Quarterbacks are arguably the most important position players in sports. The hopes and dreams of their teams rest on their arm each and every week. Not every state has had an NFL quarterback who has attempted a significant number of passes (enough to be included in this list), but 46 states have. For that reason, Alaska, Delaware, Vermont and Wyoming have been excluded from this list. Here are the best signal callers to ever be raised in each state.
46. Alabama - Ken Stabler
Getty ImagesStabler isn't only the best quarterback to ever come out of Alabama, he's arguably the best quarterback in the long history of the Raiders. In his Hall of Fame career, he threw for over 27,000 yards and 194 touchdowns. He further endeared himself to fans everywhere when he went into broadcasting.
Born in: Foley.
Stabler isn't only the best quarterback to ever come out of Alabama, he's arguably the best quarterback in the long history of the Raiders. In his Hall of Fame career, he threw for over 27,000 yards and 194 touchdowns. He further endeared himself to fans everywhere when he went into broadcasting.
45. Arizona - Rodney Peete
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He's not a particularly well-known player, but Peete was a respectable NFL quarterback for several years. He started 87 games in his career for six teams and he had a nice measure of success at a number of stops. His career highlight came in 1995 when he led the Eagles to a 9-3 record in 12 starts.
Born in: Mesa.
He's not a particularly well-known player, but Peete was a respectable NFL quarterback for several years. He started 87 games in his career for six teams and he had a nice measure of success at a number of stops. His career highlight came in 1995 when he led the Eagles to a 9-3 record in 12 starts.
44. Arkansas - Lamar McHan
Getty ImagesArkansas hasn't produced a ton of quarterback talent over the years, but McHan was a pretty good one in the NFL for several years. He finished his career with just under 10,000 yards passing and 73 touchdowns. Surely, though, he wasn't ever full-time starter material. On his career, he completed barely 40 percent of his passes and lost almost twice as many games as he won.
Born in: Lake Village.
Arkansas hasn't produced a ton of quarterback talent over the years, but McHan was a pretty good one in the NFL for several years. He finished his career with just under 10,000 yards passing and 73 touchdowns. Surely, though, he wasn't ever full-time starter material. On his career, he completed barely 40 percent of his passes and lost almost twice as many games as he won.
43. California - Tom Brady
Getty ImagesHis career isn't even over yet and Brady has played in six Super Bowls, winning four of them. The Patriots look like a good bet to win it again this season, which would give him five titles. Beyond that, he's one of the best signal callers of all time statistically. Even right now, you could call him the greatest quarterback of all time and would get very little argument.
Born in: San Mateo.
His career isn't even over yet and Brady has played in six Super Bowls, winning four of them. The Patriots look like a good bet to win it again this season, which would give him five titles. Beyond that, he's one of the best signal callers of all time statistically. Even right now, you could call him the greatest quarterback of all time and would get very little argument.
42. Colorado - Matt Hasselbeck
Troy Taormina, USA Today SportsHasselbeck is one of the most underrated quarterbacks of his time. Coming from Colorado, he had a very successful stint with the Seahawks, where he was routinely a top 10 passer in the game. It seems crazy to people, but this guy has thrown for over 35,000 yards and is still producing past the age of 40. This season may very well be his last, but what a career it's been.
Born in: Boulder.
Hasselbeck is one of the most underrated quarterbacks of his time. Coming from Colorado, he had a very successful stint with the Seahawks, where he was routinely a top 10 passer in the game. It seems crazy to people, but this guy has thrown for over 35,000 yards and is still producing past the age of 40. This season may very well be his last, but what a career it's been.
41. Connecticut - Todd Philcox
Getty ImagesConnecticut is a relatively small state, so they don't produce a ton of athletic talent. The NFL quarterback pool from the state was extremely thin, which is why Philcox, who threw for 1,138 yards in his career, is considered the best quarterback from the state. In perspective, that's still better than what 99.9 percent of football players will ever do.
Born in: Norwalk.
Connecticut is a relatively small state, so they don't produce a ton of athletic talent. The NFL quarterback pool from the state was extremely thin, which is why Philcox, who threw for 1,138 yards in his career, is considered the best quarterback from the state. In perspective, that's still better than what 99.9 percent of football players will ever do.
