The 1980s were packed with legendary quarterbacks who changed the game. Joe Montana was busy collecting rings, Dan Marino was rewriting the record books, and John Elway was proving why he had one of the strongest arms in history. But who truly owned the decade? We're ranking the 40 best QBs of the '80s—where does your favorite land? Let's dive in!

Ranking The 40 Best NFL Quarterbacks of the '80s: John Elway and Dan Marino Miss out on #1

Ranking the 40 Best NFL Quarterbacks of the ’80s: John Elway and Dan Marino Miss Out on #1

Tony Eason had the arm, the quick decision-making, and the poise under pressure that made him a promising quarterback for the New England Patriots in the 1980s. His biggest moment came in the 1985 season when he led the Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance, though they fell short in the big game. With over 11,000 passing yards and 61 touchdowns in his career, Eason left his mark as a key player of the decade.

40. Tony Eason

Often overlooked, Ken O'Brien was a steady force for the New York Jets throughout the 1980s. Armed with a strong arm and pinpoint accuracy, he racked up over 25,000 passing yards and 128 touchdowns in his career. His intelligence and clutch play under pressure made him one of the best quarterbacks of his time, earning him a spot among the top Jets QBs ever.

27. Ken O'Brien

39. Ken O'Brien

A steady hand for the Minnesota Vikings in the late '80s, Wade Wilson brought intelligence, poise, and a strong arm to the field. His leadership helped guide the Vikings to multiple playoff appearances, proving his reliability under pressure. With over 17,000 passing yards and 99 touchdowns in his career, Wilson quietly built a reputation as one of the more underrated quarterbacks of his era.

38. Wade Wilson

A two-time Pro Bowler in the 1980s, Neil Lomax made his mark with a strong arm and sharp decision-making. As the face of the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals' offense, he showcased impressive accuracy and the ability to dissect defenses. With over 22,000 passing yards and 136 touchdowns in just eight seasons, Lomax proved he belonged among the decade's best quarterbacks.

37. Neil Lomax

With a strong arm and unshakable poise, Vince Ferragamo made his mark as the Los Angeles Rams quarterback in the late '70s and early '80s. His accuracy and cool demeanor under pressure helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance in the 1979-80 season, though they fell just short of victory. While his career wasn't the longest, Ferragamo's impact and place among the era's top quarterbacks remain undeniable.

36. Vince Ferragamo

Though his prime was in the 1970s, Craig Morton remained a key figure in the early '80s with the Denver Broncos. His precision passing and leadership helped guide the Broncos to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance in the 1977-78 season, marking a historic moment for the franchise. With over 27,000 passing yards and 183 touchdowns in his career, Morton's impact on the game and his place among the greats remain firmly intact.

35. Craig Morton

Lynn Dickey's cannon of an arm and fearless play made him a staple of the Green Bay Packers offense in the late '70s and early '80s. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, he still racked up over 23,000 passing yards and 141 touchdowns, proving his resilience. His clutch performances and ability to make big throws under pressure cemented his place as one of the most underrated quarterbacks of his era.

34. Lynn Dickey

Terry Bradshaw's dominance in the '70s carried into the early '80s, keeping him among the league's most feared quarterbacks. A four-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Super Bowl MVP, Bradshaw thrived under pressure, always delivering when it mattered most. With over 27,000 passing yards and 212 touchdowns, his legacy as one of the greatest QBs of all time remains undeniable—bad hairstyles and all!

33. Terry Bradshaw

Nicknamed "Two-Minute Tommy," Kramer had a knack for late-game heroics that kept Vikings fans on the edge of their seats. His cannon of an arm and fearless playmaking ability made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks of the 1980s. With over 24,000 passing yards and 159 touchdowns, Kramer's legacy as a clutch performer still holds strong in Minnesota lore.

32. Tommy Kramer

With a rocket arm and fearless mentality, Bartkowski was the face of the Falcons in the late '70s and early '80s. His ability to read defenses and make big throws helped him rack up over 24,000 passing yards and 156 touchdowns. A true competitor, Bartkowski's leadership and playmaking cemented his status as one of the top quarterbacks of his era.

