Most controversial NFL quarterbacks of all time

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw has received no shortage of criticism and hostility from fans and NFL players alike over the years. Bradshaw has been ridiculed by many for not being the smartest man in the world. Prior to Super Bowl XIII, Cowboys linebacker Thomas Henderson joked that Bradshaw couldn’t even spell a simple word like “cat.” Bradshaw has also made controversy as a television commentator, calling Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs an “idiot” and criticizing former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow for being so public about his faith.

Regardless of whether or not Tom Brady did anything wrong in the “Deflategate” scandal, the New England Patriots quarterback finds himself at the epicenter of a controversy. Brady is once again suspended for four games and will have no shortage of headlines in the coming months.

Jay Cutler is one the NFL’s most controversial quarterbacks for his ability to frustrate his own fans so much. The Chicago quarterback has one of the best arms in the NFL but just can’t seem to consistently put it to good use.

The controversy surrounding John Elway began with the 1984 NFL Draft. Elway refused to even consider playing for the Baltimore Colts, who held the No. 1 pick of that year’s draft. If drafted by the Colts, Elway stated he would pursue a career in baseball instead. With their hand forced, the Colts made a trade with the Denver Broncos, who were happy to take Elway.

The NFL’s all-time leader in interceptions thrown, former Packers great Brett Favre was the ultimate gunslinger. Favre also caused major controversy in 2008 when retired and then unretired, only to find out that the Packers had moved on. Outraged that the Packers didn’t want him back, Favre demanded his release, and his once rock-solid relationship with Green Bay began to deteriorate. The Packers eventually traded Favre to the Jets.

The No. 1 overall pick of the 1990 NFL Draft, Jeff George was expected to turn into a Pro Bowl quarterback, but it never happened. That being said, George wasn’t a bust either, as his natural talent and tremendous arm strength made him feel like a player who could turn into an elite quarterback at any moment. For this reason, George was one of the most debated quarterbacks in the 1990s. When it was all set and done, however, George finished his career with a record of 46-78.

The 2012 NFL Rookie of the Year, not too much has gone right for Robert Griffin the III since his first year in the NFL. Along with doing little to earn the respect of his teammates in Washington, Griffin has been criticized for caring more about endorsement deals than his play on the field. The Redskins benched RG3 for the entire 2015 NFL season. He signed with the Cleveland Browns this offseason as a free agent.

Although it seems unthinkable now, Rex Grossman led the Chicago Bears to an appearance in Super Bowl XLI. Grossman is widely considered to be one of the worst quarterbacks to have success in the NFL, as he is thought of as a player who was propped up by the coaches and talent around him. Despite clearly not being a capable starter, the Bears stuck with him for years, frustrating their fan base in the process.

After exploding onto the scene in 2012 and leading the San Francisco 49ers to an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII, Colin Kaepernick has had a tough time surviving in the NFL. Along with having a poor attitude and being fined by the NFL in 2014, Kaepernick has failed miserably to live up to the $126 million contract extension he signed with the 49ers that same year. He was essentially benched this past season in favor of Blaine Gabbert by San Francisco and has requested a trade, though he remains in San Franciso at present.

Ryan Leaf’s NFL career will forever be linked to Peyton Manning’s, as Leaf was the second overall pick of the 1998 Draft, while Manning was taken first. Unfortunately for Leaf, and unlike Manning, his career was an absolute failure. He was a hothead who repeatedly lost his cool in the San Diego Chargers locker room, and his play on the field was downright awful. His NFL career was over by the end of 2001. Leaf has also had many legal troubles since 2009 and has served time in prison.

In 2004, Eli Manning took a page out of John Elway’s playbook and told the San Diego Chargers, who held the No. 1 pick in that year’s draft, that he would not play for them. The Chargers gave in and sent Manning to Giants. After years of fans calling for him to be benched, Manning managed to lead the Giants on a miracle Super Bowl run in 2007. He won another Super Bowl with the G-Men in 2011, but there are still plenty of voices in New York that criticize Eli.

Perhaps the greatest quarterback in NFL history, even Peyton Manning has been the source of controversy, particularly so over this past year. In an Al-Jazeera documentary, Manning was accused of using PEDs, and a report of Manning sexually harassing a female trainer during his days as a Tennessee Volunteer surfaced. Even the great Peyton Manning doesn’t have a squeaky-clean image.

