There are plenty of quarterbacks who rack up stats, win trophies, and land endorsement deals. But there’s something extra special about the ones who earn the undying loyalty of the locker room, the guys everyone wanted to play for, no matter the scoreboard.
These 18 quarterbacks weren’t just leaders—they were glue guys, motivators, and walking huddles of good vibes. From heart-and-soul legends to the guys who always had your back, here are the QBs their teammates absolutely adored.
18. Jake Plummer
Jake “The Snake” was never the flashiest QB, but his swagger and toughness earned massive respect in the huddle. He led with a gritty charm that made teammates run through walls for him.
17. Jeff Garcia
Garcia played with heart and grit, and guys around him always appreciated how hard he fought. He never let his team feel like underdogs, even when they clearly were.
16. Doug Flutie
Despite his size, Flutie had a giant personality and even bigger locker room support. His underdog story made teammates root for him as hard as fans did.
15. Steve McNair
McNair’s combination of quiet leadership and unbelievable toughness made him a Titan legend. Teammates knew he’d never ask them to do anything he wouldn’t do himself.
14. Chad Pennington
Smart, steady, and emotionally grounded, Pennington earned love by staying calm no matter what. His leadership style was more constant than rah-rah, and teammates appreciated every bit of it.
13. Josh McCown
He bounced around the league, but everywhere he went, players and coaches raved about him. Whether starting or mentoring, McCown was the ultimate locker room guy.
12. Tony Romo
Romo’s charm and confidence resonated through the Cowboys locker room. His ability to stay cool under pressure made players believe anything was possible.
11. Joe Burrow
Cool, confident, and unshakably himself, Burrow instantly won over the Bengals. His swagger isn’t forced—it’s just who he is, and teammates love him for it.
10. Jim Harbaugh
Long before his coaching days, Harbaugh was a fierce competitor who fired up his teammates. He made every game feel winnable, even if it wasn’t.
9. Donovan McNabb
McNabb was the emotional center of the Eagles during his run. He brought levity, leadership, and loyalty to a team that needed all three.
8. Trent Dilfer
Dilfer wasn’t the most talented quarterback, but his teammates never questioned his effort or leadership. He owned his role and always kept the team-first mentality front and center.
7. Jalen Hurts
Hurts leads with quiet confidence and never makes it about himself. He’s respected for his discipline, consistency, and how he puts the team above everything.
6. Brett Favre
Favre’s backyard-football style and iron-man toughness were contagious. He played with such raw emotion that teammates couldn’t help but rally around him.
5. Alex Smith
Smith’s story of resilience turned him into one of the most respected QBs in NFL circles. Teammates admired his poise, humility, and willingness to mentor younger players.
4. Peyton Manning
Manning was intense, but he always gave credit, shared laughs, and backed up his teammates. His preparation set the tone for everyone, and people bought in completely.
3. Russell Wilson (Seahawks era)
Early in his career, Wilson was beloved for his humility and clutch play. His leadership and positivity helped build the culture that made Seattle contenders.
Read more: 20 Athletes Who Treated Teammates Like Family
2. Drew Brees
Brees became the face of New Orleans and a leader in every sense. Players fed off his energy, his optimism, and his relentless preparation.
Read more: 25 NFL Players Teammates Secretly Couldn’t Stand
1. Tom Brady
No matter the rings or records, Brady never acted like he was above anyone. He celebrated teammates, held himself accountable, and created a winning culture that everyone bought into.
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