Some quarterbacks throw picks and immediately look for the sideline to blame the play call. Others go three-and-out every possession and still walk into the locker room like they dropped 400 yards and four touchdowns. This list is dedicated to the QBs who could’ve used a mirror—but chose denial instead.
Whether it was blaming the offensive line, the weather, the receivers, or a full moon in retrograde, these guys consistently avoided any self-reflection. Here are 20 NFL quarterbacks who never once thought they were the problem.
20. Blake Bortles
Bortles always carried himself like he was just one play away from being elite. Unfortunately, that play never really came.
19. Jay Cutler
Cutler’s resting “I don’t care” face became a brand, especially when things went sideways. Somehow, the attitude stayed cool no matter how hot the seat got.
18. Zach Wilson
Wilson once suggested the Jets’ offensive woes weren’t on him after scoring three points. That pretty much says it all.
17. Jeff George
George had the arm of a legend and the self-awareness of a rock. He bounced around the league like a gifted nomad who blamed the tour guide.
16. Carson Wentz
When things went south in Philly and Indy, Wentz seemed baffled by the finger-pointing. Everyone else, however, understood completely.
15. Josh Rosen
Rosen came into the league with a chip on his shoulder and a quote about how nine teams would regret passing on him. Turns out, they didn’t.
14. Sam Darnold
Seeing ghosts was one thing, but acknowledging your role in the haunting was another. Darnold just kept trucking along like the exorcism wasn’t his problem.
13. Baker Mayfield
Baker always had swagger, even when the offense was collapsing. He stayed ready with a postgame soundbite and a list of people to blame.
12. Jameis Winston
Winston could throw five touchdowns and five picks in the same game, and still walk off like the hero. The rollercoaster was real, and he thought he built it.
11. Ryan Leaf
Leaf melted in front of reporters, coaches, and anyone else around. But take accountability? Nah, that was someone else’s lane.
10. Matt Cassel
Cassel kept finding starting gigs despite very average results. The confidence never wavered, even when the offense did.
9. DeShone Kizer
Kizer had a forgettable rookie year in Cleveland and seemed surprised it ended so quickly. In his mind, it was everything but his accuracy.
8. Mark Sanchez
The Butt Fumble might be the most iconic self-inflicted wound in NFL history. Still, Sanchez always had a solid explanation, which rarely involved him.
7. Mitch Trubisky
Trubisky seemed stunned every time he got benched, despite a resume full of stalled drives. He had the demeanor of a guy who couldn’t understand the criticism.
6. Vince Young
Young had incredible talent, but clashed with coaches who tried to develop him. He played the victim often, even though his decisions held him back.
5. JaMarcus Russell
Russell reportedly didn’t watch blank tapes handed to him as a “test.” His lack of accountability was the only thing more glaring than his tape habits.
4. Christian Ponder
Ponder never quite figured it out in Minnesota, but held onto a starting job like he was Tom Brady. The self-confidence remained sky-high through all the struggles.
3. Tim Tebow
Tebowmania was real, but so was the denial that his mechanics weren’t NFL-ready. He stayed convinced he could star, even after everyone else had moved on.
Read More: 20 NFL Players Who Never Had a Single Hater
2. Johnny Manziel
Manziel’s off-field lifestyle got more headlines than his stat line. He acted like the coaches were the issue, even when he barely opened the playbook.
Read More: 15 NFL Quarterbacks Who Couldn’t Handle the Pressure
1. Russell Wilson (Post-Seattle)
Let’s be honest—it’s been rough ever since Rus left Seattle. After periods in Denver and Pittsburgh, he’s hoping New York will bring him back to his glory days.
Read More: 10 Quarterbacks Who Were Never As Good As Advertised
