Some quarterbacks rack up praise. Others rack up Super Bowl rings. And then there’s a special group who rack up… blame. Fairly or unfairly, these guys became lightning rods for media criticism, online slander, and fan frustration throughout their careers.
Whether it was due to hype they couldn’t live up to, playoff meltdowns, or simply existing in massive media markets, these quarterbacks caught heat like it was their job. Here are the 20 most criticized quarterbacks of all time, ranked from the ones who heard a lot of noise to the ones who practically lived in the pressure cooker.
20. Daniel Jones
Playing quarterback for the Giants was tough, but Daniel Jones made it even harder on himself. Between the turnovers and the massive contract, fans and pundits were OK seeing him walk out the door.
19. Jay Cutler
Cutler had the arm talent but never really gave off the vibe that he cared, which drove fans nuts. His body language became a meme long before memes were even a thing.
18. Derek Carr
He had solid numbers, sure, but people constantly questioned whether there was anything more than “just a guy.” No matter where he was, the critics followed close behind.
17. Jameis Winston
Thirty touchdowns and thirty interceptions in the same season will get people talking. Jameis has always been entertaining, for better or worse.
16. Dak Prescott
As the Cowboys quarterback, you’re automatically under the microscope, and Dak knows it better than most. Every playoff shortcoming turns into a full-blown debate about whether he’s the guy.
15. Cam Newton
From his flashy celebrations to postgame sulking, Cam was always in the spotlight. His MVP season was electric, but the critics never fully went away, even when he was winning.
14. Jeff George
If you’re known more for clashing with coaches than winning games, the criticism will pile up. George had a cannon, but his attitude became the main storyline.
13. Philip Rivers
He put up monster stats and played forever, yet people couldn’t stop pointing out his playoff shortcomings. Also, the quirky throwing motion didn’t help quiet the skeptics.
12. Mark Sanchez
The “butt fumble” lives in infamy, but even before that, Sanchez was a constant target. Being the face of the Jets during a chaotic era didn’t exactly earn him grace.
11. Donovan McNabb
He was wildly successful, but critics were never far away, especially in Philly. From the Terrell Owens drama to questions about conditioning, McNabb had to fight for respect.
10. Matt Ryan
One 28-3 blown lead in the Super Bowl and suddenly nothing else matters. Despite an MVP award and consistent play, critics latched onto that collapse and never let go.
9. Eli Manning
Two Super Bowls should be enough to silence the doubters, but not for Eli. He was endlessly picked apart for his inconsistency—even while knocking off dynasties.
8. Baker Mayfield
He talks a big game, which means people are quick to let him hear it when things go wrong. From commercials to interceptions, Baker has drawn tons of attention—good and bad.
7. Carson Wentz
At one point, he was an MVP frontrunner. A few injuries and head-scratching decisions later, and people were calling him a cautionary tale.
6. Michael Vick
His play was electric, but the criticism hit hard both on and off the field. Even after redemption, the public spotlight was brutally intense.
5. Tim Tebow
Tebow was either the second coming or a complete joke depending on who you asked. His mechanics, religious presence, and media hype created nonstop debate.
4. Sam Darnold
From “seeing ghosts” to endless turnovers, Darnold has become a cautionary tale in real time. He’s been given multiple chances, but the criticism just keeps following him from team to team.
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3. Kirk Cousins
“Is he elite?” has become a meme in itself. Cousins puts up numbers but can’t seem to escape criticism, especially in prime time.
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2. Tony Romo
Few QBs were more polarizing during their careers. Every botched snap and playoff loss became a referendum on whether he was ever truly clutch.
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1. Russell Wilson
Once beloved, now relentlessly scrutinized. From “Let Russ Cook” to “What happened to Russ?”, the fall from grace has been steep—and very loud.
