The Best Current NFL Quarterbacks Without a Super Bowl Victory

When discussing the current crop of NFL quarterbacks who haven't yet tasted the glory of a Super Bowl victory, the conversation often becomes heated and subjective. Many argue that certain players should have won more or that they did, in fact, prove their worth without the ultimate championship collegiate and professional reward. This article aims to explore those players and the reasons behind their level of success and the comparisons to other legendary quarterbacks.

The Case for Warren Moon

Warren Moon, a standout figure in the NFL, is often cited as one of the best quarterbacks to never win a Super Bowl. Moon entered the NFL after his illustrious career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he won five Grey Cups, the equivalent of the Super Bowl in the CFL.

Moon's success in the CFL led him to the NFL in 1990, where he briefly played for the Houston Oilers (now Tennessee Titans) before an impressive year with the Minnesota Vikings. Warren Moon's journey is particularly noteworthy given his transition from the CFL to the NFL, which is far more challenging due to the different rules, approaches, and overall complexity of the sport in the NFL.

Some key points about Warren Moon include:

Impressive statistical achievements in the CFL Adaptability in transitioning to the NFL Recognition as a Hall of Famer and regular All-Pro selection Strong leadership and character, often praised by teammates and opponents alike

Doedicurean Dan Marino is another name that arises in these discussions. Dan Marino's career is marked with incredible stats and leadership, but his repeated failures in the Super Bowl and his post-season chokebacks can be seen as detracting factors for some. Despite this, the argument can be made that Marino's legacy as the best un-victorious quarterback is well-deserved.

The Case for Dan Marino

Dan Marino is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks to have never won a Super Bowl. His incredible statistical numbers often overshadow his post-season performance, but even in those failures, his value as a leader and a pioneer in NFL offenses is undeniable. If we were to hypothetically take one of Tom Brady's Super Bowl victories and award it to Dan Marino, it might be a fitting statement of his greatness.

The Case for Donovan McNabb

Donovan McNabb had a solid NFL career, including numerous Pro Bowl appearances and playoff victories. However, he unfortunately did not win a Super Bowl. His post-season performance, especially in crucial games, has led to him being labeled as a "post-season choker," despite his achievements throughout the regular season.

It is worth noting that not every quarterback reaches the heights of winning a Super Bowl, and Donovan McNabb had a successful and respected career throughout his time in the NFL.

The Case for NFL Legends

Other notable mentions include legendary quarterbacks such as Joe Montana, John Elway, and Steve Young. Although these players have won multiple Super Bowls and have well-established legacies, it is also interesting to assess players like Steve Fouts and Doug Flutie, who may not have the same Super Bowl accolades but still made significant contributions to the NFL.

Steve Fouts, for instance, led a revolutionary offensive system that evolved to influence modern football, while Doug Flutie's unique transition from the CFL to the NFL highlights the adaptability required in the sport. Both players, like Warren Moon, showcase the importance of performance in different eras of the NFL.

The NFL is a game of evolving strategies, and the players who excel in those changes often leave behind a significant legacy. Whether it is in terms of statistics, leadership, or adaptability, these players contribute to the rich tapestry of NFL history.

In conclusion, while Super Bowl victories are the ultimate measure of success in football, the conversations surrounding quarterbacks who have not achieved this pinnacle continue to spark lively debates. With players like Warren Moon, Dan Marino, Donovan McNabb, and other legends of the past and present, the legacy is rich and varied.