Quarterbacks are supposed to be calm huddle leaders who are cool under pressure and unfazed by chaos. But some quarterbacks brought a little extra emotional spice to the field, ranging from stormy silence to theatrical sideline blowups.
Whether they were passive-aggressive in press conferences, scowling on the bench, or one bad snap away from a meltdown, these quarterbacks wore their moods like a second helmet. Let’s look at the 15 most moody signal-callers to ever take a snap in the NFL.
15. Cam Newton
Cam could light up a stadium with his smile or darken it with a postgame sulk. When the mood shifted, everyone felt it—from reporters to teammates.
14. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers’s vibe flips between laid-back zen master and cryptic philosopher with a grudge. He’ll let you know when he’s in a mood—usually with a sigh and a veiled jab.
13. Jay Cutler
Jay’s facial expression rarely changed, but you knew he was over it. His moody energy was so consistent that it became his brand.
12. Carson Palmer
Palmer had the smoldering frustration of a guy who always seemed fed up with his team’s dysfunction. His body language could write a novel titled “I Deserve Better.”
11. Deshaun Watson
On the field, he’s composed—off the field, not so much. Watson has brought some severe mood swings to press conferences and franchise relationships.
10. Jeff George
George had all the tools and none of the patience. His on-field moodiness often turned into open hostility, and he wasn’t shy about letting coaches or teammates hear it.
9. Kyler Murray
Kyler has a moody streak that’s matched only by his talent. He’s been called pouty, detached, and prickly—especially when things aren’t going well.
8. Eli Manning
Eli had the most meme-worthy moody face in NFL history. His sideline expressions were legendary, whether in confusion, disappointment, or mild disgust.
7. Philip Rivers
Rivers didn’t exactly sulk, but his endless complaining and emotional outbursts gave considerable, moody energy. He could go from fired-up trash talk to whining about a no-call in seconds.
6. Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben habitually acted like a martyr after bad games or injuries. His media comments often came with a side of “woe is me.”
5. Baker Mayfield
Baker wears his emotions on his sleeve and occasionally throws that sleeve into the crowd. When he’s fired up, it’s great—when he’s moody, it’s a full-on pout parade.
4. Donovan McNabb
McNabb was incredibly talented but didn’t always seem thrilled about… anything. From tension with teammates to awkward pressers, he was the definition of low-key moody.
3. Josh Rosen
Rosen was branded “too smart for football,” and he carried himself with the tired aura of a guy constantly rolling his eyes internally. His vibe was always a little too cool, a little too detached.
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2. Jim McMahon
McMahon’s rebellious streak often came with a side of snark and sneer. He was moody in a rockstar way—never quite happy, and always ready to stir the pot.
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1. Tom Brady
As great as he was, Brady’s sideline meltdowns were practically a weekly occurrence. From tablet smashing to screaming at teammates, nobody showed their mood like the GOAT.
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