Top 5 Worst NFL Quarterbacks of All Time
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You know, roughly 19 times a year, I overhear this debate; Who is the greatest NFL QB of all time? Montana or Elway? Brady or Manning? Favre or Unitas? Marino or Bradshaw? The debate has gone on longer than a buffet line at a Jenny Craig Convention. Who has the most Superbowl rings? Who had the best receivers? Who put up the best stats? Blah blah blah blah blah till we're blue in the freaking face and I'm sick and tired of it people!!!!
Personally, I'm tired of the Tom Bradys and the Joe Montanas with their supermodel girlfriends. I'm Sick of Eli and Peyton Manning with their endless TV commercials, the Bradshaws and Youngs with their cushy NFL broadcasting deals and the Marinos and Favres with their Hollywood movie cameos. There is absolutely no way in hell I can identify with these people.
You know what I want to hear about? I want to hear about the losers like myself. I want to hear about men who had promise and talent. Men who had the world by the tail and then, inexplicably, completely washed out and failed time after time. These are MY guys. Guys who I could sit down and have a beer with. Guys who I understand because, let's face it, I myself have screwed the pooch far more often than I've ever succeeded.
I also want to hear from you; true NFL fans. Who are your picks for the Top Five WORST QB's ever to start an NFL game. Let's stay in the modern era, say, after 1970 and use QB's who've had at least one full season under their belt. Here are my picks, MY guys who most closely resemble my own failure and futility. Be sure to register yours;
5. Joey Harrington - "Joey Heisman" came to the Detroit Lions in 2002 and was hailed as the next savior of the Lions. The "Savior" led the Lions to a 3-13 record his first year and then improved the team to 6-10 the next year. This would be the pinnacle of his career. He was benched in year three after the team got off to a dismal start and traded in year four to the Miami Dolphins. Despite his lackluster play and futility, he always remained cheerful and upbeat, which caused Detroit sports fans and writers to sarcastically dub him "Joey Blue Skies" and "Joey Sunshine". Harrington finished his Lions career with a record of 15-37 (which might actually seem like the glory days compared to the current version of the Detroit team). In Miami he played 11 games and led the team to a 5-6 record before being replaced by future Hall of Fame QB, Cleo Lemon (that's more sarcasm). He was traded to Atlanta and had two solid games for them, proclaiming that the change in his play was due to "his confidence and that he was now ready to take on the offense of this team." Atlanta felt differently and released "Joey Sunshine" that August. Been there Joey, been there. Career QB rating of 69.4. Not good when a perfect rating is 158.3. Almost halfway there Joey! Just like me, you'll need to keep trying.
4. Rick Mirer - Drafted from Notre Dame by the Seattle Seahawks in 1993
and dubbed as "The Next Joe Montana", Mirer is actually scientifically
rated as THE worst QB of all time on one website. I disagree. He
actually had ONE good year in his rookie season where he won AFC Rookie of
the Year. Then something clicked in Mirer's head (and not in a good
way). He got nervous, started looking confused, took way too many sacks and his next three seasons were horrific. He was subsequently
traded to Chicago for a first round draft pick; a coup of monumental
proportions for the Seahawks. It only took the Bears one year to see
the error of their ways and they quickly traded him to The New York
Jets, who traded him to Green Bay who traded him to..... you get the picture.
As a Seahawk fan, Mirer gave me one more reason to hate Notre Dame as he finished with a career QB rating of 63.5. Joe Montana's rating was 92.3. So in a
way; he was "2/3 of The Next Joe Montana". Or, much like myself, sort of like Joe Montana
without a left leg.