31. Steve Bartkowski

A tough, talented quarterback, Archie Manning spent over a decade leading the Saints, often carrying the team on his back. Despite playing on struggling rosters, his intelligence and playmaking ability helped him rack up over 23,000 passing yards and 125 touchdowns. Manning's impact on the game went beyond stats—his leadership and resilience made him one of the most respected quarterbacks of his era.

30. Archie Manning

Dubbed the "Majik Man," Don Majkowski electrified Green Bay with his playmaking skills and rocket arm. His breakout 1989 season saw him lead the league in passing yards and earn a Pro Bowl nod, proving his talent on the big stage. Though injuries cut his prime short, Majkowski's flashes of brilliance cemented his place among the best late-'80s quarterbacks.

28. Don Majkowski

29. Don Majkowski

A master of accuracy and decision-making, Ken Anderson was the steady hand behind the Cincinnati Bengals' rise in the early '80s. He led the franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance in the 1981-82 season, showcasing his leadership and poise under pressure. With over 32,000 passing yards and 197 touchdowns, Anderson left a lasting mark as one of the most respected quarterbacks of his era.

28. Ken Anderson

A fierce competitor and savvy playmaker, Joe Theismann led Washington to two Super Bowl appearances, winning it all in the 1982-83 season. His precision passing and ability to make plays on the move made him a constant threat under center. With over 25,000 passing yards and 160 touchdowns, Theismann's legacy as one of the top quarterbacks of the '80s remains firmly intact.

27. Joe Theismann

With a rare mix of speed, arm strength, and agility, Randall Cunningham revolutionized the quarterback position in the late '80s. As the dynamic leader of the Philadelphia Eagles offense, he torched defenses both through the air and on the ground. His electrifying playmaking and unorthodox style cemented his status as one of the most exciting quarterbacks of his era.

26. Randall Cunningham

Armed with a strong arm and an unbreakable work ethic, Phil Simms became the cornerstone of the New York Giants in the 1980s. His poise under pressure led the Giants to two Super Bowls, including a championship win in 1986, where he earned Super Bowl MVP honors with a near-flawless performance. With over 33,000 passing yards and 199 touchdowns, Simms solidified his legacy as one of the era's top quarterbacks.

25. Phil Simms

Jim Hart's intelligence and ability to read defenses made him one of the NFL's most consistent passers, extending his success into the 1980s. As the longtime quarterback for the St. Louis Cardinals, he threw for over 34,000 yards and 209 touchdowns. He also ranks 2nd on the 70 Best NFL Arizona Cardinals Quarterbacks, 13th on the Best NFL Quarterbacks of the 1970s, and 20th on the Best NFL Players from Illinois.

24. Jim Hart

Frank Reich cemented his legacy by leading the biggest comeback in NFL history during the 1992 playoffs. As a longtime backup to Jim Kelly, his intelligence and poise under pressure made him one of the most respected second-string quarterbacks ever. He played for the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions, showcasing his strong arm and downfield vision.

23. Frank Reich

Jim Everett's strong arm and quick decision-making made him a dominant quarterback in the late '80s and early '90s. As the leader of the Los Angeles Rams, he topped the league in touchdown passes in 1988 and 1989, earning three Pro Bowl selections. He also played for the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers, ranking among the best quarterbacks for both franchises and Purdue Boilermakers history.

22. Jim Everett

Mark Rypien's rocket arm and football IQ made him a dominant force during his time with the Washington Redskins. As the starting quarterback from 1988 to 1993, he led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 1991, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. He also had stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns, ranking among the best quarterbacks in each franchise's history.

21. Mark Rypien

Despite going undrafted, Dave Krieg's relentless work ethic led him to become the Seattle Seahawks' starting quarterback. His strong arm and playmaking ability helped him amass over 38,000 passing yards and 261 touchdowns in his career. He also played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals, ranking among the best quarterbacks in each franchise's history.