It’s both tragic and stunning how Johnny Manziel turned from being Cleveland’s savior to a joke, and then to someone whose life is just out of control. The former Browns starter now finds himself unemployed after a tumultuous tenure in Cleveland. Along with having issues with drugs, alcohol and partying, Manziel was recently indicted by a Texas grand jury for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Even if Manziel never plays another down in the NFL, he will go down as one the league’s most controversial quarterbacks.

Driven by the dreams of his father, Todd Marinovich was dubbed “America’s first test-tube athlete.” Unfortunately for Marinovich, the expectations and pressure from his father eventually crushed him. After a successful collegiate career at USC, Marinovich was drafted by the Raiders, but serious substance abuse problems derailed his career.

The starting quarterback of the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears, Jim McMahon was never shy about making his voice heard. McMahon repeatedly broke the NFL’s dress code, was abrasive with coaches and even mooned several journalists after they asked him how an injury to his buttocks was healing. He has also made headlines for his post-NFL career struggles with concussions.

“Broadway” Joe Namath was the NFL’s original controversial quarterback. Prior to Super Bowl III, Namath “guaranteed” that his New York Jets would defeat the seemingly unstoppable Baltimore Colts. Namath made good on his promise, and a legend was born. He also made headlines in 2003 when he made advances on an ESPN sideline reporter during a live interview at a Jets game.

Along with stirring up controversy for the poor manner in which he handled is post-Super Bowl 50 media session, Panthers star Cam Newton also ruffles some feathers for his antics on the field. He is considered by some to be an over-the-top showboat by some for his touchdown and first-down celebrations, while others just see a player enjoying the game he loves.

Former Broncos and Cardinal quarterback Jake “The Snake” Plummer was sentenced to two years probation and 100 hours of community service when he struck a plea bargain in 1997 after being charged with felony sexual abuse. Plummer has also made headlines for his public support of using marijuana to cope with football-related injuries.

The controversy surrounding former Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett is whether or not he deserves to be in the NFL Hall of Fame. Despite winning two Super Bowls and overcoming significant personal challenges, Plunkett finds himself on the outside looking in to Canton, Ohio. With a career record 72-72 and a negative touchdown-to-interception ratio, the power to get Plunkett inducted into the Hall of Fame just hasn’t been there.

Although never formally charged, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual assault twice. The NFL even suspended him for six games in 2010 for his behavior relating to the alleged incidents. Additionally, Roethlisberger nearly died in a motorcycle accident in 2006, in which he didn’t wear a helmet.

One of the most hated quarterbacks in the NFL, Tony Romo has had a wild career for the Dallas Cowboys. Along with making headlines off the field for dating high-profile women, when Romo has been on the field, his playing style has made him one the most debated players in the league. So often in his career, he has made a captivating, almost majestic play to help his team, only to throw it all away by making a rookie mistake the next time he touches the ball.

After being selected with the first overall pick of 2007 NFL Draft, JaMarcus Russell was expected to turn the Raiders franchise around. Instead, the quarterback only made matter worse. Russell went 7-18 in three years with the Silver and Black and was arrested in 2010 for possession of a controlled substance. Upset with how his career played out, the Raiders filed a grievance in 2010, seeking nearly $10 million of the guaranteed money they signed Russell to back from him.

Like many other USC quarterbacks, Mark Sanchez has drawn the ire of many NFL fans. After he led the Jets to two straight AFC Championship Game appearances, his development halted, and so did the Jets' progress as a team. After the “butt fumble” incident, Sanchez forever lost his credibility as quarterback. He is currently on the Denver Broncos roster.

Where do we even begin with Tim Tebow? One of the greatest college football players of all time, controversy has erupted wherever Tebow has been in the NFL. Despite not having a skill set that would seem to suit an NFL team, Tebow went 7-4 as the Broncos starter in 2011 and even won a playoff game. Then he was traded to the Jets that offseason and has never started another NFL game again. Tebow has also been a controversial figure in the football world for being so public about his Christian faith.

One of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL, Michael Vick nearly ruined his career and life after it was revealed that he was the leader of an illegal dog-fighting ring. Vick was sent to prison and quickly became the most hated athlete on all of America. After two years away from football, Vick finished his prison sentence and returned to the NFL. Although he has repaired his image, there are still many fans who can’t forgive him for the crimes he committed.