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The elite club of quarterbacks who have won a Super Bowl is a testament to leadership, skill, and transcendent moments on football’s grandest stage. These 34 athletes, from Bart Starr’s pioneering victories in the first two Super Bowls, to the modern era’s legends like Tom Brady, encapsulate the evolution of the game. These quarterbacks led their teams to the pinnacle of NFL success and solidified their legacies forever. Let’s count down all 34 champions from worst to best!
34. Trent Dilfer
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While he was certainly not a bad quarterback, Trent Dilfer is arguably the worst starting QB to win a Super Bowl. Not known for flashy statistics, Dilfer’s ability to manage the game and complement a dominant defense showcased his value to the team. During Baltimore’s postseason run in 2000, Dilfer threw just three touchdown passes and didn’t surpass 190 passing yards in four games.
Throughout his career, Dilfer also had stints with other teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers. His journey highlighted his adaptability and durability in the league. Despite facing challenges and criticisms, Dilfer’s Super Bowl triumph with the Ravens remains a defining moment in his career.
33. Nick Foles
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Nick Foles etched his name in NFL history with his unfathomable run to Philadelphia’s first Super Bowl victory. Following an injury to MVP candidate Carson Wentz, Foles rose to prominence with the Philadelphia Eagles and guided them to victory in Super Bowl LII — earning Super Bowl MVP in the process after throwing for 373 yards and three touchdowns. His performance in the postseason, including the iconic “Philly Special” play in which he caught a TD pass, showcased his resilience and ability to thrive under pressure. Despite facing challenges and fluctuating roles, Foles remains a respected figure in the league, leaving an indelible mark with his Super Bowl heroics and clutch performances throughout his NFL journey.
32. Jeff Hostetler
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Jeff Hostetler played a key role in the New York Giants’ success during the early 1990s. Stepping into the starting role during the 1990 season, Hostetler led the Giants to victory in Super Bowl XXV after an injury to Phil Simms. His poised and efficient play earned him recognition, and he continued to contribute to the team’s success. Hostetler’s versatility and ability to adapt to challenging situations made him a respected figure in the league. He later had stints with the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders and the Washington Redskins, showcasing his durability and value as a quarterback. Hostetler’s career, marked by a Super Bowl triumph and consistent contributions, solidified his place in the annals of NFL history.
31. Doug Williams
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Following a substantial tenure of five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Doug Williams briefly stepped away from football before re-emerging in the USFL. Then, Williams joined the Washington Redskins and promptly made NFL history. In the 1987 season, Williams faced challenges with two regular season starts, both resulting in losses. Despite the setbacks, Coach Joe Gibbs entrusted Williams with offensive leadership as the Redskins entered the playoffs. Williams surpassed expectations, guiding Washington to a remarkable 42-10 triumph over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII, where he showcased his prowess with 18-of-29 completions, amassing 340 yards and throwing four touchdowns. This victory marked a significant milestone, as Williams became the first African-American starting quarterback to achieve Super Bowl glory.
30. Jim McMahon
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Best known for leading the Chicago Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX, Jim McMahon’s unorthodox style endeared him to fans. Despite facing injuries and controversies, McMahon’s leadership and tenacity were evident throughout his journey. His ability to excel under pressure and contribute to the Bears’ dominant defense made him a crucial part of their championship run. McMahon also had stints with other teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Green Bay Packers. Beyond his on-field accomplishments, McMahon’s colorful personality and individuality added a unique flair to the league, making him a memorable figure in NFL history.
29. Mark Rypien
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Renowned for his time with the Washington Redskins, Mark Rypien had a noteworthy NFL career. He led the Redskins to victory in Super Bowl XXVI, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. Rypien’s precision passing and leadership contributed to his success, and he made two Pro Bowl appearances during his career. Despite facing challenges, including injuries and team changes, Rypien’s impact on the Redskins remains a significant part of the franchise’s history. He finished his career with stints on other teams, including the Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams, and Philadelphia Eagles, but his time in Washington stands out as the pinnacle of his NFL journey. Rypien’s achievements and contributions solidify his place in the annals of the league’s history, particularly within the context of his Super Bowl success with the Redskins.
