Top 10 Underrated Quarterbacks of the 20th Century

Here is our Top 10 list of the underrated quarterbacks of the 20th century:

1. Ken Anderson – Cincinnati Bengals Four-time Pro Bowler and 1981 NFL MVP, but often overlooked despite leading the league in passer rating four times.
2. John Hadl – San Diego Chargers Six-time Pro Bowler with over 33,000 passing yards, yet rarely mentioned among AFL/NFL greats.
3. Jim Hart – St. Louis Cardinals Played 19 seasons, threw for over 34,000 yards, and led the Cardinals to multiple playoff appearances.
4. Steve Bartkowski – Atlanta Falcons Two-time Pro Bowler and 1983 NFL passer rating leader, known for his deep ball accuracy.
5. Craig Morton – Dallas Cowboys / Denver Broncos Took two different teams to the Super Bowl and had a long, productive career overshadowed by contemporaries.
6. Roman Gabriel – Los Angeles Rams 1969 NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowler, known for toughness and leadership.
7. Bert Jones – Baltimore Colts 1976 NFL MVP with elite arm talent, but injuries derailed a promising career.
8. Dan Pastorini – Houston Oilers Gritty QB who helped transform the Oilers into contenders, often overshadowed by Earl Campbell.
9. Joe Ferguson – Buffalo Bills Played 17 seasons and threw for over 29,000 yards, but rarely gets credit for his consistency.
10. Tommy Kramer – Minnesota Vikings Known for clutch performances and comeback wins, but never got national recognition.

10. Tommy Kramer

Tommy Kramer was a talented and gutsy quarterback who played for the Minnesota Vikings from the late 1970s through the 1980s. Known for his clutch performances and fearless style, Kramer earned the nickname “Two-Minute Tommy” for his ability to engineer late-game comebacks.

10 Interesting Facts about Tommy Kramer:

• Born in San Antonio, Texas in 1955, Kramer was a standout quarterback at Robert E. Lee High School.
• He played college football at Rice University, where he set multiple passing records.
• Drafted in the first round (27th overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in 1977.
• Took over as starting quarterback after Fran Tarkenton’s retirement, ushering in a new era for the Vikings.
• Known for his aggressive downfield passing and willingness to take risks.
• Led the NFL in passer rating in 1986 with a mark of 92.6.
• Recorded 24 career game-winning drives, many in dramatic fashion.
• Threw for over 24,000 yards and 159 touchdowns in his career.
• Injuries plagued his career, limiting his consistency and longevity.
• Inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor in 2022, recognizing his impact on the franchise.

Conclusion:

Tommy Kramer may not have the national spotlight of some of his peers, but his fearless play and clutch performances made him a fan favorite in Minnesota. His legacy as “Two-Minute Tommy” lives on in Vikings lore, and his inclusion on this list highlights the kind of quarterback whose impact goes beyond stats and into the hearts of fans.

9. Joe Ferguson

Joe Ferguson was a durable and underrated quarterback who spent the bulk of his career with the Buffalo Bills. Known for his toughness, leadership, and cannon arm, Ferguson quietly put together a long and productive NFL career that spanned nearly two decades. Though never a household name, his consistency and grit made him a respected figure among teammates and opponents alike.

10 Interesting Facts about Joe Ferguson

• Born in Alvin, Texas in 1950, Ferguson was a standout quarterback at Woodlawn High School in Shreveport, Louisiana.
• He played college football at the University of Arkansas, where he was known for his strong arm and field awareness.
• Drafted in the third round of the 1973 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
• Became the Bills’ starting quarterback in his rookie season and held the role for over a decade.
• Played alongside Hall of Fame running back O.J. Simpson during Simpson’s record-breaking 2,003-yard season in 1973.
• Led the Bills to multiple playoff appearances, including a deep run in 1980.
• Known for his durability, Ferguson started 107 consecutive games from 1977 to 1984.
• Threw for over 29,000 yards and 196 touchdowns in his career.
• Played for the Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Indianapolis Colts after leaving Buffalo.
• Retired in 1990 after 17 seasons, ranking among the top 20 all-time in passing yards at the time.

