Have to go along with your list of favorites - especially Stafford with the Lions. Early-on he was great with a crap team and brought never-say-die courage and grit, and arm talent like I'd seen in very, very few others. I remember watching him very early in his career - playing with a broken left wing, it seemed, under assault from the defense, obviously in pain, and thinking
My God - look at him throw! All that - and he's making throws!My top five GOAT would be Montana/Marino a dead heat for 1 - 2, Warner /Stafford coin toss for 3 - 4, Fouts 5 - based on ability not only evidenced as raw talent but also leadership, courage under fire, football intelligence, plus inspirational and role model character attributes.
I don't take record into account as strongly as others might.
Greatness, to me, is a bit more existential than a Super Bowl Ring Derby. It has to do with inner qualities that reveal themselves in performance, regardless of team results. My list is scattered with names of QB's who wouldn't qualify under the Super Bowl Ring criteria, but who were better football players at the game's most demanding position than some who were surrounded by great talent and coaching - and other factors.
Next five to round out the top ten, in no particular order, old guys Unitas, Van Brocklin, and modern era Manning (Peyton only) Brees, and Brady. Favre an alternate, along with Len Dawson, Aaron Rodgers, and Elway.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/27/2024 08:50PM by mtramfan.