28. Brad Johnson
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Brad Johnson secured his place in history with a Super Bowl victory in XXXVII while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Known for his accuracy and steady play, Johnson earned two invitations to the Pro Bowl during his 15-year career. While he was never viewed as a star quarterback, Johnson had plenty of big moments. Overall, Johnson orchestrated 14 comebacks and 27 game-winning drives. In Tampa Bay’s dominant victory over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII, Johnson threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns.
27. Joe Flacco
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Joe Flacco’s NFL career is highlighted by his instrumental role in leading the Baltimore Ravens to a victory in Super Bowl XLVII. Known for his strong arm and calm demeanor, Flacco became the first quarterback in NFL history to win a playoff game in each of his first five seasons. His performance in the 2012 playoffs was particularly noteworthy, with Flacco throwing 11 touchdown passes without an interception, earning him Super Bowl MVP honors following a victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Flacco spent the majority of his career with the Ravens, setting franchise records for passing yards and touchdowns. After leaving the Ravens, Flacco had stints with other teams, including the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns.
26. Jim Plunkett
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Jim Plunkett’s NFL career is a story of resilience and redemption. The Heisman Trophy winner from Stanford faced early challenges in the league, struggling with inconsistency and injuries. Despite initial setbacks, Plunkett found success with the Oakland Raiders in the late 1970s. He led the team to two Super Bowl victories (XV and XVIII), earning Super Bowl MVP honors in the process.
Plunkett’s ability to overcome adversity and guide his team to championship success showcased his determination and skill as a quarterback. His impact on the Raiders’ franchise is evident in his contributions to their Super Bowl triumphs, solidifying his place in NFL history. Plunkett’s journey stands as a testament to the enduring nature of talent and the potential for redemption, making him a respected figure in the annals of the league.
25. Phil Simms
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Many in the newer generation of football fans might associate Phil Simms primarily with his television presence. However, well before Simms established himself as a television mainstay, the Kentucky native played a pivotal role in leading the New York Giants to a Super Bowl triumph in 1986. During that postseason, Simms showcased his prowess by completing 65.5 percent of his passes for 494 yards and eight touchdowns across three games. Despite a period of starting only eight games between 1991-92, Simms made a triumphant comeback in ’93. Remarkably, at the age of 38, he guided the Giants to an 11-5 record and secured a Wild Card victory over the Vikings.
24. Joe Theismann
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Joe Theismann experienced a successful career until a life-altering tackle by Lawrence Taylor abruptly concluded his time on the field. Achieving a Super Bowl victory in 1982 and earning MVP honors in ’83, Theismann faced a career-altering moment when he suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula in his right leg during that pivotal play. Before the injury, Theismann had achieved considerable success, leading Washington to glory in ’82 and guiding the team to an impressive 14-2 record the following year. Over the course of his career, Theismann amassed a record of 77-47 and surpassed 25,000 passing yards.
23. Eli Manning
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Eli Manning, the younger of the Manning siblings, has positioned himself for potential entry into the Hall of Fame. While some argue that without his two Super Bowl triumphs Eli might be perceived as just a slightly above-average quarterback, his durability and proficiency in clutch moments cannot be overlooked. Manning showcased his resilience and ability for crucial plays in both Super Bowl appearances, orchestrating last-minute game-winning drives against the New England Patriots. While the unforgettable moments might be attributed to two miraculous catches, Manning’s skill in keeping plays alive and making essential throws played a pivotal role in securing victory.
22. Len Dawson
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Regarded as one of the AFL’s finest quarterbacks, Len Dawson shone brightly as a football star. Despite a modest start with only 45 passes thrown in his initial five years in the sport, Dawson experienced a breakthrough in 1962 with the Dallas Texans. Commanding the field, he not only topped the AFL in completion percentage at 61.0 but also led in touchdowns with 29, guiding the Texans to the AFL title — his inaugural triumph of three. From ’62-69, Dawson’s prowess continued as he led the league in completion percentage on seven occasions and touchdowns four times. The pinnacle of his career came with a Super Bowl IV MVP performance, culminating a remarkable journey.
