After a disastrous start to his second season, Justin Fields is finally starting to turn some heads with his ability to run the ball and it’s leaving many to wonder – could he be one of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks of all time? He definitely has a way to go, but his recent play is more than eye-opening.
Week 9 was by far his best performance since entering the league as the 11th pick in the 2021 NFL draft. He not only threw for 123 yards and 3 touchdowns, but he ran for another 178 yards and one touchdown. It was a historic day for Fields in more ways than one as he broke both franchise and NFL records.
His 178 rushing yards was the most by a quarterback in a regular season game in NFL history and was tied for the second-most rushing yards by a Bears’ player (including running backs) since 2000. He’s also the only QB in NFL history to rush for 150 yards, score a rushing touchdown, and throw 3 touchdowns.
Who Are the 20 Greatest Dual-Threat Quarterbacks of All-Time?
What we saw out of Justin Fields was exactly what the Chicago Bears were hoping to get when they selected him in the first round two years ago. And the quarterback didn’t stop there – in Week 10, he threw for another 167 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for another 147 yards and two touchdowns.
Over the past three games, he has thrown for 441 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 1 interception – adding another 385 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground. As for the season, he’s now up to 1,489 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions through the air, and 749 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground.
He’s definitely one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the league right now, but we also need to see this consistently if we want to put him in the same breath as Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and some of the other dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL today – let alone the best dual-threat quarterbacks of all-time.
With that said, let’s take a look at some of the best mobile QBs we’ve ever seen – aside from Justin Fields.
20. Bobby Douglass
Bobby Douglass was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1969 NFL Draft. He spent 10 years in the league, also playing for the Saints, Packers, and Chargers. Over his career, he threw for 6,493 yards and 36 touchdowns – it might not sound impressive, but the game was different back then.
In addition to his excellence through the air, Douglass added 2,654 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground. He averaged about 265 rushing yards per season and even led the league in yards per attempt in 1972. When you consider he only played in 91 games in the NFL. Unfortunately, he didn’t win much.
19. Jim Zorn
Jim Zorn went undrafted in the 1975 NFL Draft but was later signed as a free agent by the Seattle Seahawks in 1976. He was the team’s starting quarterback until being replaced in 1983. Over his 11-year career, he threw for 21,115 yards, 111 touchdowns, and a 44-62-0 record as a starting quarterback.
In addition to his throwing, he accumulated 1,504 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground – he also had a 27-yard reception in 1982. He rushed for 200+ yards in four different seasons and set career-highs in 1978 with 290 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. He was also a coach in the NFL for two years.
18. Doug Flutie
Doug Flutie was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 11th round of the 1985 NFL Draft. He spent 12 seasons in the NFL – though he also had an eight-year run in the Canadian Football League. In 92 games played, he threw for 14,715 yards, 86 touchdowns, and 68 interceptions – he had a 38-28 record.
In addition to his throwing, Flutie recorded 1,634 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. He had his best dual-threat season in 1999 with the Buffalo Bills when he rushed for 476 yards and one touchdown. He had at least 150 rushing yards in five other seasons – including 248 rushing yards in 1998.
17. Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He’s currently in his third season in the NFL and has taken a huge leap this season – compared to his previous two. In 39 games played, he has thrown for 6,422 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just 16 interceptions.
Not only can he throw the ball, but Hurts is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the league today. He has recorded 1,492 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns – including 784 yards and 10 TDs last season. In nine games this season, he already has 354 yards and 7 TDS – his team is currently 8-1-0.
16. Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He is currently playing in his fourth season as starting quarterback and he has shown flashes of excellence. In 55 games played, he has accumulated 13,648 passing yards, 82 touchdowns, and 40 interceptions.
He’s also a bonafide runner, having rushed for 2,145 yards and 22 touchdowns so far in his career. He really showed his talents during the 2020 season, rushing for 819 yards and 11 touchdowns. So far this season, the quarterback has 359 yards through nine games, but only rushed for two touchdowns.
15. Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Culpepper was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings as the No. 11 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. He spent 11 seasons in the league, also playing for the Dolphins, Raiders, and Lions before retiring in 2009. Over the course of his career, he threw for 24,153 yards, 149 touchdowns, and 106 interceptions.
