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The 15 Most Opinionated Quarterbacks of All Time

Quarterbacks aren’t just the face of a franchise—they’re often the loudest voice in the room. Some lead with quiet confidence, but others? They make headlines just as often for their takes as they do for their touchdowns.

Whether it’s calling out the media, speaking up for teammates, or simply refusing to bite their tongue, these signal-callers never shied away from saying exactly what was on their minds. Love them or hate them, they kept things interesting—and definitely never dull.

15. Carson Palmer

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Palmer was never one to sugarcoat his feelings, especially when it came to how the Bengals ran their franchise. He wasn’t afraid to walk away from millions just to make a point, and that speaks volumes.

14. Jay Cutler

Oct 6, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws against the New Orleans Saints during the second of their game at Soldier Field.
Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Jay Cutler had a resting expression that said “don’t care,” but he actually had plenty to say when he wanted to. Whether it was about media narratives or calling out critics, Cutler always spoke his mind with a little smirk.

13. Boomer Esiason

Jan 22, 1989; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback (7) Boomer Esiason sets to throw as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle (95) Michael Carter pressures him during Super Bowl XXIII at Joe Robbie Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Bengals 20-16.
Manny Rubio-Imagn Images

Boomer has never been short on opinions, even long after he hung up his cleats. His transition to broadcasting only amplified his platform, and he’s never been shy about using it.

12. Joe Namath

Aug 1969; New Haven, CT, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath (12) in action against the New York Giants during the 1969 pre-season at the Yale Bowl.
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images

Broadway Joe didn’t just wear fur coats and kiss reporters—he talked a big game, too. He famously guaranteed a Super Bowl win, and his confidence never really dialed down after that.

11. Jim McMahon

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback #9 Jim McMahon hugs teammates #6 kicker Kevin Butler and #78 tackle Keith VanHorne during Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10.
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images

McMahon was as brash as they came, and he loved poking the bear. Whether it was taunting opponents or trolling the league itself, his words packed just as much punch as his game.

10. Josh Rosen

Oct 28, 2018; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) warms up prior to the game San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium.
Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Rosen came into the league with strong opinions on just about everything, from politics to how he was drafted. His confidence rubbed people the wrong way, but he never backed down from being himself.

9. Donovan McNabb

Jan 9, 2010; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb (5) is chased by Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) during the second half of the 2010 NFC wild card playoff game at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 34-14.
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

McNabb always stood tall, both on and off the field, and wasn’t afraid to push back on media criticism. He had plenty to say about teammates, expectations, and how he was portrayed.

8. Brett Favre

Nov 29, 2009; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4) smiles along the sidelines after leaving the game against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter at the Metrodome. Vikings win 36-10.
Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Favre might seem like a gunslinger who let his play do the talking, but his interviews always had something to unpack. Whether he was talking retirement (again) or calling out team decisions, he never held back.

7. Philip Rivers

Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) signals before the snap during the first half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27.
Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

Rivers didn’t curse, but don’t let the G-rated trash talk fool you—he was endlessly vocal. From on-field chirping to candid interviews, he always made his stance crystal clear.

6. Cam Newton

Dec 6, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) yells prior to the snap against the New Orleans Saints in the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Panthers won 41-38.
Crystal LoGiudice-Imagn Images

Cam’s style, both in fashion and in interviews, was never subtle. He didn’t shy away from controversial comments and always stayed unapologetically true to who he was.

5. Jim Kelly

Jan 26, 1992; Minneapolis, MN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12) on the field with athletic trainers during Super Bowl XXVI against the Washington Redskins at the Metrodome. The Redskins defeated the Bills 37-24.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Kelly didn’t bite his tongue during Buffalo’s Super Bowl years, and he wasn’t afraid to stir things up in the locker room either. His strong will and sharp opinions were part of what made him a leader.

4. Terry Bradshaw

Jan 18, 1976; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw (12) in action during Super Bowl X against the Dallas Cowboys at the Orange Bowl. The Steelers defeated the Cowboys 21-17 to win consecutive Super Bowl Championships.
Tony Tomsic-Imagn Images

Bradshaw’s Hall of Fame career is only rivaled by his post-career takes. As a player and now as a broadcaster, he’s never been afraid to throw verbal bombs and ruffle feathers.

3. Johnny Manziel

May 26, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

From the moment he entered the draft, Manziel had a lot to say—and most of it made waves. His brash confidence and polarizing commentary made him a constant headline.

Read more: Ranking the 15 Most Opinionated QBs to Ever Play the Game

2. Colin Kaepernick

Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) rushes for a gain against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Chicago Bears defeated the San Francisco 49ers 28-20.
Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Kaepernick made headlines for far more than just football, and his willingness to speak up changed the league’s landscape. He took a stand, literally and figuratively, and never backed down from what he believed.

Read more: 10 MLB Catchers You Did Not Want to Cross

1. Aaron Rodgers

Sep 8, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts after running back Eddie Lacy (not pictured) scored a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Packers 34-28.
Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Rodgers has reached a level of opinion-sharing that few quarterbacks ever dare to approach. Whether it’s medicine, management, or manifesting, he’s got a take—and you’re going to hear about it.

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