A big debate in sports is who are the best QBs in NFL history, so after discussing with the rest of the newspaper class, here are the official rankings of the top 10 QBs of all time. 

1. There is no debate here, Tom Brady comes in at the one spot as the unanimous GOAT of football. He alone has more Super Bowl wins than any team does, with 7. No one in the sport was a winner like Brady, always doing whatever it took for the win, with many comeback wins. Despite his comparative lack of athleticism to other quarterbacks, Tom Brady comprehended the game at another level, allowing him to be dominant for over two decades. He has the most regular-season wins and playoff victories, boosting his resume as the best player to ever step on a football field.
2. There may be recency bias, as I have never gotten to see the man in third place play; however, after further review, Peyton Manning comes in at the number two spot. Peyton Manning ranks second in passing yards and first in passing touchdowns with 5 MVP trophies. Once he entered the league, he immediately changed the game by calling his own plays, as he was a real student of the game. What he lacked in mobility, he made up for in his quick decision-making and pocket presence. 
3. In third place, I have Joe Montana. He was an incredibly accurate and mobile quarterback, known for his ability to perform under pressure. Before Brady came along, Montana was considered the greatest of all time. He won four Super Bowls with the 49ers and earned three Super Bowl MVPs, all without ever throwing an interception in the big game. His poise in clutch situations, especially “The Catch” in the 1981 NFC Championship, defined his career. Montana had an unshakable calmness that set him apart from others, and his chemistry with Jerry Rice made the 49ers dynasty unstoppable.
4. At number four is Drew Brees. Brees revolutionized the passing game with his precision and accuracy, standing tall figuratively, despite being one of the shortest quarterbacks in the modern era at just six feet. He broke record after record, including the all-time passing yards mark, and was the first quarterback to surpass 80,000 passing yards. His leadership brought New Orleans its first and only Super Bowl, earning him the city’s eternal respect. What made Brees special was how he consistently elevated lesser-known receivers and turned the Saints into perennial contenders for over a decade.
5. Fifth on the list is Brett Favre, the gunslinger from Mississippi. Favre brought energy and toughness to the quarterback position that was unmatched. He started 297 consecutive games, a record that might never be broken. Known for his strong arm and fearless style of play, Favre could make any throw, though sometimes that confidence led to costly interceptions. Still, his three straight MVP awards and Super Bowl win with the Packers cemented his legacy. Favre’s passion and joy for the game made him one of the most entertaining players to ever watch.
6. At number six, we have Dan Marino. Marino might be the greatest quarterback to never win a Super Bowl, but his talent was undeniable. He was the prototype for the modern passing quarterback, throwing for over 5,000 yards in a single season back in 1984; a record that stood for decades. His quick release and rocket arm made him nearly impossible to defend. Even though championships eluded him, Marino’s impact on how the game is played today cannot be overstated. Many of today’s pass-heavy offenses can trace their roots back to what Marino did with the Miami Dolphins.
7. Coming in at number seven is John Elway. Elway’s combination of arm strength, mobility, and leadership made him one of the most complete quarterbacks ever. He led the Broncos to five Super Bowls, winning two in his final seasons to cap off an incredible career. His ability to make plays on the run and deliver clutch performances, including “The Drive” against the Browns in the AFC Championship, defined his career. Elway’s perseverance through years of heartbreak before finally getting his rings showed his true greatness.
8. Number eight belongs to Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is one of the most talented quarterbacks the league has ever seen, with a rare blend of arm talent, mobility, and precision. His ability to throw on the run, make impossible passes look easy, and protect the football set him apart. With four MVP awards and a Super Bowl ring, Rodgers’ numbers speak for themselves. However, what often gets overlooked is his efficiency, consistently posting the lowest interception rates in history. Though his postseason record may not match others higher on this list, there’s no denying his generational talent.
9. At number nine, we have Steve Young. Young had to wait years behind Joe Montana before finally getting his shot, but once he did, he proved to be an elite dual-threat quarterback. He could beat you with his arm or his legs, a rare trait in the 1990s. Young won two MVP awards and led the 49ers to a dominant Super Bowl XXIX victory, where he threw a record six touchdown passes. His combination of intelligence, athleticism, and accuracy made him a nightmare for defenses. He helped pave the way for the modern mobile quarterback that we see dominating the game today.
10. Rounding out the top ten is Patrick Mahomes. Though still early in his career, Mahomes has already done enough to belong on this list. With three Super Bowl titles, two MVPs, and some of the most jaw-dropping plays we’ve ever seen, Mahomes is redefining what the quarterback position can be. His ability to improvise, make off-balance throws, and stay calm under pressure is second to none. If his career continues on its current trajectory, there’s a real chance Mahomes could one day challenge Brady for the top spot.

Honorable mentions include Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, and Ben Roethlisberger; all legends in their own right who had incredible careers but just missed the cut. Ranking quarterbacks is always subjective, as the eras, rules, and supporting casts all differ. However, these ten names represent excellence at the highest level of football.

What truly separates these quarterbacks is not just statistics, but how they elevated the game and defined winning for their franchises. Each of them left an indelible mark on football history, from Brady’s relentless pursuit of greatness to Mahomes’ new-age brilliance. These players represent not just talent, but leadership, intelligence, and the ability to deliver when it matters most.

Whether you agree with the order or not, one thing is certain: these quarterbacks have shaped the NFL into what it is today. The debate will continue forever, but greatness leaves little room for argument. And that’s why these ten stand above the rest — the ultimate field generals who made football history one throw at a time.