Culpepper didn’t just throw the ball often, but he ran the ball often – and was good at it. He ran for 2,652 yards and 34 touchdowns in 105 games played. 2,323 of those yards and 28 of those touchdowns came in an impressive five-year span between 2000 and 2004. He was named to three Pro Bowls in his career.
14. Kordell Stewart
Kordell Stewart was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft. He spent 11 seasons in the league, also playing for the Ravens and Bears before retiring in 2005. Over the course of his career, he threw for 14,746 yards, 77 touchdowns, 84 interceptions, and 718 first downs.
He was an exciting player to watch, especially during his time when mobile quarterbacks were a rarity. He managed to accumulate 2,874 yards on the ground, adding 38 touchdowns in the process. He also caught 41 passes in his career for 658 yards and five touchdowns – so he was actually a triple-threat QB.
13. Roger Staubach
Roger Staubach was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 10th round of the 1964 NFL Draft. He spent 11 seasons in the league, all of which with the Cowboys. With an 85-29-0 record as starting quarterback, he threw for 22,700 yards, 153 touchdowns, and 109 interceptions. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion.
In addition to being one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Staubach wasn’t afraid to let his legs do the talking from time to time. He rushed at least 40 times in seven different seasons, retiring with 2,264 yards on 410 carries for 20 touchdowns. He also had at least three rushing TDs in five straight seasons.
12. Vince Young
Vince Young was one of the most exciting college football players of his time and while he was drafted by the Tennessee Titans with the No. 3 overall pick in 2006, his career didn’t last long. He started just 50 games over his career (31-19-0), throwing for 8,964 yards, 46 touchdowns, and 51 interceptions.
Not only did he have a powerful arm, but he had the size and speed to run through a defense – rushing for 1,459 yards and 12 touchdowns throughout his career. He ran for 552 yards and 7 touchdowns as a rookie. Unfortunately, he struggled to read the defense and had poor accuracy through the air, ultimately leading to his demise.
11. Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson was drafted by the Houston Texans as the No. 12 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He’s currently playing in his fifth season in the league and first with the Cleveland Browns – he hasn’t played since 2020. Still, he already has 14,539 yards, 104 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions in his career.
Despite his personal troubles over the past year or so, Watson is one of the most difficult quarterbacks to play against in the NFL – he’s more athletic than most. He has rushed for 1,677 yards and 17 touchdowns in his first four seasons. After serving a long suspension this season, he’ll be eligible to return very soon.
10. Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He’s currently in his 11th season in the league and first with the Denver Broncos. Through 166 games played, he has thrown for 39,039 yards, 299 touchdowns, and 92 interceptions. He led the NFL in TDs in 2017.
Wilson was much more effective as a rusher in his earlier years and while he doesn’t rush the ball as much anymore, he still does it when needed – he’s also great at extending plays. Over his 11-year career, he has rushed for 4,810 yards and 24 touchdowns – including 849 yards and six touchdowns in 2014.
9. John Elway
John Elway was drafted by the Baltimore Colts with the No. 1 overall pick in 1983, but he ended up playing his entire 16-year career with the Denver Broncos. He had a 148-82-1 record as starting QB, throwing for 51,475 yards, 300 touchdowns, and 226 interceptions in 234 total games played.
It’s easy to forget how mobile Elway was, but let’s not overlook the fact that he was one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks of all time. During the 80s and 90s, he rushed for 3,407 yards and 33 touchdowns – including at least 200 rushing yards and 11 games and four TDs in four games.
8. Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles as the No. 2 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. He spent 13 seasons in the league, also playing for the Redskins and Vikings. With a 98-62-1 record as starting quarterback, he threw for 37,276 yards, 234 touchdowns, and 117 interceptions.
McNabb had his best running days between 1999 and 2003 – rushing for at least 300 yards in his first five seasons in the NFL. He had a career-high 629 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 2000, retiring with 3,459 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on 616 carries. He thrived on making defenses pay with his legs.
7. Randall Cunningham
Randall Cunningham was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles as a second-round pick in the 1995 NFL Draft. He spent 16 seasons in the league, also playing for the Vikings, Ravens, and Cowboys. Over the course of his career, he has thrown for 29,979 yards, 207 touchdowns, and 134 interceptions.
In addition to his ability to throw the ball downfield, Cunningham was one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks we’ve ever seen. He last played in 2001, retiring with 4,928 yards and 35 touchdowns to his name. He led the league in yards per attempt two seasons in a row, but also led the NFL in fumbles three times.