Conclusion

Joe Ferguson may not have received the national spotlight, but his consistency, toughness, and longevity earned him respect across the league. As the steady hand behind the Bills offense for over a decade, he helped shape the franchise during a transitional era. His inclusion on this list highlights the kind of quarterback whose contributions often go unnoticed but were vital to his teams’ success.

8. Dan Pastorini

Dan Pastorini was a tough, resilient quarterback who played most notably for the Houston Oilers during the 1970s. Known for his grit and willingness to play through pain, Pastorini helped transform the Oilers into playoff contenders and became a symbol of blue-collar football toughness.

10 Interesting Facts about Dan Pastorini

• Born in Sonora, California in 1949, Pastorini was a multi-sport athlete in high school.
• He played college football at Santa Clara University, where he was known for his strong arm and leadership.
• Drafted third overall in the 1971 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers.
• Became the Oilers’ starting quarterback and held the role for nearly a decade.
• Known for playing through injuries, including broken ribs and a punctured lung.
• Helped lead the Oilers to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances in 1978 and 1979.
• Played alongside Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell, forming a powerful offensive duo.
• Traded to the Oakland Raiders in 1980, where he briefly replaced Ken Stabler.
• Also played for the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles before retiring.
• After football, Pastorini pursued a career in drag racing and became a successful NHRA competitor.

Conclusion

Dan Pastorini may not have the gaudy stats of some of his peers, but his toughness, leadership, and role in the Oilers’ resurgence make him a worthy entry on this list. His ability to endure physical punishment and still deliver clutch performances earned him respect across the league. Pastorini’s legacy is one of grit, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the game.

7. Bert Jones

Bert Jones was a gifted quarterback whose career was marked by brilliance and frustration. Known for his rocket arm and fiery competitiveness, Jones was the face of the Baltimore Colts in the mid-1970s and briefly one of the most dominant players in the league before injuries cut his prime short.

10 Interesting Facts about Bert Jones

• Born in Ruston, Louisiana in 1951, Jones was the son of NFL running back Dub Jones.
• Played college football at LSU, where he earned All-American honors and was nicknamed “The Ruston Rifle.”
• Drafted second overall in the 1973 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts.
• Won NFL MVP in 1976 after leading the Colts to an 11–3 record and throwing for 3,104 yards and 24 touchdowns.
• Known for his quick release, deep-ball accuracy, and aggressive play style.
• Led the Colts to three consecutive AFC East titles from 1975 to 1977.
• Injuries, especially to his shoulder and back, severely limited his career longevity.
• Played briefly for the Los Angeles Rams before retiring in 1982.
• Finished his career with over 18,000 passing yards and 124 touchdowns.
• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000 for his standout career at LSU.

Conclusion

Bert Jones was one of the most talented quarterbacks of his era, and for a brief window, he was among the very best in the NFL. Though injuries kept him from building a Hall of Fame résumé, his 1976 MVP season and electrifying style left a lasting impression. Jones remains a symbol of “what could have been” — a quarterback whose peak was as high as anyone’s, even if it didn’t last long.

6. Roman Gabriel

Roman Gabriel was a powerful and poised quarterback who played primarily for the Los Angeles Rams during the 1960s and early 1970s. Known for his size, arm strength, and leadership, Gabriel was one of the first modern-style quarterbacks and helped redefine the position during a transitional era in the NFL.

