Running quarterbacks are all the rage now, but it wasn’t always this way. For decades, dual-threat QBs were seen as gimmicky, not dependable, or simply “not NFL material”—even when they made defenders look silly with their legs and arms.
But imagine if some of these guys had been dropped into today’s wide-open, RPO-heavy offenses. They’d be stars, not “projects.” Here are the 15 mobile quarterbacks who were born too soon.
15. Seneca Wallace
He had wheels and just enough arm to make things interesting, but Wallace was mainly used as a backup or gadget guy. In today’s offenses, he’d be a dangerous zone-read weapon.
14. Kordell Stewart
“Slash” was doing the multi-threat thing before it was trendy, but coaches never quite knew what to do with him. If he came along now, some coordinator would turn him into a Pro Bowl nightmare.
13. Jake Plummer
Plummer had sneaky athleticism and was dangerous outside the pocket, but the league wasn’t ready to lean into his off-script magic. Today, he’d be encouraged to create instead of being reined in.
12. Vince Young
The tools and wins were there, but he never landed in the right system. Give him a modern playbook and a coach who believes in him, and he’s thriving in 2025.
11. Michael Bishop
Bishop was a college legend with a cannon arm and elite running ability, but NFL coaches weren’t ready to adapt. He’d be a dream for today’s offenses that embrace speed and improvisation.
10. Steve Bono
He ran for a 76-yard touchdown once—no joke. Bono wasn’t flashy, but with today’s play-action rollouts and boots, he’d be more than just a trivia answer.
9. Aaron Brooks
Brooks had absolute mobility and a live arm, but he played in an era where consistency from the pocket mattered. Today, his improvisation and athleticism would be a strength, not a liability.
8. Akili Smith
Things didn’t work out in Cincinnati, but Smith had legit dual-threat potential. He’s probably a starter with a long leash and much more support in the right system now.
7. Daunte Culpepper
Big, mobile, and willing to truck linebackers, Culpepper was ahead of his time. Imagine him with today’s pass-happy schemes and better medical advancements after his knee injury.
6. Tyrod Taylor
He’s technically in the league, but his prime was wasted in overly conservative offenses. Taylor in today’s creative schemes would be a playoff-caliber starter.
5. Donovan McNabb
McNabb was mobile, strong, and wildly productive, but he still got labeled as “not a pure passer.” That narrative doesn’t exist in 2025 when QBs are asked to do everything, and he could.
4. Jeff Blake
Blake could run and launch deep balls with the best of them, but his game didn’t fit the mold back then. Today, his highlight reel would be made for TikTok and RedZone.
3. Randall Cunningham
Cunningham was a cheat code before anyone knew what that meant. In the modern NFL, he’d be in the MVP conversation annually—ask anyone who watched his 1990 season.
2. Steve Young
Yes, he’s a Hall of Famer, but he still played at a time when being a mobile quarterback was seen as a red flag. Young in today’s NFL? You’re looking at a 5,000-yard, 800-rushing-yard kind of season.
Read More: Ranking the 30 Best Quarterbacks of All Time
1. Michael Vick
Vick broke football, but imagine what he’d do now with read options, motion-heavy schemes, and rules that protect QBs. He’d be even more unstoppable—and probably have a few MVPs to his name.
Read More: 10 ’90s NFL Quarterbacks Who Could Play Today
