Special Report

Best Quarterback the Year You Were Born

Paula Pasche

Published: January 23, 2018 5:13 pm

Last Updated: April 14, 2020 3:40 pm

With Tom Brady placing his stamp on the NFL postseason record books, the debate rages on as to whether the New England Patriots living legend is the best quarterback of all time.

That is a claim that cannot be taken lightly. Brady certainly ranks among the best ever. After all, he owns five shiny Super Bowl rings and is closing in on a possible sixth. At age 40, he is not done yet.

Through the years, the NFL has featured dozens of quarterbacks who were standouts in their eras. Many of the names are familiar: Johnny Unitas, Brett Favre, Dan Marino, Steve Young, Joe Montana, and Roger Staubach. And the list goes on.

The best quarterback? It’s a good question and fodder for vigorous debate, so 24/7 Wall St.com took it on. We used data from sources such as Pro Football Reference, the Associated Press, and United Press International to determine the best quarterback for each NFL season dating back to 1945.

Click here to see the best quarterback the year you were born.
Click here to see our detailed findings and methodology.

Source: Tenschert Photo Co Washington, D C / Wikimedia Commons

1945. Sammy Baugh, Washington Redskins
> Quarterback rating: 109.9
> Passing yards: 1,669
> Passing touchdowns: 11
> Postseason success Lost in NFL Championship game
> Honors: n/a

[in-text-ad]

Source: Wikimedia Commons

1946. Sid Luckman, Chicago Bears
> Quarterback rating: 71.0
> Passing yards: 1,826
> Passing touchdowns: 17
> Postseason success NFL Champions
> Honors: n/a

Source: redskins.com

1947. Sammy Baugh, Washington Redskins
> Quarterback rating: 92.0
> Passing yards: 2,938
> Passing touchdowns: 25
> Postseason success None
> Honors: n/a

Source: Bowman / Wikimedia Commons

1948. Tommy Thompson, Philadelphia Eagles
> Quarterback rating: 98.4
> Passing yards: 1,965
> Passing touchdowns: 25
> Postseason success NFL Champions
> Honors: n/a

24/7 Wall St.
25 Athletes Who Were Huge Disappointments in 2017

Source: Bowman / Wikimedia Commons

1949. Johnny Lujack, Chicago Bears
> Quarterback rating: 76.0
> Passing yards: 2,658
> Passing touchdowns: 23
> Postseason success None
> Honors: n/a

Source: Bowman Gum / Wikimedia Commons

1950. Norm Van Brocklin, Los Angeles Rams
> Quarterback rating: 85.1
> Passing yards: 2,061
> Passing touchdowns: 18
> Postseason success Lost NFL Championship game
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: cleveland.com

1951. Otto Graham, Cleveland Browns
> Quarterback rating: 79.2
> Passing yards: 2,205
> Passing touchdowns: 17
> Postseason success Lost NFL Championship game
> Honors: Pro Bowl, All-Pro, MVP

[in-text-ad-2]

Source: Bowman Gum / Wikimedia Commons

1952. Bobby Layne, Detroit Lions
> Quarterback rating: 64.5
> Passing yards: 1,999
> Passing touchdowns: 19
> Postseason success Won NFL Championship
> Honors: Pro Bowl, All-Pro

Source: Bowman Gum / Wikimedia Commons

1953. Otto Graham, Cleveland Browns
> Quarterback rating: 99.7
> Passing yards: 2,722
> Passing touchdowns: 11
> Postseason success Lost NFL Championship game
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: jerseyau.top

1954. Otto Graham, Cleveland Browns
> Quarterback rating: 73.5
> Passing yards: 2,092
> Passing touchdowns: 11
> Postseason success Won NFL Championship
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: cleveland.com

1955. Otto Graham, Cleveland Browns
> Quarterback rating: 94.0
> Passing yards: 1,721
> Passing touchdowns: 15
> Postseason success Won NFL Championship
> Honors: All-Pro

[in-text-ad]

Source: Bowman / Wikimedia Commons

1956. Ed Brown, Chicago Bears
> Quarterback rating: 83.1
> Passing yards: 1,667
> Passing touchdowns: 11
> Postseason success Lost NFL Championship game
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Hulton Archive / Getty Images

1957. Y.A. Tittle, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 80.0
> Passing yards: 2,157
> Passing touchdowns: 13
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Malcolm W. Emmons / Wikimedia Commons

1958. Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
> Quarterback rating: 90.0
> Passing yards: 2,007
> Passing touchdowns: 19
> Postseason success Won NFL Championship
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Joe Haupt / Flickr