21. Ken Stabler
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Let’s address the obvious first — Ken Stabler sported a phenomenal mustache and head of hair. The southpaw hailing from Alabama also boasted a commendable career. Renowned for his tenure with the Raiders, Stabler guided Oakland to the postseason on six occasions. In 1976, he orchestrated a Super Bowl triumph over the Minnesota Vikings. Adding to his achievements, Stabler topped the NFL in passing touchdowns and passer rating in ’76 — just two years after clinching the MVP title and leading the league in passing touchdowns for the first time. Stabler’s noteworthy contributions earned him a well-deserved induction into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
20. Joe Namath
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“Broadway Joe” stands out as one of football’s most iconic figures, celebrated for his charisma, bold statements, and his famed Super Bowl III victory guarantee. Namath’s greatness transcends mere statistics. After an impressive college career at Alabama, he led the Jets to an AFL Championship in 1968. Shortly before the AFL/NFL merger in the following year, Namath made his renowned guarantee. In 1969, against Don Shula’s Baltimore Colts from the NFL, Namath and the Jets emerged victorious in Super Bowl III. Despite injuries impacting his statistical output, Namath’s legacy as one of the sport’s most talented quarterbacks remains indisputable. The Jets’ Super Bowl III triumph remains the franchise’s sole Super Bowl title.
19. Matthew Stafford
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Matthew Stafford began his NFL journey when the Detroit Lions selected him as the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Known for his strong arm and ability to make precise throws, Stafford quickly emerged as a key figure for the Lions. Stafford became the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. Eventually, Stafford was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. This change provided him with a fresh start and an opportunity to contend for a championship. Joining forces with a talented Rams roster, Stafford’s leadership and quarterback skills contributed to a successful season, culminating in a triumph in Super Bowl LVI. Through the 2023 season, Stafford has thrown for 56,047 yards and 357 touchdowns.
18. Russell Wilson
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Originating from NC State and later Wisconsin, Russell Wilson made his NFL debut as the Seattle Seahawks’ third-round pick in 2012. Despite initial skepticism about his height, Wilson swiftly silenced doubters, displaying a dynamic playing style that seamlessly blended pocket presence and nimble footwork. By his second season, he led the Seahawks to their inaugural Super Bowl victory, solidifying his status as one of the league’s standout talents.
Wilson’s knack for extending plays and conjuring moments of brilliance, especially in crucial situations, became his distinctive trademark. In 2019, he achieved a career-high of 4,110 passing yards, consistently ranking among the league’s top quarterbacks in touchdown passes year after year. Armed with an unparalleled deep ball and leadership qualities that galvanized the 12th Man, Russell remained the heart and soul of the Seahawks for nearly a decade. Wilson’s time in Denver didn’t pan out, but he is still a future Hall of Fame QB.
17. Kurt Warner
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Kurt Warner’s narrative was so extraordinary that it eventually made its way to the silver screen. Having gone undrafted from Northern Iowa, Warner found himself working at a grocery store before the St. Louis Rams gave him a chance. Leaving the store behind at 28, Warner propelled the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 1999, earning himself Super Bowl MVP honors. Along the way, he secured the MVP title while topping the NFL in completion percentage (65.1) and touchdowns (41). In 2001, Warner clinched his second MVP and came agonizingly close to a second championship. At the age of 37, he guided the Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl, experiencing a narrow defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
16. Bart Starr
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Securing victories as the quarterback in the initial two Super Bowls of NFL history, Bart Starr earned the Most Valuable Player distinction in both games. Boasting the second-highest playoff passer rating of all time at 104.8, he concluded his career with an impressive 9-1 record in postseason play. While Starr’s statistics may have been tempered by the run-first era in which he played, his undeniable standing as one of the premier and most successful quarterbacks in NFL history remains unchallenged.
15. Bob Griese
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Bob Griese has an impressive resume: Two-time Super Bowl champion, two-time All-Pro, and eight-time Pro Bowler. Despite a challenging start with a 10-20-2 record in his initial 32 starts and two Pro Bowl appearances in the first three seasons, Griese underwent a remarkable transformation over the next five years. During this period, he orchestrated Miami’s turnaround with a stellar 46-11-1 record, securing four additional Pro Bowl selections and clinching two more Super Bowl victories. While his overall statistics may not stand out, the undeniable fact remains that Griese emerged victorious in 92 out of 151 career starts, solidifying his status as a formidable quarterback.