40. Florida - Daunte Culpepper
Getty ImagesFlorida produces plenty of athletic talent, but surprisingly they haven't produced a ton of great quarterbacks. One legend they created, though, was Daunte Culpepper. The former Vikings signal caller starred in the late 1990s with Cris Carter and a young Randy Moss. Though Minnesota never won a Super Bowl with him under center, some of the franchise's best teams came with him tossing the ball downfield.
Born in: Ocala.
Florida produces plenty of athletic talent, but surprisingly they haven't produced a ton of great quarterbacks. One legend they created, though, was Daunte Culpepper. The former Vikings signal caller starred in the late 1990s with Cris Carter and a young Randy Moss. Though Minnesota never won a Super Bowl with him under center, some of the franchise's best teams came with him tossing the ball downfield.
39. Georgia - Brad Johnson
Getty ImagesJohnson sometimes get lost in the shuffle of history, but he was a very good quarterback for an extended period of time. He was so successful, in fact, that he can be called Georgia's best NFL quarterback of all time. He threw for just under 30,000 yards while completing over 60 percent of his career passes. The best moment of his career, of course, came when he helped lead the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl win in 2003 (after the 2002 season).
Born in: Marietta.
Johnson sometimes get lost in the shuffle of history, but he was a very good quarterback for an extended period of time. He was so successful, in fact, that he can be called Georgia's best NFL quarterback of all time. He threw for just under 30,000 yards while completing over 60 percent of his career passes. The best moment of his career, of course, came when he helped lead the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl win in 2003 (after the 2002 season).
38. Hawaii - Marcus Mariota
Chuck Cook, USA Today SportsMariota benefits from the fact that no other NFL quarterbacks have ever come from Hawaii. That isn't to say Mariota can't be great one day, though. He's already shown flashes of potential stardom in his rookie season. It's safe to say the best is yet to come for the former Oregon signal caller.
Born in: Honolulu.
Mariota benefits from the fact that no other NFL quarterbacks have ever come from Hawaii. That isn't to say Mariota can't be great one day, though. He's already shown flashes of potential stardom in his rookie season. It's safe to say the best is yet to come for the former Oregon signal caller.
37. Idaho - Jake Plummer
Getty ImagesIdaho isn't exactly a hotbed for star quarterbacks, but they did manage to produce one. Plummer is a rare quarterback who had a huge impact on two separate teams during the course of his career, the Broncos and Cardinals. He retired at age 32, or else he would've easily eclipsed 30,000 yards passing.
Born in: Boise.
Idaho isn't exactly a hotbed for star quarterbacks, but they did manage to produce one. Plummer is a rare quarterback who had a huge impact on two separate teams during the course of his career, the Broncos and Cardinals. He retired at age 32, or else he would've easily eclipsed 30,000 yards passing.
36. Illinois - Donovan McNabb
Getty ImagesIllinois has produced a decent amount of quarterback talent over the years, but none more valuable than McNabb, who was one of the greatest signal callers in Eagles history. While he was never able to win the big game, he was the leader of the team during its strongest stretch in the post-Super Bowl era. If he had won it all even once, Eagles fans would look at him as much more of a legend.
Born in: Chicago.
Illinois has produced a decent amount of quarterback talent over the years, but none more valuable than McNabb, who was one of the greatest signal callers in Eagles history. While he was never able to win the big game, he was the leader of the team during its strongest stretch in the post-Super Bowl era. If he had won it all even once, Eagles fans would look at him as much more of a legend.
35. Indiana - Jeff George
Getty ImagesWhen naming great quarterbacks, Jeff George's name is unlikely to come up, but for a stretch he was very good. In fact, he led the league in passing yards in 1997 with nearly 4,000. He enjoyed a modest career overall, but he was one of the better quarterbacks in the league for a couple years.
Born in: Indianapolis.
When naming great quarterbacks, Jeff George's name is unlikely to come up, but for a stretch he was very good. In fact, he led the league in passing yards in 1997 with nearly 4,000. He enjoyed a modest career overall, but he was one of the better quarterbacks in the league for a couple years.
34. Iowa - Kurt Warner
Getty ImagesPerhaps the most unlikely success story in NFL history at the quarterback position, Kurt Warner passed his way into history and likely into Canton. After starting his career in the Arena Football League, he made his way to the Rams where he was one of the faces of the "Greatest Show on Turf." He experienced great success in the regular season and playoffs, where he played in three Super Bowls (two with the Rams, one with the Cardinals) and won his first.