10 Interesting Facts about Roman Gabriel

• Born in Wilmington, North Carolina in 1940, Gabriel was the son of Filipino and Native American parents.
• Played college football at NC State, where he was a two-time All-American and ACC Player of the Year.
• Drafted second overall in the 1962 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
• At 6’5″, Gabriel was one of the tallest quarterbacks of his era, with a commanding presence in the pocket.
• Won NFL MVP in 1969 after throwing for 2,549 yards and 24 touchdowns with only 7 interceptions.
• Led the Rams to multiple winning seasons and playoff appearances during his tenure.
• Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973, where he led the league in passing yards and touchdowns that season.
• Finished his career with over 29,000 passing yards and 201 touchdowns.
• Known for his durability, Gabriel missed only a handful of games over a 16-year career.
• After retirement, he worked as a broadcaster and actor, appearing in several TV shows and films.

Conclusion

Roman Gabriel was a trailblazer at quarterback — combining physical stature, intelligence, and toughness in a way that set the stage for future generations. His MVP season and consistent production across two franchises make him one of the most underrated stars of the 20th century. Gabriel’s legacy is one of quiet excellence and lasting influence on the quarterback position.

5. Craig Morton

Craig Morton was a cerebral and resilient quarterback who played for three NFL teams over an impressive 18-year career. Known for his ability to adapt and lead, Morton holds the rare distinction of starting Super Bowls for two different franchises — a testament to his skill and longevity in a competitive era.

10 Interesting Facts about Craig Morton

• Born in Flint, Michigan in 1943, Morton grew up in California and starred at Campbell High School.
• Played college football at the University of California, Berkeley, where he was an All-American.
• Drafted fifth overall in the 1965 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
• Took over as Cowboys starter in 1969 and led them to Super Bowl V in 1971.
• Lost the starting job to Roger Staubach but remained a valuable backup and occasional starter.
• Traded to the New York Giants in 1974, where he struggled behind a weak offensive line.
• Revived his career with the Denver Broncos, leading them to Super Bowl XII in 1977.
• Became the first quarterback to start Super Bowls for two different teams.
• Named NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1977 after guiding the Broncos to a 12–2 record.
• Retired in 1982 with over 21,000 passing yards and 183 touchdowns.

Conclusion

Craig Morton’s career is a study in perseverance, adaptability, and quiet excellence. Though often overshadowed by flashier contemporaries, Morton proved his worth by leading two franchises to the sport’s biggest stage. His inclusion on this list honors a quarterback who thrived in multiple systems and left a lasting mark on NFL history.

4. Steve Bartkowski

Steve Bartkowski was a strong-armed quarterback who brought hope and excitement to the Atlanta Falcons during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Known for his deep-ball accuracy and quiet leadership, Bartkowski helped elevate a struggling franchise and became one of the most respected passers of his era.

10 Interesting Facts about Steve Bartkowski

• Born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1952, Bartkowski grew up in California and starred at Buchser High School.
• Played college football at the University of California, Berkeley, where he led the nation in passing in 1974.
• Drafted first overall in the 1975 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
• Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1975 after throwing for 1,662 yards and 15 touchdowns.
• Led the Falcons to their first-ever playoff win in 1978.
• Threw for over 3,000 yards in three consecutive seasons from 1980 to 1982.
• Led the NFL in passer rating in 1983 with a mark of 97.6.
• Selected to two Pro Bowls (1980 and 1981).
• Finished his career with over 24,000 passing yards and 156 touchdowns.
• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012 for his standout career at Cal.

Conclusion

Steve Bartkowski may not be a household name today, but his impact on the Falcons and his consistent production during a tough era for the franchise make him a standout figure. His arm talent and leadership helped bring credibility to Atlanta football, and his legacy remains strong among fans who remember his clutch performances and steady presence under center.

3. Jim Hart

Jim Hart was a steady and durable quarterback who spent nearly two decades with the St. Louis Cardinals. Known for his leadership, resilience, and underrated passing ability, Hart quietly built one of the longest careers in NFL history and helped guide the Cardinals through some of their most competitive seasons.