14. Terry Bradshaw
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Terry Bradshaw earns a place in the top-15 for his remarkable success on the grandest stage of the NFL. Bradshaw, operating in the era of Pittsburgh’s hard-hitting style of football, wasn’t known for prolific passing (surpassing 3,000 yards in a season only twice). However, he boasts a flawless 4-0 record in games culminating with the Lombardi Trophy. Despite a less-than-impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio (212/210) and a 51.9 percent completion rate, Bradshaw’s well-deserved induction into the Hall of Fame in 1989 reflects his significant contributions.
13. Ben Roethlisberger
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Ben Roethlisberger’s NFL journey was a rollercoaster of performance shifts, transitioning from exceptional to challenging and then returning to brilliance across his 18-season career. The two-time Super Bowl champion exits the game as a revered Pittsburgh icon. Renowned for his ability to extend plays and improvise, Roethlisberger stands out as one of the finest quarterbacks in NFL history in these aspects. His deceptive agility and remarkable arm strength solidify his deserving place in Canton.
12. Roger Staubach
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Following his Heisman Trophy win in his junior year at Navy, Staubach’s entry into the NFL was postponed as he fulfilled his four-year military commitment. Making his debut as a starter at the age of 29, Staubach subsequently steered the Cowboys to triumph in two Super Bowls, making five appearances from 1970 to 1978. Dubbed ‘Captain America,’ he secured the ’71 MVP and Super Bowl VI MVP titles, solidifying his place in both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame.
11. Johnny Unitas
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A former epitome of excellence among NFL quarterbacks, ‘The Golden Arm’ earned three MVP titles, secured three NFL championships, and emerged victorious as the quarterback in Super Bowl V. Unitas achieved a remarkable feat by setting the record for the most consecutive games with a touchdown pass (47) from 1956 to 1960 — a record that endured until Drew Brees surpassed it in 2012. Unitas currently holds the 17th position in the all-time list with 290 touchdown passes. Renowned for his proficiency in the two-minute drill, he earned the moniker ‘Mr. Clutch’ and received induction into the Hall of Fame in 1979.
10. Drew Brees
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Sharing the field with contemporaries like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, Brees remained somewhat overlooked despite his exceptional career. Brees holds the distinction of being one of merely nine quarterbacks to achieve at least 5,000 passing yards in a season, an accomplishment he mastered on five occasions — surpassing any other quarterback who has done it more than twice. Despite his shorter stature for the position, Brees compensated with flawless footwork and precision, solidifying his undeniable path to the Hall of Fame. Garnering 13 Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl ring, Brees presently occupies the second position in the all-time leaderboard for both passing yards and passing touchdowns.
9. Steve Young
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Recognized as one of the most exceptional dual-threat quarterbacks in the annals of the NFL, Steve Young faced the Herculean challenge of stepping into the shoes of Joe Montana in San Francisco. Yet, the BYU graduate rose to the occasion, seamlessly filling the void and securing two MVP awards along with a Super Bowl MVP during his eight-year tenure as the franchise’s leader. Beyond his proficiency as a passer, Young claims the sixth position among quarterbacks in all-time career rushing yards, amassing 4,239 yards.
8. Troy Aikman
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Selected as the top pick from UCLA in 1989, Aikman served as the quarterback for the formidable Dallas dynasty of the early 90s. Aikman orchestrated the Cowboys to a decisive 32-17 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII, delivering a stellar performance with 22-of-30 passes completed for 273 yards and four touchdowns. Subsequently, he led the Cowboys to two additional Super Bowls within the next three years, culminating in a 27-17 triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX. Over his 12-season career, Aikman amassed over 32,000 yards and 165 touchdowns, concluding his tenure with an unblemished 3-0 record in the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, Aikman’s Hall of Fame career was curtailed in 2001 following his tenth concussion.
7. John Elway
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Concluding a Hall of Fame career with a fairytale ending, Elway solidified his legacy by securing consecutive Super Bowl victories against the Packers and Falcons, respectively. Renowned for his dual-threat capabilities, Elway notably rushed for four touchdowns in his Super Bowl appearances. Tom Brady remains the sole quarterback to surpass Elway’s five Super Bowl outings, while Elway ranks among the elite in the four major passing categories (completions, attempts, yards, touchdowns). His remarkable 14 playoff wins rank among the best in the game, complemented by an all-time winning percentage of .641, underscoring his greatness. After his Hall of Fame playing career, Elway continued to make an impact by guiding the Broncos to four division titles, two AFC Championships, and a Super Bowl title in his role as Executive VP/GM of the Broncos.
