who was of the highest quality, or who was the most suitable, pleasing, or effective type of player for their time. We'll explore some of the top names that come up in these talks, and, you know, what makes their case for being the best so strong.

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Table of Contents

• Defining Greatness: What Does "Best" Really Mean?
• The Legend Who Set the Bar: Tom Brady
• The Modern Era Game-Changers
  • Aaron Rodgers: A Peak of Perfection
  • Patrick Mahomes: Redefining the Position
• Giants of the Past Who Shaped the Game
  • Johnny Unitas: The Early Pioneer
  • Joe Montana: The Cool Commander
  • Roger Staubach: More Than Numbers
  • Kurt Warner: The "Greatest Show on Turf" Leader
  • Ben Roethlisberger: A Tough Competitor
• The Ongoing Debate and Its Criteria
• Frequently Asked Questions About NFL QBs

Defining Greatness: What Does "Best" Really Mean?

When we talk about "best," what are we actually trying to say? The meaning of best, you know, is excelling all others. It's about offering or producing the greatest advantage, utility, or satisfaction. For a quarterback, this could mean leading their team to victory time and time again, or, perhaps, making plays that nobody else could even dream of. It's about being of the highest quality, or being the most suitable, pleasing, or effective type of thing to have at that position.

Some people, as a matter of fact, consider the "best" to be the one with the most impressive statistical numbers. Others might look at leadership qualities, or how a quarterback performs under the most intense pressure. It's a bit like shopping for electronics at a place like Best Buy; you're looking for the top deals and featured offers, the items that truly stand out and provide the most satisfaction, whether it's a new tech gadget or, you know, a quarterback.

The NFL has seen plenty of quarterbacks who have changed the game, from Slingin' Sammy Baugh's introducing the concept of a gunslinger in the late '30s to Joe Montana's role in, well, shaping how the position was played. These players weren't just good; they were, in some respects, revolutionary. That impact on the sport, you know, can certainly play a big part in how we measure their greatness.

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The Legend Who Set the Bar: Tom Brady

When the question comes up, "Who was the best QB to ever play in the NFL?", you know, one name usually pops up first: Tom Brady. He is, arguably, widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history. This is mostly because he won seven Super Bowl titles, which is just an incredible number, with both the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That's a lot of championships, you know, for one player.

He also holds numerous NFL records, including most career wins for a quarterback. It's really quite something to think about all the games he won. Some people, perhaps, might have had doubts, especially if Tom Brady’s early struggles in Tampa would have persisted. There may have been an argument to keep him out of the no. 1 spot in the discussion for the top quarterbacks in NFL, but he certainly turned things around there, too.

Brady's ability to consistently perform at a high level for such a long time, and, you know, to adapt to different teams and systems, is a big reason why many see him as the ultimate example of excellence. He just kept winning, which is, honestly, what a lot of people think the "best" quarterback should do. His career is a testament to sustained success and, basically, an ability to deliver when it mattered most.

The Modern Era Game-Changers

The NFL, very often, sees players who don't just excel but actually change how the game is played. In recent times, a couple of quarterbacks have certainly made their mark in this way, forcing everyone to rethink what a quarterback can do. They've brought new styles and, you know, new levels of play that have captivated fans and experts alike.

Aaron Rodgers: A Peak of Perfection

Aaron Rodgers' peak, marked by four MVP trophies in a decade's span from 2011 to 2021, at the very least, presents an argument for the best years a quarterback has ever enjoyed. His ability to throw with such precision and, basically, make incredible plays out of nothing, is truly something to behold. He’s probably one of the smartest quarterbacks to ever play the game, too, which really helps his case.

His command of the offense and, you know, his knack for avoiding mistakes make him a truly special player. When he was at his best, he was nearly unstoppable. Many people point to his incredible efficiency and, you know, his sheer talent as reasons why he should be considered among the very top. It's hard to argue with four MVP awards, as a matter of fact, when you're talking about individual greatness.

Patrick Mahomes: Redefining the Position

Then, we have Patrick Mahomes. Throw in the fact that Mahomes has changed how the NFL is played at the QB position, and he's football's version of Stephen Curry. He brings a kind of creativity and, you know, an arm talent that few have ever possessed. He can throw from any angle, make plays outside the pocket, and his vision is just something else.

He has, you know, warranted serious consideration for the most talented quarterback to ever play the position, even at this relatively early stage of his career. His style of play is, basically, electrifying and has made defenses completely rethink how they approach the game. It's, honestly, pretty amazing to watch him play, and he's already achieved so much, heading into Super Bowl 58, as of today, for example.

Giants of the Past Who Shaped the Game

The discussion about the best QB wouldn't be complete without looking back at the men who defined their respective eras and, you know, revolutionized football. These players laid the groundwork for the game we know today and, basically, set the standard for future generations of quarterbacks. They were, in some respects, pioneers.