1959. Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
> Quarterback rating: 92.0
> Passing yards: 2,899
> Passing touchdowns: 32
> Postseason success Won NFL Championship
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: AP Photo / NFL Photos

1960. Norm Van Brocklin, Philadelphia Eagles
> Quarterback rating: 86.5
> Passing yards: 2,471
> Passing touchdowns: 24
> Postseason success Won NFL Championship
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: cbssports.com

1961. Sonny Jurgensen, Philadelphia Eagles
> Quarterback rating: 88.1
> Passing yards: 3,723
> Passing touchdowns: 32
> Postseason success No
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

[in-text-ad-2]

Source: si.com

1962. Y.A. Tittle, New York Giants
> Quarterback rating: 89.5
> Passing yards: 3,224
> Passing touchdowns: 33
> Postseason success Lost NFL Championship game
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: MORRIS BERMAN / PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETT

1963. Y.A. Tittle, New York Giants
> Quarterback rating: 104.8
> Passing yards: 3,145
> Passing touchdowns: 36
> Postseason success Lost NFL Championship game
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: NFL / YouTube

1964. Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
> Quarterback rating: 96.4
> Passing yards: 2,824
> Passing touchdowns: 19
> Postseason success Lost NFL Championship game
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Frank Rippon / Wikimedia Commons

1965. John Brodie, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 95.3
> Passing yards: 3,112
> Passing touchdowns: 30
> Postseason success No
> Honors: Pro-Bowl

[in-text-ad]

Source: Walter Iooss Jr.

1966. Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers
> Quarterback rating: 105.0
> Passing yards: 2,257
> Passing touchdowns: 14
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: httr4life.com

1967. Sonny Jurgensen, Washington Redskins
> Quarterback rating: 87.3
> Passing yards: 3,747
> Passing touchdowns: 31
> Postseason success No
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: National Football League

1968. Earl Morrall, Baltimore Colts
> Quarterback rating: 93.2
> Passing yards: 2,909
> Passing touchdowns: 26
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

24/7 Wall St.
Most Expensive Colleges in Every State

Source: AP Photo / NFL Photos

1969. Roman Gabriel, Los Angeles Rams
> Quarterback rating: 86.8
> Passing yards: 2,549
> Passing touchdowns: 24
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: footballer.biz / Pinterest

1970. John Brodie, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 93.8
> Passing yards: 2,941
> Passing touchdowns: 24
> Postseason success Lost NFC Championship Game
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Unknown / Wikimedia Commons

1971. Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys
> Quarterback rating: 104.8
> Passing yards: 1,882
> Passing touchdowns: 15
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: Pro Bowl

[in-text-ad-2]

Source: Unknown / Wikimedia Commons

1972. Earl Morrall, Miami Dolphins
> Quarterback rating: 91.0
> Passing yards: 1,360
> Passing touchdowns: 11
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: All-Pro

Source: ramsfansunited.com

1973. John Hadl, Los Angeles Rams
> Quarterback rating: 88.8
> Passing yards: 2,008
> Passing touchdowns: 22
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Allsport / Getty Images

1974. Ken Stabler, Oakland Raiders
> Quarterback rating: 94.9
> Passing yards: 2,468
> Passing touchdowns: 26
> Postseason success Lost AFC Championship game
> Honors:

Source: si.com

1975. Fran Tarkenton, Minnesota Vikings
> Quarterback rating: 91.8
> Passing yards: 2,994
> Passing touchdowns: 25
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

[in-text-ad]

Source: stampedeblue.com

1976. Bert Jones, Baltimore Colts
> Quarterback rating: 102.5
> Passing yards: 3,104
> Passing touchdowns: 24
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Cindy Ord / Getty Images

1977. Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys
> Quarterback rating: 87.0
> Passing yards: 2,620
> Passing touchdowns: 18
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Rick Stewart / Getty Images

1978. Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh Steelers
> Quarterback rating: 84.7
> Passing yards: 2,915
> Passing touchdowns: 28
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: George Rose / Getty Images

1979. Dan Fouts, San Diego Chargers
> Quarterback rating: 82.6
> Passing yards: 4,082
> Passing touchdowns: 24
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: George Rose / Getty Images

1980. Brian Sipe, Cleveland Browns
> Quarterback rating: 91.4
> Passing yards: 4,132
> Passing touchdowns: 30
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Allsport / Getty Images

1981. Ken Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals
> Quarterback rating: 98.4
> Passing yards: 3,754
> Passing touchdowns: 29
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

[in-text-ad-2]

Source: George Rose / Getty Images

1982. Dan Fouts, San Diego Chargers
> Quarterback rating: 93.3
> Passing yards: 2,883
> Passing touchdowns: 17
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Allsport / Allsport / Getty Images