Born in: Burlington.
Perhaps the most unlikely success story in NFL history at the quarterback position, Kurt Warner passed his way into history and likely into Canton. After starting his career in the Arena Football League, he made his way to the Rams where he was one of the faces of the "Greatest Show on Turf." He experienced great success in the regular season and playoffs, where he played in three Super Bowls (two with the Rams, one with the Cardinals) and won his first.
33. Kansas - Jim Everett
Getty ImagesEverett is another guy who few would mention among great quarterbacks even though he was very good in his time for a few years. The beginning of his career was particularly impressive. Combined between 1988 and 1989, he threw for 60 touchdowns. Just as the passing game was getting popular, those were eye-popping numbers.
Born in: Emporia.
Everett is another guy who few would mention among great quarterbacks even though he was very good in his time for a few years. The beginning of his career was particularly impressive. Combined between 1988 and 1989, he threw for 60 touchdowns. Just as the passing game was getting popular, those were eye-popping numbers.
32. Kentucky - Phil Simms
Getty ImagesOne of the greatest quarterbacks in Giants history, Simms played every single one of his 14 seasons in the red, white and blue. During those 14 seasons, he threw for over 33,000 yards and came up one passing TD short of 200 for his career. That's not too shabby for the Kentucky native.
Born in: Lebanon.
One of the greatest quarterbacks in Giants history, Simms played every single one of his 14 seasons in the red, white and blue. During those 14 seasons, he threw for over 33,000 yards and came up one passing TD short of 200 for his career. That's not too shabby for the Kentucky native.
31. Louisiana - Peyton Manning
Getty ImagesSince he's a top five quarterback of all time, Manning is obviously the best to ever come from Louisiana. He was born while his dad Archie was playing for the Saints, and boy do the Saints wish they could've nabbed Manning (although their current quarterback is the best ever from his home state). He will likely retire after this season and will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer after shattering several passing records.
Born in: New Orleans.
Since he's a top five quarterback of all time, Manning is obviously the best to ever come from Louisiana. He was born while his dad Archie was playing for the Saints, and boy do the Saints wish they could've nabbed Manning (although their current quarterback is the best ever from his home state). He will likely retire after this season and will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer after shattering several passing records.
30. Maine - Manch Wheeler
Getty ImagesSo it turns out Maine hasn't produced many quarterbacks in the NFL. In fact, they've only produced one who has made an NFL attempt. Wheeler was 3-for-7 in his one-year career with the Bills. He might be Maine's best quarterback ever, but in terms of the NFL as a whole, he is far from notable.
Born in: Augusta.
So it turns out Maine hasn't produced many quarterbacks in the NFL. In fact, they've only produced one who has made an NFL attempt. Wheeler was 3-for-7 in his one-year career with the Bills. He might be Maine's best quarterback ever, but in terms of the NFL as a whole, he is far from notable.
29. Maryland - Doug Flutie
Getty ImagesFlutie was one of the best college quarterbacks, but his NFL career wasn't quite as successful. That isn't to say he didn't play well in the league, though. He largely served as a backup and played well when he got his chances. Over 13 years, he threw for nearly 15,000 yards and proved he wasn't an NFL bust.
Born in: Manchester.
Flutie was one of the best college quarterbacks, but his NFL career wasn't quite as successful. That isn't to say he didn't play well in the league, though. He largely served as a backup and played well when he got his chances. Over 13 years, he threw for nearly 15,000 yards and proved he wasn't an NFL bust.
28. Massachusetts - Todd Collins
Getty ImagesCollins was essentially a career backup, but that's better than any other quarterback from Massachusetts managed to do. He still carved out a 12-year career in that role. His numbers are extremely modest, but the fact he lasted that long as a non-starter shows how dependable he was in a pinch.
Born in: Walpole.
Collins was essentially a career backup, but that's better than any other quarterback from Massachusetts managed to do. He still carved out a 12-year career in that role. His numbers are extremely modest, but the fact he lasted that long as a non-starter shows how dependable he was in a pinch.
27. Michigan - Craig Morton
TwitterThe most impressive thing about Morton's career is that he got more impressive once he turned 30 years old. That rarely happens. His time with the Giants and Broncos was just as solid as his time with the Cowboys, who he played for at the beginning of his career. When it was all said and done, he ended up with over 27,000 passing yards. That was good enough to make him the greatest quarterback to ever come from Michigan.
