Top 10 Backup Quarterbacks Who Became Legends
Most NFL quarterbacks never make it off the bench. They prepare week after week, knowing their shot might never come. But when it does, everything changes fast.
This list looks at the second-string quarterbacks who became stars, champions, and even legends. Their stories are all about timing, persistence, and making the most of a small window.
Tom Brady – New England Patriots
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Tom Brady wasn’t expected to be more than roster depth. But when Drew Bledsoe took a hit in 2001, Brady entered and never gave the job back. That season ended in a Super Bowl win. Six more titles followed, which makes him the league’s most decorated quarterback by a wide margin.
Kurt Warner – St. Louis Rams
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Warner entered the NFL after stints in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe. When Trent Green suffered a preseason injury in 1999, Warner stepped in and led the Rams to a Super Bowl win. He earned both league MVP and Super Bowl MVP that season.
Jim Plunkett – Oakland Raiders
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After underwhelming stints in New England and San Francisco, Plunkett found himself backing up in Oakland. When Dan Pastorini broke his leg, Plunkett came in and led the Raiders to a Super Bowl win. Three years later, he did it again and became a two-time champion long after most fans gave up on him.
Doug Williams – Washington
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Williams began the 1987 season as a backup before replacing Jay Schroeder. He led Washington to a Super Bowl XXII win and became the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl. His four touchdown passes in the second quarter remain a championship record.
Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers
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Rodgers waited behind Brett Favre for three full seasons before getting his chance in 2008. By then, fans were split, but Rodgers quickly made his case. He led Green Bay to a Super Bowl title and collected multiple MVPs, and proved the team’s long bet on him was more than justified.
Jeff Hostetler – New York Giants
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Hostetler spent years backing up Phil Simms before getting his chance late in the 1990 season. He guided the Giants through the playoffs and started in their Super Bowl XXV victory. His steady play helped secure one of the franchise’s most important championships.
George Blanda – Oakland Raiders
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Blanda’s football career never really followed a script. At 43 years old, he was both quarterback and kicker, and in 1970, he rescued the Raiders multiple times with late-game heroics. He strung together wins off the bench and remains the oldest QB to ever play in a championship game.
Steve Young – San Francisco 49ers
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Young’s first years in Tampa Bay were a struggle. But backing up Joe Montana in San Francisco changed everything. When injuries sidelined Montana, Young stepped in and stayed there, eventually leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl. His accuracy and mobility set new standards for efficiency among modern quarterbacks.
Randall Cunningham – Minnesota Vikings
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By 1998, Cunningham had already retired once. He came back to back up Brad Johnson in Minnesota, but when Johnson went down, Cunningham lit up defenses with deep balls to Randy Moss and Cris Carter. The Vikings finished 15–1, and Cunningham posted career highs across the board.
Brett Favre – Green Bay Packers
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Favre started in Atlanta with barely any playing time. After being traded to Green Bay, he stepped in when Don Majkowski got injured. Favre’s durability and big-arm style redefined the franchise. He never missed another start for the Packers and reeled in three MVPs and a Super Bowl win.