1983. Joe Theismann, Washington Redskins
> Quarterback rating: 97.0
> Passing yards: 3,167
> Passing touchdowns: 29
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

1984. Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins
> Quarterback rating: 108.9
> Passing yards: 5,084
> Passing touchdowns: 48
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

1985. Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins
> Quarterback rating: 84.1
> Passing yards: 4,137
> Passing touchdowns: 30
> Postseason success Lost AFC Championship game
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

[in-text-ad]

Source: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

1986. Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins
> Quarterback rating: 92.5
> Passing yards: 4,746
> Passing touchdowns: 44
> Postseason success None
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: George Rose / Getty Images

1987. Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 102.1
> Passing yards: 3,054
> Passing touchdowns: 31
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Jonathan Daniel / Allsport / Getty Images

1988. Boomer Esiason, Cincinnati Bengals
> Quarterback rating: 97.4
> Passing yards: 3,572
> Passing touchdowns: 28
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

24/7 Wall St.
Best and Worst Musicals of All Time

Source: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

1989. Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 112.4
> Passing yards: 3,521
> Passing touchdowns: 26
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Rick Stewart / Allsport / Getty Images

1990. Jim Kelly, Buffalo Bills
> Quarterback rating: 101.2
> Passing yards: 2,829
> Passing touchdowns: 24
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Mike Powell / Allsport/ Getty Images

1991. Mark Rypien, Washington Redskins
> Quarterback rating: 97.9
> Passing yards: 3,564
> Passing touchdowns: 28
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: Pro Bowl

[in-text-ad-2]

Source: Stephen Dunn / Allsport / Getty Images

1992. Steve Young, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 107.0
> Passing yards: 3,465
> Passing touchdowns: 25
> Postseason success Lost NFC Championship
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Ken Levine / Allsport / Getty Images

1993. Troy Aikman, Dallas Cowboys
> Quarterback rating: 99.0
> Passing yards: 3,100
> Passing touchdowns: 15
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Mike Powell / Allsport / Getty Images

1994. Steve Young, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 112.8
> Passing yards: 3,969
> Passing touchdowns: 35
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Jed Jacobsohn / Allsport / Getty Images

1995. Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers
> Quarterback rating: 99.5
> Passing yards: 4,413
> Passing touchdowns: 38
> Postseason success Lost NFC Championship
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

[in-text-ad]

Source: Stephen Dunn / Allsport / Getty Images

1996. Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers
> Quarterback rating: 95.8
> Passing yards: 3,899
> Passing touchdowns: 39
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images

1997. Steve Young, San Francisco 49ers
> Quarterback rating: 104.7
> Passing yards: 3,029
> Passing touchdowns: 19
> Postseason success Lost NFC Championship
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Brian Bahr / Getty Images

1998. Randall Cunningham, Minnesota Vikings
> Quarterback rating: 106.0
> Passing yards: 3,704
> Passing touchdowns: 34
> Postseason success Lost NFC Championship
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

24/7 Wall St.
50 Worst Action Movies of All Time

Source: Elsa Hasch / Allsport / Getty Images

1999. Kurt Warner, St. Louis Rams
> Quarterback rating: 109.2
> Passing yards: 4,353
> Passing touchdowns: 41
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

2000. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
> Quarterback rating: 94.7
> Passing yards: 4,413
> Passing touchdowns: 33
> Postseason success Lost Wildcard round
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Craig Jones / Getty Images

2001. Kurt Warner, St. Louis Rams
> Quarterback rating: 101.4
> Passing yards: 4,830
> Passing touchdowns: 36
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

[in-text-ad-2]

Source: Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images

2002. Rich Gannon, Oakland Raiders
> Quarterback rating: 97.3
> Passing yards: 4,689
> Passing touchdowns: 26
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

2003. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
> Quarterback rating: 99.0
> Passing yards: 4,267
> Passing touchdowns: 29
> Postseason success Lost AFC Championship
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

2004. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
> Quarterback rating: 121.1
> Passing yards: 4,557
> Passing touchdowns: 49
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Andy Lyons / Getty Images

2005. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals
> Quarterback rating: 101.1
> Passing yards: 3,836
> Passing touchdowns: 32
> Postseason success Lost Wildcard round
> Honors: Pro Bowl

[in-text-ad]

Source: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

2006. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
> Quarterback rating: 101.0
> Passing yards: 4,397
> Passing touchdowns: 31
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Elsa / Getty Images

2007. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
> Quarterback rating: 117.2
> Passing yards: 4,806
> Passing touchdowns: 50
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images

