If there’s one man that serves as the face of the football team, it’s the quarterback. The locus of every offensive play, it’s his job to get the ball down the field however he can. A legendary quarterback needs to be gifted with not just a powerful arm and agile legs but also a keen strategic mind, able to assess the situation on the field and adapt to it in a fraction of a second. Here are five men who can be considered the best of all time.
Joe Montana
Known as the Golden Great, Montana spent fourteen years with the San Francisco 49ers, leading them to many victories with his cool, collected playstyle. After being traded to Kansas City, he ended his career two years later. Montana started in and won four Super Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 2000.
Bart Starr
One of the most famous players to ever wear the uniform of the Green Bay Packers, Bart Starr led that team to NFL dominance throughout the 50s and 60s before retiring in 1971. Two-time Super Bowl champion, two-time Super Bowl MVP, five-time NFL champion – these are just a few of his accolades.
Johnny Unitas
The man known as the Golden Arm, Unitas led the Baltimore Colts to numerous victories during his tenure as quarterback. He set many records during his professional career, but one that remains unbroken was his run of throwing a touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games. He also won the NFL’s Man of the Year award in 1970.
Troy Aikman
Starting in 1989, Troy Aikman built the Dallas Cowboys into one of the most powerful forces in the NFL. Aikman’s playstyle was aggressive and high-scoring, winning him six Pro Bowl nominations and taking the team to a trio of Super Bowl victories. Since retirement, he’s gone on to commentate games for Fox.
John Elway
Still considered one of the most prolific passers in NFL history, John Elway recorded the most victories of any starting quarterback in history upon his retirement. He played for the Denver Broncos for the entirety of his pro career, taking the team to six AFC championships and five Super Bowls.