Some quarterbacks have all the stats, accolades, and highlight-reel plays, but not enough rings match the resume. Whether they ran into dynasties, lacked the right supporting cast, or just caught some bad breaks, these guys deserved more Super Bowl glory.
This list isn’t about who was the best or most efficient. It’s about the QBs we all rooted for, who played at a championship level, but walked away with less hardware than they probably should have.
15. Lamar Jackson
He still has a long career ahead of him, but where’s Lamar’s ring?! He’s already an MVP and one of the most electric players of his generation. A Super Bowl ring—or a few—would feel like a natural extension of his career arc.
14. Cam Newton
He was unstoppable in his 2015 MVP season and carried the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance. But after that, the window slammed shut faster than anyone expected.
13. Boomer Esiason
He had the talent, the swagger, and took the Bengals within one minute of a title. Unfortunately, Joe Montana stood in the way, and that was that.
12. Tony Romo
Say what you will about his playoff record, Romo played his heart out and kept Dallas competitive for years. He just never had that deep postseason run to match his regular-season brilliance.
11. Ken Anderson
An underrated passer who led the league in completion percentage multiple times. He made it to one Super Bowl but came up short and never returned.
10. Steve McNair
Tough, mobile, and a true warrior on the field. He came up one yard short in Super Bowl XXXIV, and it still stings.
9. Fran Tarkenton
He helped redefine the position with his mobility and playmaking. Three Super Bowl appearances, zero wins—hard to believe for a talented guy.
8. Donovan McNabb
He had five NFC Championship appearances and one Super Bowl shot. But Philly’s lone chance ended in a loss to the Patriots, and that was the closest he got.
7. Warren Moon
One of the smoothest throwers ever, Moon spent prime years in the CFL before lighting up the NFL. Despite the numbers, a Super Bowl ring always eluded him.
6. Philip Rivers
Trash-talking, side-arming, and always entertaining, Rivers racked up yards and wins. But deep playoff runs never quite happened, and the ring stayed out of reach.
5. Dan Fouts
The architect of Air Coryell and a Hall of Famer through and through. The Chargers were exciting, but never made it to the big game during his run.
4. Jim Kelly
Four straight Super Bowl appearances. Four heartbreaking losses. That Bills run deserved a better ending.
3. Dan Marino
Maybe the most obvious pick on this list. Marino shattered passing records but only played in one Super Bowl, which still doesn’t feel real.
Read More: 15 NFL Stars Who Deserve a Ring Before They Retire
2. Drew Brees
He got one, and New Orleans will cherish it forever. But for all his yards, records, and comeback magic, it feels like he had another ring or two in him.
Read More: 20 Greatest NFL Players Who Never Won a Super Bowl
1. Aaron Rodgers
A generational talent with just one ring to show for it. Given his peak level of play, it’s wild that he never returned to the big game after 2010.
Read More: 10 Current NFL Quarterbacks Who Need a Ring Before They Retire
