Top 10 NFL Quarterbacks Ever: Marino to Brady

At No. 10, Dan Marino remains the benchmark for pure passing talent. He was the first quarterback to reach 5,000 yards in a season, won MVP and OPOY in that same historic year, and retired with what was then the all-time passing yardage record. His career range in this Top 99 series: as high as No. 5 and as low as No. 23.

No. 9 is Steve Young, who combined elite efficiency with real rushing impact long before dual-threat quarterbacks became common. After beginning in the USFL and Tampa Bay, he took over in San Francisco and built a resume with two MVPs, one Super Bowl MVP, and a 96.8 career passer rating. His Top 99 range: No. 5 to No. 15.

At No. 8, Drew Brees is the model of precision and volume. His career split between San Diego and New Orleans, but his Saints era defines his legacy: a Super Bowl title, consistent playoff runs, and league-leading production year after year. He finished with 80,358 passing yards and 571 touchdowns. Top 99 range: No. 5 to No. 16.

No. 7 goes to Brett Favre, one of the most electric and durable quarterbacks ever. Favre won three straight MVPs, delivered a title in Green Bay, and set an NFL standard for toughness with 297 consecutive starts. Top 99 range: No. 6 to No. 14.

No. 6 is John Elway, whose career mixed chaos, clutch moments, and eventual redemption. He reached multiple Super Bowls, finished with back-to-back titles, and retired as one of the most dangerous off-script quarterbacks of his era. Top 99 range: No. 4 to No. 12.

At No. 5, Aaron Rodgers brings one of the best efficiency profiles in league history. Four MVPs, a Super Bowl title, and elite touchdown-to-interception production put him firmly in first-ballot territory. His Top 99 range: No. 4 to No. 14, with a community run-off slot at No. 5.

No. 4 is Patrick Mahomes, already with a GOAT-level trajectory before turning 30. Two MVPs, three Super Bowl MVPs, and historic pace stats in both regular season and playoffs make his case obvious. Top 99 range: No. 3 to No. 7, with a community run-off ranking of No. 4.

No. 3 belongs to Peyton Manning, arguably the greatest pre-snap processor the position has ever seen. His five MVPs, record-setting 2013 season, and command of offensive structure changed how the position is taught. Top 99 range: No. 2 to No. 5, community run-off No. 3.

No. 2 is Joe Montana, the original “Joe Cool.” Four Super Bowl wins without a loss, three Super Bowl MVPs, and unmatched late-game composure define his legacy. Top 99 range: No. 1 to No. 4, community run-off No. 2.

At No. 1, Tom Brady stands alone. A sixth-round pick who became the most decorated quarterback ever, Brady closes with seven rings, five Super Bowl MVPs, and virtually every major postseason passing record. His title count still exceeds any single NFL franchise.