Not every quarterback is dealt a winning hand, but some didn’t help their odds by listening to truly terrible advice. Whether it was switching teams, hiring the wrong coach, or simply thinking they were ready for a bigger role, these guys made moves that had fans screaming, “Why?!”
Sometimes, all it takes is one bad decision to derail a promising career. These 14 quarterbacks probably wish they’d ignored that one phone call, meeting, or agent who steered them in the wrong direction.
14. Blake Bortles
Someone told Blake Bortles to bulk up his arm strength instead of refining his footwork, and that might’ve sealed his fate. He had flashes of promise in Jacksonville but never developed into a consistent starter.
13. Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold heard that the Jets were the place to turn a franchise around, and he ran with it. Turns out, they ran him into the ground instead. At least he got things back on track in Minnesota.
12. Jameis Winston
Whoever convinced Jameis Winston to keep slinging it like a backyard hero forgot to mention that turnovers still matter in the NFL. The man threw for 5,000 yards and still lost his job. Hey, at least he’s found his way as a backup.
11. Vince Young
Vince Young leaned into bad advice on everything from spending habits to training routines. His career was over before he ever got a real second act.
10. Carson Wentz
Carson Wentz was told he could be “the guy” again after Philly—he just had to change teams a couple of times. The advice only led him deeper into backup territory.
9. Robert Griffin III
RGIII rushed back from injury because someone told him toughness would define his legacy. All it really did was shorten his career.
8. Mitchell Trubisky
Mitchell Trubisky was assured he could rehab his image in Chicago rather than demand a fresh start. That loyalty didn’t pay off.
7. Josh Rosen
Josh Rosen probably got told to just wait for his shot—it would come. Instead, he waited himself out of the league.
6. JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell followed advice that talent alone would be enough. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
5. Cam Newton
Cam Newton bet big on a return to Carolina based on nostalgia and loyalty. He needed a system that evolved, not one stuck in the past.
4. Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield believed sticking it out in Cleveland was a sign of resilience. In reality, it just delayed the inevitable breakup.
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3. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Manziel was surrounded by people who said he could party and still win. That plan worked for exactly zero seasons.
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2. Andrew Luck
Someone convinced Andrew Luck that walking away early would preserve his legacy. While we get it, fans still mourn the what-could-have-been.
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1. Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson was told he needed a “fresh start” in Denver to cement his greatness. Instead, he got mile-high expectations and a brutal fall from grace. Things sort of rebounded in Pittsburgh, but it wasn’t enough to keep him around there.