3. Chris Weinke - Only one of two quarterbacks at Florida State to have his jersey retired (can you name the other?), this guy set every passing record in the book at FSU. And that's where he should've stayed. Yes his name is pronounced "Winky" and that's all the draft personnel at the Carolina Panthers should've had to hear in 2001; but no, they went ahead and drafted him anyway because he was available in the 4th round. He quickly took the reins of the Panther offense and won his first NFL game ever. The problem was that in the NFL that year, there were 15 more games to play. The Panthers proceeded to play those games and lost all of them, finishing 1-15. Weinke became the first (and only) NFL QB to lose 15 games in a row. The team began looking for a new QB the very next year, which they found in Jake Delhomme. When Delhomme was injured for one game that year, Winky came in and pulled the game out, winning his second and last victory ever in the NFL. Career QB rating of 62.2, throwing nearly twice as many interception as touchdowns. But if you think HE was bad...
2. Mike Phipps - His career started off bad. In 1970 the Cleveland Browns traded their star receiver and future Superbowl winner, Paul Warfield, to acquire the rights to draft Phipps. His first year in the NFL he only started one game which was a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The next year he started only one game, which was a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. In year three he actually started the majority of snaps for the Browns and led them to the playoffs but his five interception game spoiled any chance of victory. The following year he threw for nine touchdowns and TWENTY interceptions and the year after that, after leading the Browns to a 4-10 record, he was briefly replaced by QB, Brian Sipe. Still holding out hope for their "star" QB, the Browns allowed him on the field as their leader where he courageously, yet ineptly led them to a 0-9 record. But with three straight victories to end the season, the Browns found hope for next year in Phipps...whaaaaa??!! Fortunately for the Browns, Phipps broke his collarbone in the first game that next year and was permanently replaced by Sipe. He was traded to Chicago where he started a few games but ended his stint in the NFL with a career QB rating of 52.6, throwing 55 TD's and a whopping 108 interceptions! Miserable stats indeed, only to be eclipsed by....
1. Ryan Leaf - Remember the draft debate in 1998? Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf? Ryan Leaf or Peyton Manning? Who should the Colts choose? Hmmmm.... that's a toughie. Especially when many NFL scouts predicted that Leaf would be a better QB than Manning. Those scouts are now, like me, unemployed. Leaf's career spanned only four years. Four years that were marked by constant injuries, poor play on the field and a media circus off the field. To get Leaf as the second pick, The Chargers gave up two first round draft picks, a second round draft pick, a reserve linebacker and three time pro bowl running back Eric Metcalf. The Chargers signed Leaf to a four year, 31 million dollar deal. Leaf then declared, "I'm looking forward to a 15 year career, a couple of trips to the Superbowl, and a parade through downtown San Diego." Leaf has seen a few Superbowls, although he had to pay to get in. The parade is still on hold.
After winning his first two games, the proverbial Leaf hit the fan. His third game found him completing one out of fifteen passes for four yards and fumbling three times against the Chiefs. In his next seven games he threw 2 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions and was benched. After ten games his passer rating was 39.
And who can forget Leaf's off the field antics such as screaming at a reporter in the locker room after a game, "Just fucking don't talk to me, all right??!! Knock it off!! Just knock it off!!" And his having to be restrained after lunging at a heckling fan at a practice session. Two coaches had to escort the hot head off the field after that incident.
The next year he totally missed because of a shoulder injury but still made headlines when he got into a shouting match with GM Bobby Beathard. He then went on to lie about an injury so he could get out of practice and go play golf. Later, while he was "rehab-ing his shoulder, he was caught on video playing flag football at the beach and the Chargers sued him for breach of contract. In 2000, Leaf started the first two games but threw only one touchdown to five interceptions. Following even more poor performances and injuries, he was released by the Chargers with a grand total of four wins in three years as a starter.
Leaf was claimed by the Buccaneers who later released him, then he tried a comeback with the Cowboys and lastly the Seahawks, where he did what he does best; quit the team just before training camp with no explanation, later citing injuries as his reason for retirement. He is now known as the biggest draft day bust, not only in the history of the NFL, but in the history of organized sports. His career QB rating is 50.0 and his touchdown to interception ratio is 14/36. Over 2 interceptions for every touchdown thrown! He is now the golf coach at West Texas A&M University. Imagine that. I wonder if any of his team members feign injury to go play football?