Born in: Flint.
The most impressive thing about Morton's career is that he got more impressive once he turned 30 years old. That rarely happens. His time with the Giants and Broncos was just as solid as his time with the Cowboys, who he played for at the beginning of his career. When it was all said and done, he ended up with over 27,000 passing yards. That was good enough to make him the greatest quarterback to ever come from Michigan.
26. Minnesota - Jacky Lee
Getty ImagesDespite the state being very large, Minnesota hasn't produced many NFL quarterbacks. Lee, who threw for just over 8,000 career yards, is the best the state has ever produced. Over 11 years as a journeyman backup, he was serviceable, but was certainly never someone who teams considered a legitimate full-time starter.
Born in: Minneapolis.
Despite the state being very large, Minnesota hasn't produced many NFL quarterbacks. Lee, who threw for just over 8,000 career yards, is the best the state has ever produced. Over 11 years as a journeyman backup, he was serviceable, but was certainly never someone who teams considered a legitimate full-time starter.
25. Mississippi - Brett Favre
Getty ImagesFavre is one of the greatest to ever play the game and is certainly the best quarterback to ever come from his home state of Mississippi. During his incredible 20-year career, he threw for almost 72,000 yards and over 500 touchdowns. While Peyton Manning has started carving into some of his records, there are still some he will hold onto for a very long time.
Born in: Gulfport.
Favre is one of the greatest to ever play the game and is certainly the best quarterback to ever come from his home state of Mississippi. During his incredible 20-year career, he threw for almost 72,000 yards and over 500 touchdowns. While Peyton Manning has started carving into some of his records, there are still some he will hold onto for a very long time.
24. Missouri - Rudy Bukich
TwitterHistorically, Bukich wasn't a great passer, but he was very solid for a short period of time. In particular, he led the Bears to a 9-3 record in 12 starts in 1965. He still carved out a nice little career for himself, which is more than anyone else from Missouri can say.
Born in: St. Louis.
Historically, Bukich wasn't a great passer, but he was very solid for a short period of time. In particular, he led the Bears to a 9-3 record in 12 starts in 1965. He still carved out a nice little career for himself, which is more than anyone else from Missouri can say.
23. Montana - John Friesz
Getty ImagesMontana doesn't have a ton of people, so it's hard to find great NFL quarterbacks from there. One decent one, John Friesz, did come from there, though. In 1991, he was given the chance to be the man for the Chargers. After going 4-12 that year, he never again had the full faith of any coaching staff in the league. Despite that, he managed to last eight more seasons after that, mostly as a backup.
Born in: Missoula.
Montana doesn't have a ton of people, so it's hard to find great NFL quarterbacks from there. One decent one, John Friesz, did come from there, though. In 1991, he was given the chance to be the man for the Chargers. After going 4-12 that year, he never again had the full faith of any coaching staff in the league. Despite that, he managed to last eight more seasons after that, mostly as a backup.
22. Nebraska - Kelly Stouffer
Getty ImagesNebraska is another state that's relatively void of quarterback talent. Stouffer is the best to come from the Cornhusker State, passing for just over 2,000 yards in his career. He was never given a shot as a full-time starter, but he also never showed the dependability to be someone a franchise could get behind.
Born in: Scottsbluff.
Nebraska is another state that's relatively void of quarterback talent. Stouffer is the best to come from the Cornhusker State, passing for just over 2,000 yards in his career. He was never given a shot as a full-time starter, but he also never showed the dependability to be someone a franchise could get behind.
21. Nevada - Tony Graziani
Getty ImagesNevada has a relatively transient population, so not a ton of football talent comes from there. Graziani is the best quarterback to come from the state, but his career wasn't very long lived. He spent three years with the Falcons in the late 1990s. His biggest regret of his career must be not having a receiver pick up an extra yard on any pass play. He ended up with 999 career passing yards.
Born in: Las Vegas.
Nevada has a relatively transient population, so not a ton of football talent comes from there. Graziani is the best quarterback to come from the state, but his career wasn't very long lived. He spent three years with the Falcons in the late 1990s. His biggest regret of his career must be not having a receiver pick up an extra yard on any pass play. He ended up with 999 career passing yards.
