It’s a dog-eat-dog world in the NFL, and a teammate sitting behind you on the depth chart may also be your biggest rival. We’ve seen all-time greats being replaced by unproven backups. There’s no greater example of this than when it happens at the most crucial position in the game, quarterback. Here are the ten craziest quarterback controversies in NFL history.
Craziest NFL QB Controversies
When the Packers selected Aaron Rodgers in the first round of the 2005 draft, it caused a stir. The team already had a long-time face of the franchise in Brett Favre. Favre, a Super Bowl champion and three-time league MVP, made it clear he wasn’t keen on mentoring Rodgers. The Packers were constantly on edge as Favre flirted with retirement, but eventually, both quarterbacks brought a ring to Titletown.
**Key Takeaways:**
- Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre had a rocky relationship, but both found success in Green Bay.
- The Packers navigated a challenging QB controversy and came out victorious.
Joe Montana vs. Steve Young
Steve Young arrived in San Francisco as an underdog, but after Joe Montana’s injury, Young stepped up. The two quarterbacks alternated before Montana led the team to another Super Bowl win. However, Young’s impressive performance led to Montana’s departure, solidifying Young as the starter.
**Key Takeaways:**
- The Montana vs. Young controversy ended with Young becoming the franchise QB.
- The 49ers thrived with both quarterbacks, showcasing a rare dual-QB success story.
Philip Rivers vs. Drew Brees
Drew Brees struggled early in his career, allowing Philip Rivers to take the starting role. However, Brees’s injury shifted the dynamics, leading to his departure. This move paved the way for Rivers to establish himself as the Chargers’ QB.
**Key Takeaways:**
- Brees’s departure due to injury changed the course of the Chargers’ QB situation.
- Rivers emerged as the franchise QB, showcasing resilience amid controversy.
Tom Brady vs. Drew Bledsoe
After Drew Bledsoe’s injury, Tom Brady seized the opportunity and led the Patriots to a Super Bowl victory. Despite Bledsoe’s past success, Brady’s performance made him the undeniable choice. The Patriots traded Bledsoe, cementing Brady’s legacy.
**Key Takeaways:**
- Brady’s rise from backup to Super Bowl champion marked a pivotal moment in NFL history.
- The Patriots’ decision to stick with Brady paid off immensely in the long run.
Roger Staubach vs. Craig Morton
The Cowboys faced a challenging decision between Roger Staubach and Craig Morton. After experimenting with both quarterbacks, Staubach emerged as the clear choice, leading the team to a Super Bowl victory.
**Key Takeaways:**
- The Cowboys’ strategic QB decision resulted in a successful Super Bowl campaign.
- Staubach’s leadership solidified his position as the team’s starting QB.
Doug Williams vs. Jay Schroeder
After an injury to Jay Schroeder, Doug Williams took the reins and guided Washington to a Super Bowl triumph. Williams’s stellar performance ended the QB controversy, leading to Schroeder’s eventual trade to the Raiders.
**Key Takeaways:**
- Williams’s standout Super Bowl performance silenced the quarterback debate in Washington.
- The trade of Schroeder signified Williams’s establishment as the team’s top QB.
Conclusion
Quarterback controversies have been a defining feature of NFL history, showcasing the intense competition and strategic decisions that shape teams’ destinies. While these controversies can be tumultuous, they often lead to the emergence of legendary quarterbacks and memorable Super Bowl victories. The ability to navigate these challenges speaks volumes about a team’s resilience and commitment to success.
For more quarterback controversies in NFL history, check out NFL’s top 10 quarterback controversies and Bleacher Report’s 7 best QB controversies in NFL history.