6. Steve Young
Steve Young was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1984 NFL Draft, though his best days came with the San Francisco 49ers. He spent 15 years in the league – 13 of which with the 49ers. Over his career, he threw for 33,124 yards, 232 touchdowns, and 107 interceptions.
Widely known for his passing, Young was one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks of his generation. He rushed the ball 722 times in his career, accumulating 4,239 yards and 43 touchdowns in the process. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl player, two-time AP MVP, and three-time Super Bowl champ with the 49ers.
5. Fran Tarkenton
Fran Tarkenton was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 1961 NFL Draft. He spent 18 seasons in the league, also playing for the New York Giants for five seasons to end his career. In 239 games started (124-109-6), he threw for 47,003 yards, 342 touchdowns, and 266 interceptions.
Tarkenton was more than just a quarterback with a nice arm – he had no problem tucking the ball away and running with it. He retired with 3,674 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns. He had at least 300 rushing yards in seven different seasons – including a career-high 376 yards and four TDs in 1966.
4. Josh Allen
Josh Allen was drafted by the Buffalo Bills as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the league – not just this season, but of all time. He’s currently in his fifth season in the NFL and has thrown for 16,847 yards, 123 touchdowns, and 56 interceptions.
Allen has a unique combination of size, strength, speed, and an incredible arm – one of the best, if not the best, in the league. In 70 games played, Allen has rushed for 2,801 yards and 35 touchdowns – including a career-high 763 rushing yards in 2021 and nine rushing touchdowns in 2019. He’s on pace for more career highs this season.
3. Cam Newton
Cam Newton was drafted by the Carolina Panthers as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He has spent 11 seasons in the league, also playing for the New England Patriots – though he hasn’t played since 2021. In 148 games played, he has thrown for 32,382 yards, 194 touchdowns, and 123 interceptions.
Newton might not have the arm that Josh Allen has, but he has the size, strength, and body. Newton was a tough man to bring down, especially in his prime. He rushed for 5,628 yards and 75 touchdowns over his 11-year career, including at least 500 rushing yards in seven seasons and 10+ TDs in three seasons.
2. Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft – the same draft as Josh Allen. He’s currently in his fifth season in the league and has already won an MVP award. In 67 games played, Jackson has 11,735 yards, 100 touchdowns, and 37 interceptions.
Jackson is one of the most elusive and mobile quarterbacks we’ve ever seen – his ability to make defenders miss is unreal. He has already accumulated 4,308 rushing yards and 23 rushing TDs in his career, including back-to-back 1,000+ yard seasons in 2019 and 2020. He continues to break records.
1. Michael Vick
When you think of mobile quarterback, Michael Vick is the first name that comes to mind – but Lamar Jackson is giving him a run for his money. Vick spent 13 seasons in the league after being drafted as the No. 1 overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001. He had 22,464 passing yards and 133 touchdowns.
Much like Jackson, Vick’s ability to make defenders miss and elude tackles was unreal – he was one of the most exciting players to watch when in his prime. He rushed for 6,109 yards and 36 touchdowns in his career, including 1,039 rushing yards in 2006. He led the league in yards per attempt five times.
Future NFL Dual-Threat Quarterbacks to Keep an Eye on
The NFL has seen a massive change in quarterback talent over the past few years. Looking back through the history of the league, quarterbacks usually aren’t the athletic type – they like to stay in the pocket, read the defense, and throw the ball with accuracy. Up until recently, mobile quarterbacks were a rarity.
For those that enjoy the evolution of the quarterback, there’s plenty more where that comes from. Just look at the landscape of college football today – it’s bursting with dual-threat quarterbacks who will likely get a chance at the NFL level one day soon. Eventually, the league will be overflowing with them.
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As of right now, some of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in college football include John Rhys Plumlee (UCF), Darren Grainger (Georgia St.), Jayden Daniels (LSU), Riley Leonard (Duke), Adrian Martinez (Kansas St.), Drake Maye (UNC), Anthony Richardson (Florida), and Haaziq Daniels (Air Force).
Patrick Mahomes Becomes Fastest Player to 20,000 Yards; Here Are the NFL’s All-Time Leaders in Passing Yards
Patrick Mahomes continues to prove why he will one day be one of the NFL’s all-time leaders in passing yards, becoming the fastest player to reach 20,000 yards in NFL history. He achieved the incredible feat during a Sunday Night Football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He entered the game just 152 yards shy of 20,000 and it only took him three quarters to get there. It was his 67th game in the NFL – reaching the mark faster than Matthew Stafford, who did so in 71 games with the Detroit Lions. Both quarterbacks are now Super Bowl champions.
