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The 15 Vainest Quarterbacks of All Time

Quarterbacks are the center of attention by default—but some took that spotlight and made it their personal runway. Whether it was mirror selfies, designer wardrobes, or press conferences that turned into beauty pageants, these guys never met a camera they didn’t love.

From legendary egos to social media selfies, these quarterbacks gave off serious “main character energy.” Here are 15 of the vainest signal-callers to ever grace the gridiron, ranked from extra to most extra.

15. Jimmy Garoppolo

Sep 12, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) throws the ball during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Raj Mehta-Imagn Images

He’s got the jawline of a movie star and the confidence to match. Jimmy G knows he’s handsome—and he’s clearly fine with everyone else knowing it, too.

14. Aaron Rodgers

Dec 17, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks to pass in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Rodgers has gone from MVP to mystic guru with a flair for dramatic reveals. Between the slicked-back hair phases and podcast monologues, the vanity vibes are strong.

13. Matt Leinart

Dec 22, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt Leinart (7) with the ball in the second half. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6 at Bank of America Stadium.
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Back in his college and early NFL days, Leinart seemed more interested in partying and posing than passing. His Hollywood energy never quite translated to long-term success on the field.

12. Baker Mayfield

Sep 29, 2019; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass in the first quarter in a football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Mitchell Layton-Imagn Images

Baker’s got a chip on his shoulder and a mirror in his locker. His confidence is sky-high, and he’s never been afraid to hype himself up—even when things weren’t going well.

11. Joe Namath

Dec 12, 1971; Flushing, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath (12) on the sideline against the New England Patriots at Shea Stadium. The Jets defeated the Patriots 13-6.
Manny Rubio-Imagn Images

Broadway Joe was rocking fur coats and pantyhose commercials before it was cool. He was as much about image as he was about innovation on the field.

10. Russell Wilson

Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Whether he’s rehearsing motivational speeches or posing with Ciara on red carpets, Russ is always camera-ready. The man is constantly in PR mode, even during team huddles.

9. Josh Rosen

Sep 23, 2018; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) warms up prior to facing the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium.
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Rosen’s confidence outpaced his résumé from day one. He gave off major “I’m smarter than you” vibes and never seemed too shy about it.

8. Jay Cutler

Oct 22, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) is sacked by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55) and outside linebacker Justin Durant (52) during the second quarter at Soldier Field.
Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

Jay had that permanent look of disinterest, but don’t let it fool you—he cared a lot about being seen as the effortlessly cool guy. His reality TV stint only confirmed that vibe.

7. Tony Romo

Nov 28, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) in the pocket against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium.
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Romo loved the spotlight almost as much as he loved extending plays. Whether it was dating pop stars or showing up at high-profile events, Tony was never just the QB—he was the headline.

6. Cam Newton

Aug 24, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs the ball in the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Bank of America Stadium.
Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images

No one rocks postgame fashion like Cam Newton. The hats, the patterns, the custom everything—it’s a masterclass in football vanity.

5. Johnny Manziel

Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) eludes the tackle of Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Brandon Thompson (98) at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 30-0.
Joe Maiorana-Imagn Images

Manziel was basically a walking Instagram story before that was a thing. He wanted the fame just as much—if not more—than the football.

4. Zach Wilson

Sep 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) avoids being sacked by Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) during the second half at MetLife Stadium.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Even before stepping on an NFL field, Wilson had the groomed look of a reality dating show contestant. He plays the part of quarterback, but he really looks like he’s auditioning for “The Bachelor.”

Read More: Ranking the Most Charismatic NFL Stars of All Time

3. Tom Brady

Oct 29, 2018; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at New Era Field.
Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Sure, he’s the GOAT—but he’s also a brand. From perfectly tailored suits to TB12 hydration philosophies, Brady’s vanity is as finely tuned as his throwing motion.

Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Extra Players in NFL History

2. Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws during organized team activities practice, Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Bengals Football Practice June 14 0046
Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Burrow walks like a model, dresses like a rockstar, and talks like he already has a Netflix docuseries in the works. He knows he’s cool, and he leans into it at every opportunity.

Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Sensitive MLB Superstars of All Time

1. Jim McMahon

Nov. 4, 1984; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Raiders at Soldier Field.
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images

The original rebel QB, McMahon, turned every press appearance into a performance. Between the shades, the swagger, and the absolute refusal to blend in, he was vanity before vanity was cool.

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