When zone defenses slowed down the passing game in the ’70s and ’80s, NFL games became harder for quarterbacks. They faced new challenges, and many struggled with reduced passing numbers. Despite the dip, this era still produced some of the most legendary quarterbacks in history. Here are 15 quarterbacks who impressed us with their stats, records, championships, and leadership.
Roger Staubach (Dallas Cowboys)
Staubach was the face of the Dallas Cowboys throughout the ’70s after leading them to two Super Bowl titles (VI and XII). You could call him “Roger the Dodger” for his insane scrambling ability or “Captain America” for leading a young team of 12 rookies back to the Super Bowl. Staubach is also a six-time Pro Bowler and league MVP.
Terry Bradshaw (Pittsburgh Steelers)
In the ’70s, Terry Bradshaw led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl victories (IX, X, XIII, XIV) and became a two-time Super Bowl MVP. While fans loved the deep throws from his strong arms, his opponents dreaded them. However, his success came after five seasons of up-and-down performances until 1974.
Fran Tarkenton (New York Giants & Minnesota Vikings)
Tarkenton started the 1970s strong, leading the New York Giants to their first winning season since 1963. Although he was traded back to the Minnesota Vikings after an uneventful 1972 season, he wasn’t deterred. He led the Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances, won the 1975 NFL MVP, and retired with the highest numbers in passing yards and touchdowns.
Bob Griese (Miami Dolphins)
As the calm, steady leader behind the ’70s Miami Dolphins team, Griese helped the team to three Super Bowls, winning two. No true Dolphin fan would ever forget this Hall of Famer, not after the perfect season of 1972. He also made the All-Pro team and placed fourth in MVP votes, making Miami dominant throughout the decade.
Ken Stabler (Oakland Raiders)
“The Snake” led the Oakland Raiders to their first Super Bowl title (XI) after winning the 1974 MVP award. Stabler’s calm demeanor under pressure made him a fan favorite, especially during his epic playoff battles. He finished with 27,938 career passing yards and 194 touchdowns. Stabler was the ultimate clutch quarterback of the ’70s.
Ken Anderson (Cincinnati Bengals)
After Anderson became the Bengals’ starting QB in 1972, he led the Cincinnati team to the 1973 playoffs with an 81.3 passer rating. He led the NFL twice in passing yards during the decade and became the first quarterback to master the West Coast offense. No Bengal fan would forget Anderson’s 1975 MVP season, where he threw for over 3,000.
Bert Jones (Baltimore Colts)
Jones was in the form of his life from 1975 to 1977. He was one of the NFL’s three quarterbacks. “The Ruston Rifle” had incredible arm strength and athleticism during the 1970s for the Baltimore Colts. After his 89.1 passer rating in 1975, he was named NFL MVP for leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns.
Jim Hart (St. Louis Cardinals)
Although Hart wasn’t racking up numbers in his statistics, his consistency and ability to air it out made him one of the decade’s top players. He was named All-Pro in 1974 after leading the Cardinals to a division title. He repeated the gesture with a consecutive title in 1975 and ended his career throwing for over 34,000 yards.
Warren Moon (Houston Oilers)
Moon’s cannon arm and incredible consistency made him relevant in the 1980s. After dominating the CFL, he joined the Houston Oilers in the NFL. Moon led the Oilers’ high-powered “Run and Shoot” offense, passing for over 3,000 yards in five seasons. Deservedly, he has a spot in the Hall of Fame as a nine-time Pro Bowler.
Dan Fouts (San Diego Chargers)
When the Chargers started playing their “Air Coryell” offense in the ’80s, Fouts was the engine of that system because of his passing. It was expected since he led the NFL in passing yards four times, including over 4,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. He had multiple Pro Bowls with a Super Bowl appearance (XXIX).
Phil Simms (New York Giants)
There were not many big-game players like Simms in the ’80s. He became a household name because he stayed cool under pressure. His defining moment came in Super Bowl XXI, where he threw for a near-perfect performance. The Giants won the game, and he bagged Super Bowl MVP before winning another Super Bowl (XXV) years later.
Joe Montana (San Francisco 49ers)
The ’80s were a good time for San Francisco 49ers fans. They had Montana, who was the definition of clutch. He helped them win four Super Bowl titles (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV). This legend also racked up personal awards, including two NFL MVPs and three Super Bowl MVPs. Besides his performance in this decade, Montana is one of the greatest quarterbacks ever.
Dan Marino (Miami Dolphins)
Although Marino never celebrated a Super Bowl title, he was among the most exceptional players in the ’80s. He set an NFL record in 1984 by throwing 5,476 yards and 48 touchdowns in a single season. (He won NFL MVP that year.) Due to his quick release, Marino influenced young players to train for powerful arms.
John Elway (Denver Broncos)
Before Elway was inducted into the 2004 Pro Football Hall of Fame, he laid the groundwork during the ’80s. The former quarterback led the Denver Broncos to nine Pro Bowl selections and set several passing records, including a then-record 4,030 passing yards. After being the first overall pick in the ’83 NFL Draft, he became the 1987 MVP.
Jim Kelly (Buffalo Bills)
Kelly was the driving force behind the Buffalo Bills’ powerful offense in the 1980s. He helped develop the no-huddle offense known as the “K-Gun,” which led the team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. Besides his outstanding leadership, Kelly passed for over 3,000 yards in multiple seasons and was selected for the Pro Bowl five times.
15 Legendary NFL Quarterbacks With the Best Performances in the ’70s and ’80s