Some quarterbacks let criticism bounce right off them. Others? not so much.
The NFL spotlight can be brutal, and these 15 quarterbacks didn’t always take the heat in stride. Whether clapping back at reporters or throwing shade at teammates, these guys proved that a tough arm doesn’t always come with thick skin.
15. Cam Newton
Cam brought plenty of swagger, but he didn’t always take losses—or questions—very well. When things didn’t go his way, his body language said it all.
14. Jay Cutler
Jay had a cannon for an arm and a scowl to match. He never seemed too thrilled when people questioned his attitude or effort.
13. Dak Prescott
Dak’s calm demeanor sometimes masks just how much criticism gets to him. He’s been known to take fan and media commentary a little too personally.
12. Baker Mayfield
Baker thrives on being doubted—but that chip on his shoulder gets heavy. He’s clapped back at critics more than a few times, sometimes letting it impact his play.
11. Carson Wentz
Wentz went from MVP candidate to media target—and he never quite adjusted. The pressure clearly rattled him as the scrutiny piled up.
10. Kyler Murray
Kyler’s quiet nature isn’t always a sign of confidence. He’s been noticeably bothered by criticism and questions about his leadership.
9. Jeff George
Jeff had all the talent in the world but never quite handled adversity with grace. He often struggled to take coaching or pushback without a reaction.
8. Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy G’s looks and charm didn’t protect him from thin skin. When the heat turned up, he was known to get prickly and defensive.
7. Sam Darnold
Sam was never the rah-rah guy, but even mild critiques seemed to shake his confidence. His demeanor shifted every time the pressure ramped up.
6. Josh Rosen
Rosen was labeled as cerebral and confident—but that confidence often veered into sensitivity. He didn’t take kindly to doubters and let it show in interviews.
5. Donovan McNabb
McNabb’s accomplishments were impressive, but he never seemed at peace with criticism. Whether it came from fans, media, or even teammates, it stuck with him.
4. Tua Tagovailoa
Tua has dealt with a ton of doubters, and he clearly hears every word. He’s tried to tune it out, but his reactions suggest it still hits a nerve.
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3. Tony Romo
Romo had a loyal fanbase but also some harsh critics—and he definitely listened. He took a lot of the blame to heart, even when it wasn’t all on him.
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2. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers might act like nothing gets to him, but deep down, he remembers everything. Whether it’s draft slights or locker room whispers, he never lets it go.
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1. Russell Wilson
Russ tries to play it cool, but the “Let Russ Cook” era proved how badly he wanted approval. When things went south, his sensitivity was on full display.
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