So there you have it. My five worst starting QB's ever in the NFL. Guys that make me proud to be a loser because, let's face it, although they spent millions of dollars of NFL money in losing, I lose for little or no money at all. Anything you'd like to add? feel free to go right ahead.
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all good, quality candidates to be sure, although Carr literally had ZERO blocking in Texas.
I agree that much of his problems stemmed from the fact that he had to worry about getting decapitated every time he went back to pass, but life isn't fair, especially in the NFL, and you get judged on results more so than circumstances.
I agree with Anarchy, Jamarcus is a candidate to outdo Leaf. He had a couple good games here and there, but J-bust is a #1 pick, J-Bust does not show leadership skills, J-Bust has been my weekly punching bag on my hub and a lot of other blogs. He wears his ginormous earrings with his fur coat and refuses to take responsibility. At least Alex Smith showed some Spark, you can't blame David Carr on everything miserable about him. He was drafted by an expansion team that drafted Ryan Boselli who retired before even putting on a Texans jersey.
BTW, Akili Smith and Tim Couch should be honorable mention, don't forget the Big Mac's bro Dan McGwire another Seahawk failure, oh and fellow Raider fans who could ever forget Todd Marinovich, former USC star turned cokehead.
Good list. Ryan Leaf is definitely the biggest bust ever, but SteveAngeles is correct: Todd Marinovich was so hyped at USC that he must at least get an honorable mention as one of the worse NFL quarterbacks.
JaMarcus definitely holds a place in all Raider Hater hearts. When will Al Davis sell this team so they can move on to achieve true excellence?
I think after this season you might want to replace one of those top five quarterbacks with Jamarcas Russell (probably spelled wrong).
Vince Young will also join this list, and anyone remember Dan McGwire who's brief fame and short career can only be attributed to his brother?
JaMarcus Russell is much worse than Harrington.
lets not forget leaf was the guy (at least im almost sure) who poked fun of peyton by dubbing him "perfect peyton" after leaf had started 2-0, & peyton was 0-2. He proved to be a jealous child for peyton going first.
Umm where is Spirgen Wynn? He was chosen before Tom Brady and started like 4 games and threw 1 touchdown and 7 picks.
My list:
#1 would be JaMarcus Russell
#2 Vince Young
#3 Alex Smith (he finally got his job back but for how long?)
#4 Trent Edwards
#5 Delhomme (he had his ups now its time for the down for a long time)
#6 Akili Smith (what happened to him?)
#7 Tim Couch (sigh)
#8 Rodney Peete
#9 Mark Bulger (entire team sucks, he had 1 good season)
#10 Drew Bledsoe (I just never liked him)
Anyone recall Andre Ware?
Nice list. The only one I might add would be Tim Couch. For his hype and stuff coming out of college from UK and how he was suppose to help lead Cleveland out of their slump.
Well Russel is on there for sure. As is marenovich.(what a loser). How bout Cade McNown, and who can forget Chris Simms
Rick Mirer is definitely one of the worst of all time. I remember when he signed with the Bears. One of the worst signings in Bears history!! Horrible QB!
Todd Marinovich,Gary Wood, Cade McGown, John Huarte,Rick Mirer
I think Leaf has to win due to the draft hype and large signing bonus. Plus the guy was a bit of a flake.
5. Scott Brunner
4. Bob Avellini
3. Joe Pisarcik
2. Mike Phipps
1. Bobby Douglass
Leaf was horrible, but worst, i don't think so. The worst draft bust, yes.
Great hub! You have a new fan
You know who else sucks? Mark Bulger, Jeff Blake, Koy Detmer, Ty Detmer
Good mix of wasted talent and busts everyone. How about Heath Shuler and David Klingler?
Kyle Boller was highly touted coming out of Cal, and a first round pick by the Ravens, and what about Danny Wuerful, or should I say Woeful. I knows it's been a few weeks, but at least Vince Young is making some strides. And who remembers 49ers Jim Druckenmiller. They picked him over Jake Plummer lol.
