Who’s the smartest quarterback in the NFL?
This question sparks lively discussions among fans and analysts alike. To find the answer, FOX Sports turned to those who know best: the quarterbacks themselves.
In a special segment called Quarterback Confidential, 38 NFL quarterbacks were anonymously surveyed during training camp and preseason. The primary question posed was straightforward: Who stands out as the smartest quarterback in the league?
Responses varied, with some players drawing from personal experiences and others leaning on established reputations. Almost all participants shared passionate opinions, making the results even more intriguing, especially regarding who was surprisingly absent from the top spots.
The clear winner of this informal poll is Aaron Rodgers, currently the oldest quarterback in the league at 40 years old. After a challenging previous season marked by a torn Achilles tendon, he aims to revive the New York Jets. With a Super Bowl title and four league MVP awards under his belt, it’s no wonder he garnered 15 votes from his peers.
“I played against him my rookie year, and it was an incredible experience,” one quarterback recounted. “You hear stories about his intelligence and how he perceives the game, but seeing it firsthand was something else. His execution was so fluid and composed, like it was second nature to him. And it is.”
Following closely was Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams, who received 12 votes. Now in his 16th season at age 36, Stafford’s mental acuity is well-known. One young quarterback even recalled Stafford’s impressive Wonderlic score from 2009, believing it to be a 39, though it was actually 38—still an impressive feat for any quarterback.
“His ability to orchestrate plays and understand the dynamics on the field is remarkable,” another quarterback noted about Stafford.
“Watching him adapt during games reveals his deep understanding of the position,” said yet another.
Interestingly, one quarterback, unaware of the final results, pinpointed the top two, highlighting a key difference in their styles.
“It’s a contest between Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers,” he explained. “Rodgers thrives on improvisation, while Stafford excels within the structure of the offense.”
Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons finished third, receiving three votes. In total, eight quarterbacks were mentioned, including younger talents like Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers and Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers.
Surprisingly, Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback with three Super Bowl victories and three Super Bowl MVP awards, was only named by one respondent.
“I understand his offensive scheme, and the play calls can be quite complex,” that quarterback remarked. “What he accomplishes is truly impressive.”
Aaron Rodgers 15
Matthew Stafford 12
Kirk Cousins 3
Jordan Love 1
Patrick Mahomes 1
Dak Prescott 1
Brock Purdy 1
Russell Wilson 1
(Three quarterbacks chose not to respond.)
Greg Auman serves as an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. He previously dedicated a decade to covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the Tampa Bay Times and The Athletic. Follow him on Twitter at @gregauman.