20. New Hampshire - Greg Landry
TwitterNot many outside of Detroit likely remember Landry, but he was quite the quarterback for a while. He never seemed to be able to start every game in a season, but when he was playing, he was solid. His career record also wasn't helped by his poor supporting cast. Nevertheless, he ended up with more than 16,000 career passing yards, which is impressive.
Born in: Nashua.
Not many outside of Detroit likely remember Landry, but he was quite the quarterback for a while. He never seemed to be able to start every game in a season, but when he was playing, he was solid. His career record also wasn't helped by his poor supporting cast. Nevertheless, he ended up with more than 16,000 career passing yards, which is impressive.
19. New Jersey - Joe Theismann
Getty ImagesThe legendary Redskins quarterback beat out a couple other talented New Jersey quarterbacks for the top spot and that has to do with the fact his career is already over. Joe Flacco may be able to pass him eventually. For now, though, his 25,000-plus passing yards are more impressive. His 77-47 career record is also a testament to the fact he was a winner.
Born in: New Brunswick.
The legendary Redskins quarterback beat out a couple other talented New Jersey quarterbacks for the top spot and that has to do with the fact his career is already over. Joe Flacco may be able to pass him eventually. For now, though, his 25,000-plus passing yards are more impressive. His 77-47 career record is also a testament to the fact he was a winner.
18. New Mexico - Joe Kapp
TwitterNew Mexico doesn't produce many quarterbacks, but Joe Kapp managed to make it out of the state and into the NFL. In his four seasons, he threw for nearly 6,000 yards and 40 touchdowns. Even though his career didn't last long, he was solid when he was actually playing.
Born in: Santa Fe.
New Mexico doesn't produce many quarterbacks, but Joe Kapp managed to make it out of the state and into the NFL. In his four seasons, he threw for nearly 6,000 yards and 40 touchdowns. Even though his career didn't last long, he was solid when he was actually playing.
17. New York - Vinny Testaverde
Getty ImagesTestaverde was an ageless wonder who played from 1987 to 2007 and looked good doing it every step of the way. This longevity allowed him to throw for over 46,000 yards in his career while appearing in two Pro Bowls. New York hasn't produced a ton of quarterback talent, but Testaverde is clearly the cream of the crop.
Born in: Brooklyn.
Testaverde was an ageless wonder who played from 1987 to 2007 and looked good doing it every step of the way. This longevity allowed him to throw for over 46,000 yards in his career while appearing in two Pro Bowls. New York hasn't produced a ton of quarterback talent, but Testaverde is clearly the cream of the crop.
16. North Carolina - Sonny Jurgensen
FacebookJurgensen was a man ahead of his time. When running was still the name of the game in the NFL, he was revolutionizing it through the air. While his career started with the Eagles, he became a legend and Hall of Famer with the Redskins. Over the course of his illustrious career, he totaled over 32,000 passing yards, an astonishing number for someone who played from 1957-74.
Born in: Wilmington.
Jurgensen was a man ahead of his time. When running was still the name of the game in the NFL, he was revolutionizing it through the air. While his career started with the Eagles, he became a legend and Hall of Famer with the Redskins. Over the course of his illustrious career, he totaled over 32,000 passing yards, an astonishing number for someone who played from 1957-74.
15. North Dakota - Brooks Bollinger
Getty ImagesNeedless to say, North Dakota doesn't have much quarterback talent historically. Bollinger, the journeyman backup, played in the league for five years, starting just 10 games and going 2-8. He still got a little bit of face time, which isn't something most North Dakotans can say about their NFL careers.
Born in: Grand Forks.
Needless to say, North Dakota doesn't have much quarterback talent historically. Bollinger, the journeyman backup, played in the league for five years, starting just 10 games and going 2-8. He still got a little bit of face time, which isn't something most North Dakotans can say about their NFL careers.
14. Ohio - Len Dawson
Getty ImagesOhio is a football hotbed and has produced a few solid quarterbacks. Dawson is the best of the best in that category. His 94-57-8 career record is impressive enough, but when you think about his nearly 30,000 passing yards in the 1950s through 1970s, his accolades start to seem even more impressive. No wonder he's enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
Born in: Alliance.
Ohio is a football hotbed and has produced a few solid quarterbacks. Dawson is the best of the best in that category. His 94-57-8 career record is impressive enough, but when you think about his nearly 30,000 passing yards in the 1950s through 1970s, his accolades start to seem even more impressive. No wonder he's enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
13. Oklahoma - Steve Fuller
Getty ImagesAs a state, Oklahoma has a good amount of football talent, but they haven't produced many great quarterbacks. Their best, Steve Fuller, only was considered a full-time starter in his first two seasons and was relegated to backup duty after going 12-13 with modest stats during that time. Still, he's the best signal caller to come from his home state.