20. Dave Krieg

Blessed with a powerful arm and impressive athleticism, Vinny Testaverde entered the NFL as the first overall pick in the 1987 Draft, carrying immense expectations. While his early years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were marked by struggles, his intelligence, work ethic, and commitment to improvement helped him carve out a 20-plus-year career. Ranked #2 among the Best New York Jets Quarterbacks, #3 among the Best Miami Hurricanes Quarterbacks, and #6 among the Best Cleveland Browns Quarterbacks.

12. Vinny Testaverde

19. Vinny Testaverde

Brian Sipe defied the odds as a 13th-round draft pick to become the leader of the Cleveland Browns' offense. His accuracy and defensive awareness led him to an MVP-winning season in 1980, where he also topped the league in passing yards. With over 23,000 passing yards and 154 touchdowns, his determination and skill cemented his place among the era's best quarterbacks.

18. Brian Sipe

Steve Grogan's toughness and versatility made him a staple of the New England Patriots offense for over a decade. His strong arm and ability to make plays with his legs helped him rack up over 26,000 passing yards and 182 touchdowns. Ranked #3 among the best Patriots quarterbacks of all time, Grogan also sits at #32 on both the best quarterbacks of the 1970s and the most overlooked quarterbacks of all time.

17. Steve Grogan

Perseverance defined Steve DeBerg's career, as he overcame numerous setbacks to establish himself as a top passer of the 1980s. His strong arm and deep understanding of the game helped him accumulate over 34,000 passing yards and 196 touchdowns. Ranked #6 among the best Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks, #8 for the Denver Broncos, and #9 for the Atlanta Falcons, DeBerg proved he belonged among the best of his era.

16. Steve DeBerg

Steve Young's lightning-quick decision-making and elite athleticism made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks of his era. Though he initially struggled in the NFL, his intelligence and adaptability turned him into a dominant force in the '90s. Ranked #1 among the best quarterbacks of the '90s and the best left-handed quarterbacks of all time, Young's arm strength and running ability made him a true dual-threat legend.

15. Steve Young

Nicknamed "Jaws" for his tenacity and relentless work ethic, Ron Jaworski became a staple of the Philadelphia Eagles' offense in the 1980s. He led the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance in 1980, showcasing his ability to read defenses and deliver clutch throws. Ranked #5 among the best Eagles quarterbacks of all time, he finished his career with over 28,000 passing yards and 179 touchdowns, cementing his legacy as a true competitor.

14. Ron Jaworski

Tasked with replacing the legendary Roger Staubach, Danny White quickly won over Cowboys fans with his arm strength, intelligence, and fearless play. He led Dallas through the 1980s with clutch performances, earning over 21,000 passing yards and 155 touchdowns. Ranked #5 among the best Cowboys quarterbacks of all time, he proved to be a worthy successor and a key figure in the team's success.

13. Danny White

Troy Aikman's arrival in Dallas marked the beginning of a football dynasty, with his precision passing and leadership setting the stage for future dominance. Even in his rookie season in 1989, his quick decision-making and accuracy made him a feared passer. A six-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion, Aikman ranks #2 among the best Cowboys quarterbacks of all time and #1 among UCLA Bruins quarterbacks.

23. Oklahoma (5 Hall of Famers)

12. Troy Aikman

Jim McMahon's swashbuckling style and leadership guided the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl victory in the 1985 season, cementing his place among the decade's most dynamic quarterbacks. Despite injuries, his strong arm and downfield vision helped him amass over 18,000 passing yards and 100 touchdowns. Ranked #2 among the best Bears quarterbacks of all time, McMahon also ranks #5 among the best college quarterbacks of the 1970s and #6 of the 1980s.

11. Jim McMahon

A true underdog, Jim Plunkett overcame early struggles to lead the Raiders to two Super Bowl victories, proving his resilience and talent. His strong arm and downfield vision helped him accumulate 25,882 passing yards and 164 touchdowns over his career. Ranked #2 among the best Raiders and Stanford quarterbacks of all time, he also holds the #4 spot among the best Stanford football players.