What’s even more incredible is that Patrick Mahomes achieved the milestone in a game against Tom Brady – currently No. 1 among the NFL’s all-time leaders in passing yards. If Mahomes can have a career as long as Brady – or at least close – then he could one day take that crown.
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Who Are the NFL’s All-Time Leaders in Passing Yards?
Patrick Mahomes is on a crash course in the NFL – rewriting history as he builds a dynasty with Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs. While he’s certainly the best quarterback in the NFL right now, at just 27 years old, he’s still only halfway to cracking the top-20 in yards all-time.
A lot of things have to go right for a quarterback to be among the all-time leaders in passing yards. They not only have to play for at least 12-15 years, but you have to be a starter for your team each and every year AND you have to perform well on a nightly basis – which isn’t easy.
Mahomes will certainly get there – he’s only in his sixth season – but that’s barring any major setbacks or injuries, which we would never wish on a player. While we continue to watch his incredible career unfold before our very eyes, let’s meet the all-time leaders in passing yards.
20. Kerry Collins – 40,922 yards
Kerry Collins was drafted No. 5 overall by the Carolina Panthers in 1995 and went on to enjoy a 17-year career in the NFL. He retired with an 81-99 record as a starting quarterback, throwing for 40,922 yards, 208 touchdowns, and 196 interceptions in 198 games with six different teams.
Collins made the Pro Bowl twice in his career – first with the Panthers in 1996 and again in 2008 with the Tennessee Titans. He also came second in voting for Comeback Player of the Year twice – once in 2000 and again in 2008. He had 21 fourth quarter comebacks in his career.
19. Joe Flacco – 42,170 yards
Joe Flacco was drafted No. 18th overall in 2008 and is currently in his 15th season in the NFL and third season with the New York Jets. He has a career 99-80 record as a starting QB, throwing for 42,170 yards, 232 touchdowns, and 147 interceptions in 181 games (three teams).
Flacco has never made the Pro Bowl, but he has made the playoffs six times and has a 10-5 record in the postseason – including going 4-0 in the 2013 playoffs en route to a Super Bowl win. He was named the Super Bowl MVP with 237 yards, three touchdowns, and no picks.
18. Dan Fouts – 43,040 yards
Dan Fouts was drafted 64th overall (3rd round) by the San Diego Chargers in 1973 and went on to have a 15-year career in the NFL. He retired with a 86-84-1 record as a starting QB, throwing for 43,040 yards, 254 touchdowns, and 242 interceptions – all of which with San Diego.
Fouts was a six-time Pro Bowl player (including five straight from 1979-1983), two-time All-Pro player, 1982 AP Offensive Player of the Year, and came second in MVP voting twice. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993 and is a member of the Hall of Fame All-1980s team.
17. Drew Bledsoe – 44,611 yards
Drew Bledsoe was drafted No. 1 overall by the New England Patriots in 1993 and went on to have a 14-year career in the NFL. He retired with a 98-95-0 record as starting quarterback, throwing for 44,611 yards, 251 touchdowns, and 206 interceptions in 194 games played.
Bledsoe was selected to the Pro Bowl four times in his career – three with the Patriots and one with their rival, the Buffalo Bills. He led the league in passing yards (4,555 yards) in 1994 (his second season), but that was also the same year he led the league in interceptions (27).
16. Vinny Testaverde – 46,233 yards
Vinny Testaverde was drafted No. 1 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1987 and went on to have a 21-year career in the NFL with seven different teams. He retired with a 90-123-1 record as starting quarterback, throwing for 46,233 yards, 275 touchdowns, and 167 interceptions.
Testaverde was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1996 with the Baltimore Ravens and 1998 with the New York Jets. During that 1998 season, he led the Jets to a 12-1-0 record and came third in Comeback Player of the Year voting. He led the league in interceptions four times in his career.
15. Carson Palmer – 46,247 yards
Carson Palmer was drafted No. 1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2003 and went on to have a 14-year career in the NFL with three different teams. He retired with a 92-88-1 record as starting quarterback, throwing for 46,247 yards, 294 touchdowns, and 187 interceptions.