6. Brett Favre
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Renowned for his fearless approach on the field, Favre ranks towards the top of numerous passing records including most pass completions, attempts, interceptions, starts, and wins. The exclusive recipient of three consecutive MVP awards, Favre stands alongside only one other quarterback to secure a playoff victory after turning 40. Holding the title of Super Bowl champion, Favre occupies the fourth position in the all-time list with 508 touchdown passes. Beyond the individual accolades, his most remarkable feat lies in his durability, exemplified by his unprecedented NFL-record of 321 consecutive starts.
5. Aaron Rodgers
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Possessing remarkable agility in the pocket, unparalleled precision, and an arm akin to a rocket, Aaron Rodgers stands out as potentially the most gifted quarterback in NFL history. Over 15 seasons as the Green Bay Packers’ starting quarterback, Rodgers accumulated an impressive tally of over 55,000 passing yards and 475 passing touchdowns, with a mere 105 interceptions.
Despite this prolific production, postseason success has remained elusive, with only one Lombardi Trophy secured in his 15 seasons. The quest for further championships led to considerable tension with the Green Bay front office and eventually culminated in a trade to the New York Jets. Despite being heralded as the Jets’ savior, Rodgers faced a setback by tearing his Achilles in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, abruptly concluding his 2023 season.
4. Peyton Manning
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Considered by many as one of the most outstanding regular-season quarterbacks, Manning solidified his status among the elite by securing his second Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl 50. Retiring as a five-time MVP, Manning held NFL records for most touchdowns (539) and passing yards (71,940), although these records have since been surpassed. Overcoming significant neck surgery, Manning clinched the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2012 with the Denver Broncos. A 14-time Pro Bowl selection, Manning’s postseason performance has been the subject of scrutiny. Despite a relatively lackluster display in Super Bowl 50, the acquisition of a second championship ring undoubtedly contributes significantly to enhancing his legacy.
3. Joe Montana
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Montana’s Super Bowl legacy is truly remarkable, featuring four appearances, four victories, three MVPs, and an impressive tally of 11 touchdown passes. Notably, these triumphs include matchups against formidable opponents like Dan Marino and John Elway, adding an extra layer of significance to his Super Bowl performances. As the master of the West Coast offense, Montana is widely considered one of the most clutch players in NFL history.
His Super Bowl records include the most passes without an interception (122 in four games) and a remarkable quarterback rating of 127.8. Montana’s career boasts 31 come-from-behind victories, highlighted by iconic moments such as “The Catch” and a crucial touchdown pass in the closing moments of Super Bowl XXIII. While he held the title of G.O.A.T for two decades, the excellence of the next player now positions Montana at No. 2.
2. Patrick Mahomes
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At the age of 28 and concluding his sixth season as a full-time starter, Mahomes’ historical standing remains a challenge to define. Despite only 96 regular-season starts, Mahomes is already among the elite quarterbacks in NFL history. Making his debut as a starter in 2018, Mahomes delivered an outstanding performance with 5,097 passing yards and 50 touchdowns, earning him the coveted MVP award.
While his second season displayed a slightly more restrained performance, the Kansas City quarterback continued to showcase remarkable numbers and guided the Chiefs to a Super Bowl triumph in 2019. Following a Super Bowl loss (2020) and an AFC Championship Game defeat (2021), Mahomes then joined rare company this season, as he and the Chiefs won their second straight Super Bowl (2022 and 2023), becoming the first team to go back-to-back since Brady’s Patriots in 2003-2004. With three titles under his belt and a long career ahead of him, Mahomes is the primary contender to Tom Brady’s seven titles and a worthy #2 on this list.
1. Tom Brady
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Only two miraculous plays away from boasting a 9-1 record in Super Bowls, Tom Brady is undeniably the greatest quarterback of all-time. His unmatched 10 Super Bowl appearances and numerous playoff victories establish him as the quarterback with the most remarkable success in NFL history, showcasing his ability to win without necessarily having dominant supporting casts. Concluding his career as a seven-time Super Bowl champion, five-time Super Bowl MVP, and three-time NFL MVP, Brady’s legacy seems challenging for any quarterback to surpass. His legendary performances in numerous high-pressure games, including the masterful comeback against the Falcons in Super Bowl LI, firmly established Brady as the preeminent quarterback of all-time.
