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Ranking the 20 Most Opinionated Quarterbacks Ever

Some quarterbacks let their arms do all the talking. Others? They’ve got plenty to say off the field, too—whether it’s about teammates, the media, politics, or just how great they think they are.

This list is for the quarterbacks who never hesitated to share their thoughts, even when no one asked. From press conference philosophers to podcast regulars, these individuals never kept their thoughts to themselves.

20. Carson Palmer

November 4, 2007; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer (9) throws against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
John David Mercer-Imagn Images

Quiet on the field, vocal off of it—especially when it came to criticizing ownership or discussing NFL issues. Palmer always came across as a guy who thought deeply and wasn’t afraid to share those thoughts, win or lose.

19. Aaron Rodgers

Sep 21, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Tim Fuller-Imagn Images

Whether it was vaccine discourse, ayahuasca trips, or taking jabs at the Packers’ front office, Rodgers always has something to say. He might be zen now, but he’s always been one of the league’s most unpredictable soundbites.

18. Jay Cutler

Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws the ball during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field.
Dennis Wierzbicki-Imagn Images

Jay Cutler gave us disinterest as a personality trait but also had plenty of opinions under that bored exterior. Whether on his podcast or reality TV, he’s been sneakily one of the more candid QBs in recent memory.

17. Jameis Winston

Sep 12, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images

You never really know what’s going to come out of Jameis Winston’s mouth, and that’s part of the fun. From wild metaphors to hyped-up locker room speeches, he’s got a take on everything—even if it doesn’t always make sense.

16. Colin Kaepernick

November 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Levi's Stadium. The Saints defeated the 49ers 41-23.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Kaepernick used his voice to spark one of the biggest cultural conversations in NFL history. Whether or not you agreed with him, there’s no denying he dared to speak out and stand for something bigger than football.

15. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Dec 26, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at Allegiant Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Harvard brain, journeyman heart, and plenty of clever quips along the way. Fitzpatrick was never afraid to speak up, whether it was about his performance or calling out media narratives.

14. Jim McMahon

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) attempts to pass under pressure from New England Patriots defenders Garin Veris (60) and Andre Tippett (56) during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10.
Manny Rubio-Imagn Images

McMahon was the king of ’80s swagger and never shied away from throwing shade. He had zero interest in sugarcoating anything, and his rebellious spirit always made for entertaining interviews.

13. Josh Rosen

Dec 26, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Josh Rosen (2) warms up prior to facing the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Rosen’s nickname might as well have been “The Chosen and Opinionated One.” He questioned everything—from the NCAA to the NFL draft process—and never filtered himself for public approval.

12. Joe Namath

Jan 12, 1969; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Jets quarterback (12) Joe Namath throws a pass against the Baltimore Colts during Super Bowl III at the Orange Bowl. Namath was named the games most valuable player as the Jets defeated the Colts 16-7 to win their 1st Super Bowl title and giving the AFL the first Championship over the NFL.
David Boss-Imagn Images

Long before Twitter and hot takes, Broadway Joe was giving reporters plenty to write about. Confident, quotable, and always ready with a soundbite, Namath was built for the spotlight.

11. Philip Rivers

Sep 20, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes the ball in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

He didn’t curse, but he sure had a lot to say. Rivers talked nonstop—on the field, off the field, and sometimes to hear himself think.

10. Tony Romo

Sep 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Even as a player, Romo wasn’t shy about offering detailed opinions on the game. Now, in the booth, he’s a walking think-piece with a microphone and a smile.

9. Deshaun Watson

Jan 12, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass during the AFC Divisional Round playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Before his off-field controversies, Watson had a reputation for speaking out confidently on leadership, coaching decisions, and his future. His opinions didn’t always go over well, but they always got people talking.

8. Cam Newton

Nov 1, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) passes the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at Bills Stadium.
Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Cam’s style, his words, his demeanor—it was all unapologetically Cam. He was never afraid to speak up, push back on criticism, or explain his choices in his own very Cam way.

7. Brett Favre

Oct 24, 2010; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4) looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Vikings 28-24.
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Favre always had a homespun take on just about everything and wasn’t afraid to make his opinion known—especially once retirement turned into a part-time job. He stayed vocal long after his final snap.

6. Robert Griffin III

Dec 2, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III (3) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

RGIII has made a second career out of being an NFL commentator, but even during his playing days, he had no problem airing his thoughts. He was outspoken about his development, team issues, and everything in between.

5. Peyton Manning

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) warms up before Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium.
Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Manning wasn’t loud or edgy, but he always had a precise opinion—especially when it came to football strategy, preparation, or leadership. He just made it all sound like a TED Talk with shoulder pads.

4. Josh Allen

Oct 25, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws the ball before his game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Allen has become one of the NFL’s most vocal QBs in recent years, chiming in on everything from team chemistry to officiating. He’s confident, chatty, and never afraid to defend his squad—or himself.

Read More: Ranking the 20 Quarterbacks With the Most “Main Character Energy”

3. Tom Brady

Oct 25, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at Allegiant Stadium.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Brady became more opinionated as he got older, especially once he escaped New England’s media bubble. Whether it was through cryptic social posts, podcast debates, or passive-aggressive quotes, he started talking and never stopped.

Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Egotistical Tight Ends Ever to Play the Game

2. Johnny Manziel

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) runs with the ball against the New York Jets during the second half at MetLife Stadium.
Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Johnny Football talked a big game, backed it up for about five minutes, and never stopped giving his opinion along the way. Even now, he remains as outspoken as ever, leaning into his legacy with no filter.

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

1. Baker Mayfield

Sep 13, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) on the field during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

No quarterback in recent memory has delivered as many soundbites, clapbacks, and confidence-packed interviews as Baker. He talks like he’s always got something to prove—and he usually does.

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