10. Jim Plunkett

Known for his toughness and intelligence, Boomer Esiason's left-handed throwing style made him a unique force in the NFL. He led the Bengals to a Super Bowl in 1988, amassing over 37,000 passing yards and 247 touchdowns in his career. Ranked the best Maryland Terrapins quarterback ever, he also sits at #2 among the best Bengals quarterbacks of all time.

9. Boomer Esiason

With a unique throwing motion and a sharp football mind, Bernie Kosar led the Browns to three AFC Championship appearances in the late '80s. His intelligence and ability to read defenses helped him rack up over 23,000 passing yards and 124 touchdowns. Ranked #2 among the best Cleveland Browns and Miami Hurricanes quarterbacks, Kosar's work ethic and talent made him a beloved figure in football history.

8. Bernie Kosar

Nicknamed "The Snake" for his cool demeanor under pressure, Ken Stabler was a master of the two-minute drill, leading the Raiders to a Super Bowl championship in 1976. With over 27,000 passing yards and 194 touchdowns, his legacy as an elite quarterback extended into the '80s with the Oilers and Saints. Ranked #1 among Raiders quarterbacks and #2 among left-handed QBs, Stabler remains one of the most clutch signal-callers in NFL history.

7. Ken Stabler

A pioneer of the no-huddle offense, Jim Kelly transformed the Buffalo Bills into an offensive juggernaut, leading them to four straight Super Bowl appearances. His powerful arm and relentless competitiveness helped him amass over 35,000 passing yards and 237 touchdowns. Ranked #1 among Miami Hurricanes quarterbacks, Kelly's toughness and leadership cemented his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of his era.

6. Jim Kelly

As the leader of the explosive "Air Coryell" offense, Dan Fouts revolutionized passing in the 1980s with his strong arm and quick decision-making. He became the first quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards in four straight seasons, earning six Pro Bowl selections and a Hall of Fame induction. With 43,040 career passing yards and 254 touchdowns, Fouts' legacy as one of the most influential quarterbacks in NFL history is undeniable.

5. Dan Fouts

Warren Moon's path to NFL stardom was unconventional, as he first dominated the Canadian Football League before showcasing his elite arm strength and accuracy in the NFL. His ability to read defenses and make pinpoint throws helped him amass over 49,000 passing yards and 291 touchdowns, despite never winning a Super Bowl. Widely regarded as one of the most overlooked quarterbacks of all time, Moon's impact on the game remains undeniable.

4. Warren Moon

A true dual-threat quarterback, John Elway defined the term "gunslinger" with his rocket arm and fearless playmaking ability. His 35 game-winning drives in the '80s showcased his relentless competitive spirit, keeping the Denver Broncos in contention year after year. Ranked #1 among the Best Denver Broncos of All Time, Best Denver Broncos Quarterbacks, and Best NFL Players from Washington, Elway's intelligence and adaptability solidified his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of his era.

3. John Elway

Arguably the most gifted pure passer in NFL history, Dan Marino's lightning-fast release and unmatched arm talent terrorized defenses throughout the '80s. He led the league in passing yards five times and set a single-season record in 1984 with 5,084 yards, cementing his status as an all-time great. Ranked #1 among Elite Quarterbacks to Never Win a Super Bowl, Best College Football Quarterbacks of the 1980s, and Best Miami Dolphins of All Time, Marino's 61,361 career passing yards and 420 touchdowns prove his lasting impact on the game.

2. Dan Marino

Master of the late-game comeback, Joe Montana earned his reputation as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history with his clutch performances and elite decision-making. A four-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Super Bowl MVP, "Joe Cool" thrived under pressure, leading the 49ers to dominance throughout the 1980s. Ranked #1 among the Best Notre Dame Football Players, Best College Football Quarterbacks of the 1970s, and Super Bowl MVPs, Montana finished his career with 45,602 passing yards and 273 touchdowns, cementing his legacy as one of football's all-time greats.