Palmer was selected to the Pro Bowl three times – back-to-back in 2005 and 2006, and again 2015 at 36 years old. In 2005, he led the league in touchdowns (32) and only threw 12 picks. He threw a career-high 4,671 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2015 and came second in MVP voting.
14. Fran Tarkenton – 47,003 yards
Fran Tarkenton was drafted No. 29 overall (3rd round) by the Minnesota Vikings in 1961 and went on to have an 18-year career in the NFL with two teams. He retired with a 124-109-6 record as starting QB, throwing for 47,003 yards, 342 touchdowns, and 266 interceptions.
Tarkenton came second in Rookie of the Year voting and was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times in his career. He was named MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 1975 with 2,994 yards, 25 touchdowns (led the NFL), and 13 interceptions. He also had 32 rushing touchdowns in his career.
13. Warren Moon – 49,325 yards
Warren Moon went undrafted in the 1978 NFL Draft and didn’t make his NFL debut until 1984, but went on to have a 17-year career in the league with four teams. He retired with a 102-101-0 record as starting QB, throwing for 49,325 yards, 291 touchdowns, and 233 interceptions.
Moon was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times in his career – including eight-straight from 1988 to 1995. He was in the top-five MVP voting twice, including coming in third place in 1990 – the same year he won Offensive Player of the Year. He led the league in yards twice and TDs once.
12. John Elway – 51,475 yards
John Elway was drafted No. 1 overall by the Baltimore Colts in 1993, but was traded to the Denver Broncos – where he started and ended his 16-year career. He retired with a 148-82-1 record as starting quarterback, throwing for 51,475 yards, 300 touchdowns, and 226 interceptions.
Elway was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times in his career, was the 1987 AP MVP, and won back-to-back Super Bowls with the Broncos in 1998 and 1999. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and is a member of the Hall of Fame All-1990s Team.
11. Matthew Stafford – 51,571 yards (and counting)
Matthew Stafford was drafted No. 1 overall by the Detroit Lions in 2009 and is currently in his 14th season in the NFL – second with the Los Angeles Rams. He has a career 89-98-1 record as a starting quarterback, throwing for 51,571 yards, 329 touchdowns, and 169 interceptions.
Stafford was named Comeback Player of the Year in 2011, his third season in the league, after throwing for 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He made one Pro Bowl appearance in 2013, despite having a down year statistically, and won the Super Bowl last season in his first year with the Rams.
10. Aaron Rodgers – 56,763 yards (and counting)
Aaron Rodgers was drafted No. 24 overall by the Green Bay Packers in 2005 and is currently in his 18th season in the NFL – all with the Pack. He has a career 142-69-1 record as starting quarterback, throwing for 56,763 yards, 458 touchdowns, and 96 interceptions in 219 games.
Rodgers is a future Hall of Fame quarterback, no doubt. He’s a 10-time Pro Bowl player, four-time All-Pro player, four-time MVP (reigning two-time MVP), 2011 Super Bowl champion, and 2011 Super Bowl MVP. He has also led the league in touchdowns twice in 2016 and 2020.
9. Eli Manning – 57,023 yards
Eli Manning was drafted No. 1 overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2004, but was traded to the New York Giants – where he started and ended his 16-year career. He retired with a 117-117-0 record as starting quarterback, throwing for 57,023 yards, 366 touchdowns, and 244 interceptions.
Manning was a four-time Pro Bowl player for the Giants and came sixth in voting for Comeback Player of the Year in 2011. He’s most known for knocking off the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl twice – first in 2008 and again in 2012. He was named Super Bowl MVP both years.
8. Dan Marino – 61,361 yards
Dan Marino was drafted No. 27 overall by the Miami Dolphins in 1983 and went on to have a legendary 17-year career in the NFL. He retired with a 147-93-0 record as starting quarterback, throwing for 61,361 yards, 420 touchdowns, and 252 interceptions in 242 games with the Dolphins.
Marino was selected to nine Pro Bowls in his career and was a three-time All-Pro player. He had a breakout year in 1884 at 23 years old, winning MVP and Offensive Player of the Year with 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns – he led the league in both categories. He led the NFL in yards five times and TDs three times.
7. Matt Ryan – 61,500 yards (and counting)
Matt Ryan was drafted No. 3 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2008 and is currently in his 15th season in the NFL – first with the Indianapolis Colts. He has a career 123-104-1 record as starting quarterback, throwing for 61,500 yards, 375 touchdowns, and 177 interceptions.