2008. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
> Quarterback rating: 96.2
> Passing yards: 5,069
> Passing touchdowns: 34
> Postseason success None
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Chris McGrath / Getty Images

2009. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
> Quarterback rating: 109.6
> Passing yards: 4,388
> Passing touchdowns: 34
> Postseason success Won Super Bowl
> Honors: Pro Bowl

Source: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

2010. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
> Quarterback rating: 111.0
> Passing yards: 3,900
> Passing touchdowns: 36
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

2011. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
> Quarterback rating: 122.5
> Passing yards: 4,643
> Passing touchdowns: 45
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

[in-text-ad-2]

Source: Dustin Bradford / Getty Images

2012. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
> Quarterback rating: 105.8
> Passing yards: 4,659
> Passing touchdowns: 37
> Postseason success Lost divisional round
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

2013. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
> Quarterback rating: 115.1
> Passing yards: 5,477
> Passing touchdowns: 55
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

2014. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
> Quarterback rating: 112.2
> Passing yards: 4,381
> Passing touchdowns: 38
> Postseason success Lost NFC Championship Game
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

2015. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
> Quarterback rating: 99.4
> Passing yards: 3,837
> Passing touchdowns: 35
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

[in-text-ad]

Source: Scott Cunningham / Getty Images

2016. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
> Quarterback rating: 117.1
> Passing yards: 4,944
> Passing touchdowns: 38
> Postseason success Lost Super Bowl
> Honors: MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Source: Jim Rogash / Getty Images

2017. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
> Quarterback rating: 102.8
> Passing yards: 4,577
> Passing touchdowns: 32
> Postseason success ???
> Honors: All-Pro, Pro Bowl

Detailed Findings

Who was the best quarterback the year you were born? Check out our list and figure out how your choice for best quarterback measures up with signal-callers such as Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Matthew Stafford, and other top quarterbacks from today. It is not all about Super Bowl wins and titles (although it helps), or even who has the strongest arm.

When all the stats were sorted, Peyton Manning, who played for the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, rose to the top as the best quarterback in six seasons over a career spanning 14 years starting in 2000.

The fact that Manning was the best in 2000 and again in 2013 is, in itself, impressive.
Manning, who won two Super Bowls, still holds NFL records with 539 career passing touchdowns and 55 touchdown passes in a season. Also he’s atop the charts with 71,940 career passing yards. Drew Brees (best in 2008 and 2009) is 1,495 yards behind.

Second to Manning’s six best seasons is Otto Graham, the Cleveland Browns quarterback. “Automatic Otto” ranked best in four seasons —1951 and 1953-55. He took the Browns to league championship games (equal to today’s Super Bowl) every year from 1946 through 1955, winning seven. The Hall of Famer still holds the NFL record for career average yards gained per pass attempt for a season at 8.98.

The old-timers put up some impressive, long-lasting numbers, despite conditions that were not optimal. Until the 1950s many players wore leather helmets and played every game outdoors. Today’s QBs have plays sent to their helmets by radio transmission, tablets for immediate video feedback on the sidelines, and play many of their games in domed, temperature-controlled, state-of-the-art stadiums.

Also, the seasons were shorter. In 1945, a full schedule consisted of 10 games. The schedule was gradually raised to 12 per year in 1947, 14 in 1961, and to 16 in 1978, where it is today.

Quarterbacks often played other positions in the early days of the NFL. Sammy Baugh (best in 1945 and 1947) also was a safety and punter. His punting average of 51.4 yards in the 1940 season is still an NFL record.

It is surprising that Hall of Famers Troy Aikman (best in 1993) and Joe Theismann (best in 1983) each made the list for only one season. Hall of Fame quarterbacks Joe Namath and Len Dawson did not make the list.

Methodology

In order to determine the best quarterback from each year, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the statistics of NFL and AFL quarterbacks dating back to 1945. The index took into account statistics such as passing attempts, completions, touchdowns thrown, and interceptions. Whether or not the quarterback received any postseason honors such as an All-Pro designation or NFL most valuable player award was also considered, as well as the success of the quarterback’s team in the postseason.

For All-Pro honors, only the team selected by The Associated Press was considered. Only first team All-Pro designations were considered. In order to be considered, players had to be listed as a quarterback by Pro Football Reference and play in at least 75% of their team’s games. The MVP was decided based on the Joe F. Carr trophy winner for 1945 and 1946. The UPI NFL MVP was used 1948, 1951, and 1953-1956. The AP NFL MVP was used from 1957 on. Players from leagues other than the NFL, such as the AFL, were not considered.