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Ranking the 15 Most Opinionated QBs to Ever Play the Game

Quarterbacks aren’t just the faces of their franchises—they’re often the loudest voices in the room, too. Whether it’s postgame press conferences, weekly radio spots, or unfiltered tweets, some QBs simply can’t help but let everyone know exactly how they feel.

Over the years, the NFL has seen its fair share of signal-callers who were never shy with a hot take or a locker room rant. From subtle digs at coaches to full-on media feuds, here are the 15 most opinionated quarterbacks to ever lace them up.

15. Jim McMahon

Oct 14, 1984; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
Herb Weitman-Imagn Images

McMahon made headlines just as often with his mouth as he did with his arm. Whether he was taking shots at the Packers or challenging authority, the man had no filter.

14. Jay Cutler

Nov 25, 2007; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (6) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Broncos 37-34 in overtime.
Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

Cutler’s body language was meme-worthy, but his takes were just as strong. He rarely held back, especially when it came to his own teammates or coaching staff.

13. Cam Newton

November 4, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) prepares to throw the ball as Washington Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) chases in the first quarter at FedEx Field.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Cam always had something to say, especially when the cameras were rolling. From fashion critiques to bold declarations about his playing ability, his voice was just as big as his presence.

12. Kerry Collins

October 5, 2008; Baltimore, MD, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Kerry Collins (5) scrambles from Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Collins was never afraid to speak on team dynamics or locker room issues. He brought a bluntness to the position that rubbed some the wrong way, but kept things interesting.

11. Carson Palmer

Dec 4, 2005; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback #9 Carson Palmer drops to throw against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field.
Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images

Palmer quietly built a reputation for saying what others were too scared to admit, especially during his later years. He didn’t sugarcoat his frustrations with franchises or organizational decisions.

10. Aaron Rodgers

Nov 1, 2009; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles out of the pocket during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Vikings defeated the Packers 38-26.
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Rodgers has basically made a second career out of sharing his thoughts on football, science, and whatever else is on his mind. He’s the king of the cryptic interview and passive-aggressive podcast quote.

9. Joe Namath

Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath on the sidelines.
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images

Broadway Joe had no problem putting his opinions in the spotlight, both during and after his playing days. Whether predicting Super Bowl wins or critiquing modern quarterbacks, he always had something to say.

8. Terry Bradshaw

Oct 1, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw (12) throws the ball under pressure from St. Louis Cardinals defensive end Don Brumm (86) at Busch Stadium.
Herb Weitman-Imagn Images

Bradshaw’s post-playing career has only amplified his tendency to say whatever pops into his head. Whether it’s a dig at a current player or an old-school rant, he rarely pulls punches.

7. Colin Kaepernick

July 29, 2011; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during training camp at the San Francisco 49ers headquarters and training facility.
Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Kaepernick made headlines for his strong and purposeful stances, both on and off the field. His opinions sparked national conversations and defined much of his legacy.

6. Jim Kelly

Jan 27, 1991; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12) in action against the New York Giants during Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium. The Giants defeated the Bills 20-19.
Manny Rubio-Imagn Images

Kelly was a vocal leader for the Bills and never afraid to speak his mind, especially when it came to holding teammates accountable. He brought intensity on the field and into every interview.

5. Fran Tarkenton

Sep 21, 1969; Bronx, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton (10) is pursued by Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Gary Larsen (77) at Yankee Stadium.
Manny Rubio-Imagn Images

Tarkenton became even more outspoken after his playing days, turning into a fountain of old-school quarterback critiques. He’s had choice words for just about every generation that followed him.

4. Philip Rivers

August 4, 2010; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) at training camp at Chargers Park.
Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Rivers talked so much trash on the field that it basically became his brand. His outspoken nature extended off the field, too, where he never shied away from strong opinions about football and beyond.

Read More: 15 NFL Coaches Who Looked Permanently Confused on the Sidelines

3. Johnny Manziel

Sep 29, 2012; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the fourth quarter at Kyle Field. Texas A&M defeated Arkansas 58-10.
Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Manziel made a career out of being loud, brash, and unapologetically himself. He shared his thoughts freely, sometimes to his own detriment, but never backed down from the spotlight.

Read More: 15 Quarterbacks Who Could Never Let Anything Go

2. Tom Brady

August 13, 2009; Philadelphia, PA USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) gets ready to throw during pre-season game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Brady didn’t always seem opinionated during his Patriots years, but once he hit Tampa, the filter came off. From social media posts to candid interviews, he’s been letting it rip ever since.

Read More: 15 Most Boastful NFL Quarterbacks of All Time

1. Baker Mayfield

Aug 17, 2019; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) on the field warming up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

No quarterback in recent memory has had more to say right out of the gate than Baker. From calling out other players to firing shots at media members, he’s always got something on his mind—and he’s never afraid to share it.

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