Ryan was selected to four Pro Bowls in his career and was named an All-Pro player once in 2016 – the same year he won AP MVP and AP Offensive Player of the Year with 4,944 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He was also named Rookie of the Year in 2008.
6. Philip Rivers – 63,440 yards
Philip Rivers was drafted No. 4 overall by the New York Giants in 2004, but was traded to the San Diego Chargers for Eli Manning. He retired with a 134-106-0 record as starting quarterback, throwing for 63,440 yards, 421 touchdowns, and 209 interceptions in 244 games with two teams.
Rivers was selected to eight Pro Bowls in his career, including three-straight between 2009 and 2011, and again between 2016 and 2018. He was named Comeback Player of the Year in 2013 after throwing 4,478 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He should be a future Hall of Famer.
5. Ben Roethlisberger – 64,088 yards
Ben Roethlisberger was drafted No. 11 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004 and spent his entire 18-year career with the team. He retired in 2021 with a 165-81-1 record as starting quarterback, throwing for 64,088 yards, 418 touchdowns, and 211 interceptions in 249 games.
Roethlisberger was selected to six Pro Bowls during his career, including four-straight between 2014 and 2017. He was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2004 and came second in Comeback Player of the Year voting in 2020. He led the Steelers to Super Bowl wins in 2006 and 2009.
4. Brett Favre – 71,838
Brett Favre was drafted No. 33 overall (2nd round) by the Green Bay Packers in 1991 and went on to have a 20-year career in the NFL. He retired with a 186-112-0 record as starting QB, throwing for 71,838 yards, 508 touchdowns, and 336 interceptions in 302 games with four teams.
Favre was selected to 11 Pro Bowls during his career and was named an All-Pro player three times. He’s the only NFL player to ever win three consecutive MVPs, doing so between 1995 and 1997 – he was also Offensive Player of the Year in 1995. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
3. Peyton Manning – 71,940 yards
Peyton Manning was drafted No. 1 overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 1998 and went on to have a legendary 17-year career in the NFL with two teams. He retired with a 186-79-0 record as starting quarterback, throwing for 71,940 yards, 539 touchdowns, and 251 interceptions.
No NFL player has ever won more MVP awards than Peyton Manning – winning four with the Colts and one with the Broncos. He’s also the only player to win back-to-back MVPs on multiple occasions. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021 and won two Super Bowls in his career.
2. Drew Brees – 80,358 yards
Drew Brees was drafted No. 32 overall (2nd round) by the San Diego Chargers in 2001 and went on to have a legendary 20-year career in the NFL with two teams. He retired with a 172-114-0 record as starting QB, throwing for 80,358 yards, 571 touchdowns, and 243 touchdowns.
Brees never won an MVP award, but he was named Offensive Player of the Year in 2008 and 2001. He did, however, come second in MVP voting four times and won Comeback Player of the Year in 2004. He also led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl in 2010, winning Super Bowl MVP in the process.
1. Tom Brady – 85,929 yards (and counting)
Tom Brady was drafted No. 199 overall (6th round) by the New England Patriots in 2000 and is currently in his 23rd season in the NFL – third with the Buccaneers. He has a career 246-76-0 record as starting QB, throwing for 86,172 yards, 632 touchdowns, and 204 interceptions.
No NFL player or NFL franchise has more Super Bowl wins than Tom Brady – winning it six times with the Patriots and once with the Buccaneers. He’s a 15-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, three-time MVP, five-time Super Bowl MVP, and two-time Offensive Player of the Year.
Quarterbacks Who Will Make the List Someday Soon
Of all the quarterbacks listed in the top-20 all-time leaders in passing yards, only five of them are currently active and each of them are on the tail-end of their career. Stafford, Rodgers, and Ryan have several more years to go (at least), so they’ll continue to climb their way up to Brady.
With that said, there are five more active quarterbacks currently in the top-50 – including Ryan Tannehill (31,694 yards), Derek Carr (32,979 yards), Kirk Cousins (33,920 yards), Andy Dalton (35,702 yards), and Russell Wilson (38,313 yards). They’ll also continue to climb up the list.
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Of course, you also have to look at the young guys that are lighting it up right now at record rates. In addition to Mahomes, you have Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, Dak Prescott, and Lamar Jackson. You can expect to see a lot of these guys climb.
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