Four Great Quarterbacks

As the game of football continues to evolve, the role that positions and players continue to change as well. But there are some remarkable men who have consistently been considered some of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game of football. What was it about their roles and skills as quarterbacks that made them some of the greats? Are there some common threads? Let’s take a look at four of the best quarterbacks of all time and what made them great. Their quality is more than their stats or what they accomplished, its the legacy and way in which they played the quarterback position. In no particular order, some of the greatest qbs of all time are:

John Elway: The number one draft pick in 1983, Elway was a tenacious competitor. He was never out of any football game, holding the NFL record with 40 career fourth quarter comeback wins. Above all, Elway was a great at making the players around him better. He was able to carry the Denver Broncos, making it possible for them to have the success that they did.

Elway says, “I’ve always joked about Joe Montana not appreciating his Super Bowls nearly as much as I do because he never lost one. We lost three before we got one.”

Joe Montana: One of Montana’s greatest strengths was being in the right place at the right time. Montana was able to execute a system from a brilliant coach in Bill Walsh. Montana knew how to manage a football game and was able to inspire his teammates to play hard and had amazing success.

Montana says, “Winners, I am convinced, imagine their dreams first. They want it with all their heart and expect it to come true. There is, I believe, no other way to live.”

Johnny Unitas: Even guys like Montana and Elway get shivers when they hear the name, Unitas. Unitas led the Colts to the 1958 and 1959 NFL championships and was named All-NFL for five seasons including three Player of the Year awards.Unitas also won three MVP trophies and was selected to play in 10 Pro Bowls. His lasting legacy and contagious charisma make him one of the wisest and most respected players in the game of football.

Unitas says, “There is a difference between conceit and confidence. Conceit is bragging about yourself. Confidence means you believe you can get the job done.”

Peyton Manning: Peyton Manning is perhaps the hardest working quarterback ever. Manning puts in more hours and more work and is more prepared for a game on Sunday than most quarterbacks ever. He has a presence and intelligence that inspires confidence in his teammates. He is able to lead a football game, taking advantage of defenses and what they do and getting the ball into the hands of people who can make plays.

Manning says, “You hear about how many fourth quarter comebacks that a guy has and I think it means a guy screwed up in the first three quarters.”

Who’s your favorite quarterback and why? Let us know!