I don't think Harrington should be on the list. He played for an incredibly bad team and crumbled. I think Jeff George and maybe Bubby Brister should be included, along with Akili Smith, somewhere.
I think Vince Young is on the way to redeeming himself. Todd Marinovich belongs on the list, and Jamarcus is well on the way.
How about one of the Chiefs Draft Picks, David Jaynes? They drafted him back in the 70's, and I think he lasted 2 games before he turned into a total wackjob.
Russell
George
Leach
Weinke
Carr
Akili Smith
There are so many quarterback that have stolen money from teams. At times I feel that these player are all about the money, and not about the game.
Good List...Tough to pick only 5. I think Akili Smith and Tim Couch are up there too.
Andre Ware! I have rookie cards of that bastard all over my house...
Are yall crazy Young should not be on the list at all.Look what Young dose when he is on the field.and guys dont forget about Qunicey Carter he should be on the list as well.
Ya. Young shouldnt be on the list.
LOL! So funny, you have alot of good opinions on your message board. Leaf is by far the worst thing ever to happen to football. I think the Hall of fame should have a bronze bust of him commemorating his 4 win career. Biggest brat ever, and a true staple on how not to play the position. Great hub.
Todd Marinovich, full of potential but couldn't quit the drugs.
I dont think you guys realize that the list members all had high expectations coming out of college. Delhomme inperticulor had ZERO expectations coming out of college. ( I think he went undrafted)Carolina got lucky. Still glad we got ride of the bum.
PS- I'm not going to even comment on the Trent Edwards mention. He's been in the league only a few years and has show some flashes of talent.
Weinke was bad pick in the first round. He was 28 when he entered the draft. Let's say it takes 3 years to develop a QB. He would be in his 30's by the time he becomes (or if he becomes) a productive QB.
leaf was the worst but i dont think alex smithneeds to be on the list i think he will do a good job in 2010
Gino torretta, won the heisman and nothing in the nfl. Any florida qb should be mentiond as well.
football sux
"JaMarcus Russell is well on his way to the top of the list (maybe, he still has a chance). David Carr (carved a niche as a solid backup, was victim of a terrible texans team) fits in there at least as a dishonorable mention. As does Leinart (maybe) and Alex Smith (what are you smoking?). And Vince Young is coming on strong the past couple years (no, just no)."
As a Lions fan, there is no way that 1 man could set an entire franchise back farther than Joey Harrington did, with his b.s. stint as our "saviour"! Definately #1 material! Otherwise, agreed that Leaf certainly hasn't been much debate vs. Manning. For 2nd though, I'm leaning toward "Big, Fat" JaMarcus Russell, because he's certainly helping to keep the Raiders franchise down as well.
What about that idiot KC started before Cassel, Damon "The Ball is My Friend" Huard? Has to be right up there with Bill Kenney and Todd Blackledge as the worst Chiefs QBs ever
Rex Grossman anyone? Sure, the Bears went to the Super Bowl, but only because of their amazing defense that year. I've never seen a QB suck that bad and not get benched. He was bad!
what about jim drunkenmiller he blew whale butt
Joe Namath has to be the worst qb to win a superbowl, 173 tds and 220 ints, garbage.
"Cryin Ryan" Makes number 1 on my list of the top 10 most pathetic athletes of all time! You can't ignore how pathetic he was after he left the NFL. His most recent failure was losing his job as Quarterbacks coach because he was asking the players to score him some drugs!
I'd have to disagree with almost al of the QBs up there. If you are considering the most known QBs that flopped, maybe Ryan Leaf was the biggest disappointment. But the worst starting QBs ever and not taking any of the bears from 1990-2006 is just ludicrious.
I couldn't agree more. Ryan Leaf was a insult to football. It was funny to watch him play, so bad. Great hub.
Next you should do top 10 Heisman busts?