10 Interesting Facts about Jim Hart

• Born in Evanston, Illinois in 1944, Hart played college football at Southern Illinois University.
• Went undrafted in 1966 but signed with the St. Louis Cardinals and quickly earned a roster spot.
• Became the Cardinals’ starting quarterback in 1967 and held the role for over a decade.
• Led the Cardinals to three consecutive playoff appearances from 1974 to 1976.
• Selected to four Pro Bowls (1974–1977) during the peak of his career.
• Known for his strong arm and ability to stretch the field with deep passes.
• Threw for over 34,000 yards and 209 touchdowns in his career.
• Played 18 seasons in the NFL, one of the longest tenures for a quarterback at the time.
• Finished his career with the Washington Redskins in 1984.
• After retirement, Hart served as athletic director at his alma mater, Southern Illinois University.

Conclusion

Jim Hart may not have received the national acclaim of some of his contemporaries, but his longevity, leadership, and consistent production make him one of the most underrated quarterbacks of the 20th century. His quiet excellence and commitment to the Cardinals helped stabilize the franchise and earned him a lasting place in NFL history.

2. John Hadl

John Hadl was a versatile and durable quarterback who played primarily for the San Diego Chargers during the AFL and early NFL years. Known for his strong arm, leadership, and ability to adapt across eras, Hadl was a key figure in the evolution of the passing game and remains one of the most overlooked stars of his time.

10 Interesting Facts about John Hadl

• Born in Lawrence, Kansas in 1940, Hadl was a multi-position star at the University of Kansas.
• Played halfback, quarterback, and punter in college, earning All-American honors.
• Drafted by both the AFL and NFL in 1962, he chose to sign with the San Diego Chargers.
• Became the Chargers’ starting quarterback and led them to four AFL title games, winning in 1963.
• Known for his deep passing ability and chemistry with Hall of Fame receiver Lance Alworth.
• Threw for over 33,000 yards and 244 touchdowns in his career.
• Selected to six Pro Bowls and was a four-time All-AFL selection.
• Traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 1973, where he led them to a division title.
• Also played for the Green Bay Packers and Houston Oilers before retiring in 1977.
• After retirement, Hadl worked as a coach and administrator at the University of Kansas.

Conclusion

John Hadl’s career spanned two leagues, multiple teams, and a transformative era in football history. His ability to adapt, lead, and consistently produce makes him one of the most underrated quarterbacks of the 20th century. Though often overshadowed by flashier names, Hadl’s legacy is cemented in the record books and in the hearts of fans who remember his fearless play.

1. Ken Anderson

Ken Anderson was a cerebral and efficient quarterback who spent his entire 16-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals. Known for his pinpoint accuracy, calm demeanor, and mastery of the short passing game, Anderson helped revolutionize offensive football and remains one of the most statistically impressive quarterbacks never inducted into the Hall of Fame.

10 Interesting Facts about Ken Anderson

• Born in Batavia, Illinois in 1949, Anderson played college football at Augustana College, a Division III school.
• Drafted in the third round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
• Became the Bengals’ starting quarterback in 1972 and held the role for over a decade.
• Won NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 1981, leading the Bengals to a 12–4 record and a Super Bowl appearance.
• Led the NFL in passer rating four times (1974, 1975, 1981, 1982).
• Set a then-record completion percentage of 70.6% in 1982.
• Threw for over 32,000 yards and 197 touchdowns in his career.
• Known for his role in pioneering the West Coast Offense under Bill Walsh’s early influence.
• Selected to four Pro Bowls and named First-Team All-Pro in 1981.
• After retirement, Anderson served as a quarterbacks coach for several NFL teams, including the Bengals and Steelers.

Conclusion

Ken Anderson’s career is a masterclass in precision, leadership, and innovation. Though often overlooked in Hall of Fame discussions, his statistical dominance and influence on modern offensive schemes make him one of the most underrated quarterbacks in NFL history. His legacy lives on in the systems he helped shape and the respect he earned from peers and coaches alike.

This conclude out top 10 list of underrated quarterbacks of the 20th century. For more details on each player, you can click their name above, or visit the Football Players Top 10 list page. you can also return to the main Top 10 list page to find other top 10 lists of interest.