Johnny Unitas: The Early Pioneer

Johnny U, as he was known, was the NFL's best quarterback during the league's first 50 years. He led the Colts to NFL titles in 1958 and '59 and, you know, a Super Bowl title in 1970. He was a true trailblazer, showing what a quarterback could be in a passing league that was still, in a way, finding its footing. He was a very, very skilled passer for his time.

His leadership and, basically, his clutch play were legendary. He had a way of winning games that just seemed to be, you know, a hallmark of his career. Many consider him the gold standard for quarterbacks of his era, and, you know, his impact is still felt today. He really set a high bar for those who followed.

Joe Montana: The Cool Commander

Joe Montana's role in, you know, changing the NFL is often talked about. He was known for his incredible accuracy, his ability to stay calm under pressure, and, basically, his knack for making the right play at the right time. He was a master of the West Coast offense and, you know, led his teams to multiple Super Bowl victories. He was, honestly, just incredibly composed.

His presence in the huddle, and, you know, his quiet confidence, inspired his teammates. He just seemed to have a way of making everything look easy, even in the biggest moments. When people talk about clutch quarterbacks, Montana's name, very often, comes up right away, and that's for a very good reason.

Roger Staubach: More Than Numbers

Roger Staubach has the least impressive statistical numbers on this list, but, you know, don’t let that fool you. He was an incredible competitor and a true winner. He led the Dallas Cowboys to two Super Bowl titles and, basically, was known for his ability to scramble and make plays when things broke down. He was, in some respects, ahead of his time in his mobility.

His impact on the game went beyond just the stats. He was a leader, a fighter, and, you know, he just had a way of inspiring his team. Sometimes, the numbers don't tell the whole story, and, you know, Staubach is a perfect example of that. He was, honestly, a very effective quarterback for his team.

Kurt Warner: The "Greatest Show on Turf" Leader

The leader of the "Greatest Show on Turf," Kurt Warner, was the best QB in the league while taking the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl title. He was also the Super Bowl XXXIV MVP and, you know, played in two Super Bowls. His story is, basically, one of perseverance, going from stocking groceries to becoming an NFL superstar.

His accuracy, and, you know, his ability to read defenses, were truly exceptional. He made that Rams offense incredibly potent and, basically, a joy to watch. He showed that you don't always need to be a top draft pick to become one of the game's greats; sometimes, it's about finding the right situation and, you know, making the most of your chances.

Ben Roethlisberger: A Tough Competitor

The Pittsburgh Steelers made Ben Roethlisberger the third QB taken in the 2004 draft, the 11th overall selection. Roethlisberger came after no. 1 pick Eli Manning and no. 4 Philip Rivers. He was known for his incredible toughness, his ability to extend plays, and, you know, his powerful arm. He led the Steelers to two Super Bowl victories.

He was a very, very hard player to bring down, and, you know, he often made plays that seemed impossible. His style of play was, basically, gritty and effective, fitting perfectly with the Steelers' identity. He was, honestly, a formidable presence on the field for many, many years.

The Ongoing Debate and Its Criteria

The question of "Who was the best QB to ever play in the NFL?" is, you know, not going to be answered definitively anytime soon. The NFL has never been devoid of stellar quarterback play, and each era brings new talents and new ways of thinking about the position. It's a bit like trying to decide which electronics are the "best" at Best Buy; there are so many great options, and what's best for one person might not be best for another.

Some people, you know, will always favor the quarterbacks with the most championships, like Tom Brady. Others will look at the sheer talent and revolutionary play of someone like Patrick Mahomes. Then, there are those who appreciate the historical significance and pioneering spirit of players like Johnny Unitas or Joe Montana. It really just depends on what you value most in a quarterback's performance, as a matter of fact.

To celebrate the 100th year of the NFL, our crew at USA Today Sports was, you know, looking back at the last century of football, ranking the 100 best NFL players. This just shows how much thought goes into these kinds of discussions. It's a fun debate, and, you know, it allows fans to celebrate the incredible talent that has graced the gridiron over the years. You can learn more about Tom Brady's career and his many achievements. Also, learn more about quarterback statistics on our site, and link to this page NFL history.

Frequently Asked Questions About NFL QBs

Who is widely considered the greatest quarterback in NFL history?

Tom Brady is, you know, widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history. He achieved this status by winning seven Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also holds numerous NFL records, including most career wins, which is, honestly, quite impressive.

Which quarterback is known for changing how the NFL is played at the QB position?

Patrick Mahomes has, basically, changed how the NFL is played at the quarterback position. He's often compared to Stephen Curry in basketball for his innovative style. His unique arm talent and, you know, his ability to make plays from anywhere on the field have truly redefined what a quarterback can do in today's game.

Who was considered the best QB during the NFL's first 50 years?

Johnny Unitas was, you know, the NFL's best quarterback during the league's first 50 years. He led the Colts to NFL titles in 1958 and 1959, and also, a Super Bowl title in 1970. He was a true pioneer and, basically, set many of the standards for quarterback play in the early days of professional football.