Rusty Lisch - 4 years, 11 picks, 1 touchdown... enough said
I think you named all the worst. However, remember Heath Shuler the REDSKINS savior, I would add him to the list!!!
Great list. I think JaMarcus Russell should be considered.
as a proud NE fan (go pats!) id have to agree- Ryan leaf was all the hype and the next greatest nfl player of all time- physical ability pales in comparison to making smart decisions
Art Schliester! Remember him? Still screwing up after all these years.
Heath Shuler sucked so bad. At the time John Friesz would have been a better starter for Washington. (for Mvan - Heisman busts: Andre Ware DET QB)
I think charlie frye should be up here because he was said to be a savior or something for the browns and now here he is a FA and a bad record
If this hub was written now I think Jamarcus Russell would no doubt make the top 5. Great hub!
I think the list dang near perfect nice job
Ryan Leaf definitely the most dissapointtng to ever come to the game. Thank God the Colts took Peyton Manning over him. Excellent hub voted up
Fun topic but this list seems more like the most disappointing QB's rather than the worst. No such list is complete without the immortal Babe Laufenberg.
Tim Tebow, throws 2 for 8. and has 58 run plays, cant throw the ball for shit. total bust
mark bulger was a good qb. you dont know what your talking about
As far as NFL QBs go,Tebow is the worst of the worst but as far as football players he is pretty good.
Yeah, only difference....Tebow can WIN
Tebow does win, which takes him out of the "worst of the worst" category. My 5 worst QBs are: 5. Rex Grossman
4. Kyle Orton 3. Rick Mirer 2. Jamarcus Russell 1. Ryan Leaf
Vince Young has played in 2 Pro Bowls and is 15 games over 500 as a starter in the NFL. All you Vince Young haters need to wake up.
If you read the comments a couple of years ago, many mention Alex Smith....
He got it turned around.
Cowboys Quincy Carter
alex smith really does suck huh? todd marinovich, really? he did alright, kyle orton? are you stupid or have just watch the nfl for a 1 year? half of you guys have no clue what you are talking about
I hate when QBs suck the QB is the leader of the team the team looses its QB fault.nobody likes loosing.like michael vick he's the best.HB Barry sanders,Jim Brown see all of them are legends they are history. its not that im lazy its like 1,000 nfl players.
C'mon, DAVID CARR should not even be made mention of in this conversation... his effeciency rating floats around 75 (lifetime), completed nearly 60% of his passes, and threw for nearly 15,000 yards... yes he threw more picks than interceptions (65/71), and took alotta sacks, but let's credit the defensive pressure put on him in Houston, with that terrible offensive front. He coulda been great if the guy didn't. Have to suffer with the p.t.s. (pocket traumatic syndrome) laid on em' in his first couple of seasons in Houston.
Picks than td's*
Quincy Carter, absolute garbage
Worry candidates all. I consider situation as Carr ( bad team aka Archie manning). Talent wasted ( leaf, marinovich, shlicter, ect). Dumb arrogance ( many). Financial impact on cap.
1. Leaf. 2. Akili smith 3. Jamarcus Russell 4. ties- Shiite,mirer,couch,weinke,
Don't blame player for poor scouting. And respect effort of individual. Archie manning is best qb in that family
1. leaf 2. russel 3. carr 4. Curtis Painter 5. akilli smith
J russel is the worst of all time,
Tim couch is.tied with Ryan leaf as the worst"!!!!
Ryan Leaf IS the worst. He has even been ARRESTED FOUR TIMES!!! I'm glad someone is finally not picking on G-Ville (Gabbert.
Alex Smith really? He's far from being the worst quarterback. I don't know what you people are thinking do y'all even watch football
Gino Torretta came out of that 1993 draft and won the Heisman beating Marshall Faulk! Torretta was trash!!!
EYEAM4ANARCHY 2 years ago
JaMarcus Russell is well on his way to the top of the list. David Carr fits in there at least as a dishonorable mention. As does Leinart and Alex Smith. And Vince Young is coming on strong the past couple years.