Born in: Enid.
As a state, Oklahoma has a good amount of football talent, but they haven't produced many great quarterbacks. Their best, Steve Fuller, only was considered a full-time starter in his first two seasons and was relegated to backup duty after going 12-13 with modest stats during that time. Still, he's the best signal caller to come from his home state.
12. Oregon - Joey Harrington
Getty ImagesHarrington became the butt of a lot of jokes by the end of his career, but his numbers are nothing to sneeze at. He finished his modest career with just under 15,000 yards passing and 79 touchdowns. His most telling stat, though, is that he went 26-50 in 76 career starts. Whether he was bad, his teams were bad or a combination of both, that's never going to cut it.
Born in: Portland.
Harrington became the butt of a lot of jokes by the end of his career, but his numbers are nothing to sneeze at. He finished his modest career with just under 15,000 yards passing and 79 touchdowns. His most telling stat, though, is that he went 26-50 in 76 career starts. Whether he was bad, his teams were bad or a combination of both, that's never going to cut it.
11. Pennsylvania - Joe Montana
Getty ImagesMontana is arguably the greatest quarterback to ever play the game since he dominated in the regular season and playoffs. Along with Jerry Rice, he led some of the greatest teams of all time in San Francisco. Pennsylvania actually has a ton of talented quarterbacks, but none more than Montana. No matter what future quarterbacks do, there will always be a place in history for No. 16.
Born in: New Eagle.
Montana is arguably the greatest quarterback to ever play the game since he dominated in the regular season and playoffs. Along with Jerry Rice, he led some of the greatest teams of all time in San Francisco. Pennsylvania actually has a ton of talented quarterbacks, but none more than Montana. No matter what future quarterbacks do, there will always be a place in history for No. 16.
10. Rhode Island - Joe Reed
Getty ImagesRhode Island is really small and, therefore, doesn't produce the same volume of football talent that some other states do. Reed is the best to come from the state as he carved a nice eight-year career for himself. He never became a full-time starter and posted a career record of 9-10. That's not anything special, but that's pretty great for a player from such a small state.
Born in: Newport.
Rhode Island is really small and, therefore, doesn't produce the same volume of football talent that some other states do. Reed is the best to come from the state as he carved a nice eight-year career for himself. He never became a full-time starter and posted a career record of 9-10. That's not anything special, but that's pretty great for a player from such a small state.
9. South Carolina - Tyler Thigpen
Getty ImagesIt was just last season that Thigpen was in the NFL as a backup in Cleveland, but he didn't play a single snap. One would think South Carolina would produce more quarterback talent, but they haven't. Still, Thigpen has managed to be on a roster in seven NFL seasons. The problem? He's 1-11 in 12 career starts.
Born in: Winnsboro.
It was just last season that Thigpen was in the NFL as a backup in Cleveland, but he didn't play a single snap. One would think South Carolina would produce more quarterback talent, but they haven't. Still, Thigpen has managed to be on a roster in seven NFL seasons. The problem? He's 1-11 in 12 career starts.
8. South Dakota - Norm Van Brocklin
FacebookVan Brocklin was one of the best quarterbacks in Rams history and he's also the best NFL quarterback to ever come from South Dakota. He was under center for 12 years (including nine with the Rams), and threw for over 23,000 yards and tossed 178 touchdown passes. Not until Kurt Warner would those numbers be surpassed by a Rams quarterback.
Born in: Eagle Butte.
Van Brocklin was one of the best quarterbacks in Rams history and he's also the best NFL quarterback to ever come from South Dakota. He was under center for 12 years (including nine with the Rams), and threw for over 23,000 yards and tossed 178 touchdown passes. Not until Kurt Warner would those numbers be surpassed by a Rams quarterback.
7. Tennessee - Chad Pennington
Getty ImagesPennington had all the promise in the world, but could never stay healthy. Despite his injury history, he managed to turn himself into the best Tennessee-born NFL quarterback ever. His 17,000-plus passing yards in parts of 11 seasons is pretty impressive. When he was actually playing, he was a winner; he posted a career 44-37 record. After looking back on his career, people will always wonder what would've happened if he didn't get injured so much.
