Definition of an Elite NFL QB?

Ivan’s Football Dictionary

Denver QB - Peyton Manning

Elite NFL QB:  A player who prepares himself physically and mentally through training and film study consistently playing the QB position at a high level year after year.  With a minimum three years of FULL time QB play, not only excelling statistically, but as a leader also. 

*Winning a Super Bowl ring is not necessary to be an elite QB, but it does help.

On October 30, 2012, I posted an article titled, ”Father Figure Coaches Needed on the Sidelines”.

I believe father figure coaches are needed if there is no elite QB on the team.  Out of 32 NFL teams I stated 6 starting QBs currently have rings.  I also believe these are the 6 elite NFL QBs in the league (in order by the most rings):  

1.Tom Brady - New England Patriots (3 rings)

2.Ben Roethlisberger – Pittsburgh Steelers (2 rings)

3.Eli Manning – New York Giants (2 rings)

4.Peyton Manning - Denver Broncos (1 ring with Indianapolis Colts)

5.Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints (1 ring)

6.Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers (1 ring)

Below are 4 QBs on the football cliff of becoming elite:

1. Matt Ryan - Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta QB -Matt Ryan

Also known as “Matty Ice”, Ryan is the closest QB to becoming elite.  Ryan does not have the playoff pedigree the other elite QBs have, but he has the heart and the will to obtain everything necessary to become elite. 

Ryan was an elite QB playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference at Boston College and he quickly transformed his collegiate game to the pro level.  Depending on the results of this post season for Matty Ice will determine the status of his QB greatness or “elite-ness”.

2. Robert Griffin III – Washington Redskins

Washington QB - Robert Griffin III

Also known as RG3, Griffin has amazed everyone with his play as a rookie.  What else can we say…RG3 consistently produces in the air and on the ground.  This is truly one player who led his team by example with his play.  His decision-making ability in the pocket or on the run makes you think he is a veteran, but he is not.  He has a gift rare are blessed with and he uses it well. 

RG3 will be a force to reckon with for years and years to come.

3. Andrew Luck – Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis QB - Andrew Luck

Mr. Luck was the number one overall draft pick in 2012 draft and he made sure to prove to the football world that he was worth it.  Luck is a gusty leader willing to place the team on his back to get produce a win. 

With 7 comeback victories during his rookie campaign, no game was more evident than during the week 13 game against the Lions.  Luck lead his team downfield with no timeleft on the clock throwing a 14 yard TD pass to WR Donnie Avery.  Luck is not just Lucky he is very, very good QB.

4. Russell Wilson – Seattle Seahawks

Seattle QB - Russell Wilson

Self titled, “DangeRussWilson” is just as dangerous as any QB in the NFL.  Russell Wilson made sure to make his presence known by playing well every opportunity available.  Wilson may get the notoriety that RG3 and Andy Luck gets, but he gets enough recognition from opposing defenses.

Wilson is the type of leader organizations and coaches look for in a QB.  He may not have the 6’4” 220 pound prototype physique that teams want, but he has the mentality and all of the intangibles that win ball games for a 5’11” 206 pound QB.

 How would you define an elite QB?