Born in: Knoxville.
Pennington had all the promise in the world, but could never stay healthy. Despite his injury history, he managed to turn himself into the best Tennessee-born NFL quarterback ever. His 17,000-plus passing yards in parts of 11 seasons is pretty impressive. When he was actually playing, he was a winner; he posted a career 44-37 record. After looking back on his career, people will always wonder what would've happened if he didn't get injured so much.
6. Texas - Drew Brees
Getty ImagesSince so much football and athletic talent comes from Texas, you'd think they would've produced plenty of superstar quarterbacks. In reality, they've only produced a handful, even though the state does routinely churn out average NFL quarterbacks. Brees is the most accomplished of them all as he has thrown his way into the record books in New Orleans. By the time it's all said and done, he will be in the Hall of Fame.
Born in: Austin.
Since so much football and athletic talent comes from Texas, you'd think they would've produced plenty of superstar quarterbacks. In reality, they've only produced a handful, even though the state does routinely churn out average NFL quarterbacks. Brees is the most accomplished of them all as he has thrown his way into the record books in New Orleans. By the time it's all said and done, he will be in the Hall of Fame.
5. Utah - Steve Young
Getty ImagesHe had to sit behind Joe Montana for years, but when he finally got his chance, Steve Young didn't disappoint. The BYU star played college ball in his own backyard and developed into the greatest Utah-born quarterback ever. Really, nobody from the state even comes close to him in NFL accomplishments.
Born in: Salt Lake City.
He had to sit behind Joe Montana for years, but when he finally got his chance, Steve Young didn't disappoint. The BYU star played college ball in his own backyard and developed into the greatest Utah-born quarterback ever. Really, nobody from the state even comes close to him in NFL accomplishments.
4. Virginia - Fran Tarkenton
Getty ImagesVirginia has produced a few good NFL quarterbacks, but none better than Fran Tarkenton. Playing for the Vikings over two separate stints and the Giants, he amassed more than 47,000 passing yards while appearing in nine Pro Bowls. Not only was he one of the best passers ever to come out of Virginia, but he was one of the best in the league period.
Born in: Richmond.
Virginia has produced a few good NFL quarterbacks, but none better than Fran Tarkenton. Playing for the Vikings over two separate stints and the Giants, he amassed more than 47,000 passing yards while appearing in nine Pro Bowls. Not only was he one of the best passers ever to come out of Virginia, but he was one of the best in the league period.
3. Washington - John Elway
Getty ImagesElway would make a name for himself in Colorado, but his journey began in Washington, the state he would become the greatest native-born NFL quarterback in. The two-time Super Bowl champion is one of the best to play the game, and now impacts the Broncos in the front office. Not many Washington-born players even approach what he did in the league.
Born in: Port Angeles.
Elway would make a name for himself in Colorado, but his journey began in Washington, the state he would become the greatest native-born NFL quarterback in. The two-time Super Bowl champion is one of the best to play the game, and now impacts the Broncos in the front office. Not many Washington-born players even approach what he did in the league.
2. West Virginia - Joe Gilliam
TwitterWest Virginia hasn't produced many NFL quarterbacks, but Joe Gilliam wasn't too shabby. His 2,103 career passing yards aren't very impressive, but by West Virginia quarterback standards he was pretty solid. He went 4-2-1 in his career, but was always sitting behind Terry Bradshaw, so he never had a chance.
Born in: Charleston.
West Virginia hasn't produced many NFL quarterbacks, but Joe Gilliam wasn't too shabby. His 2,103 career passing yards aren't very impressive, but by West Virginia quarterback standards he was pretty solid. He went 4-2-1 in his career, but was always sitting behind Terry Bradshaw, so he never had a chance.
1. Wisconsin - Dave Krieg
Getty ImagesA lot of people overlook Krieg, but he was certainly an outstanding NFL quarterback during his days. Although he played for six teams, including 11 seasons with the Seahawks, Krieg was three-time Pro Bowl quarterback who did enough to be inducted into Seattle's Ring of Honor.
Born in: Iola.
A lot of people overlook Krieg, but he was certainly an outstanding NFL quarterback during his days. Although he played for six teams, including 11 seasons with the Seahawks, Krieg was three-time Pro Bowl quarterback who did enough to be inducted into Seattle's Ring of Honor.
