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Best Left Handed Quarterbacks In NFL History, Ranked

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Published Dec 8, 2023

Left-handed quarterbacks are a unique and intriguing subset in the world of American football. While the majority of quarterbacks are right-handed, left-handed quarterbacks bring a different dynamic to the game, challenging defenses and providing a distinct advantage on the field. The rarity of left-handed quarterbacks makes them stand out, and history has witnessed some exceptional talents among them, with one of them even making this list of quarterbacks with the most rushing yards in a single season!

Left-handed quarterbacks possess a natural ability to throw from a different angle, catching defenses off guard and creating opportunities for their teams. And while no left hand quarterback made our list of the top 5 most passing touchdowns in a single season, the ball spins in the opposite direction compared to right-handed throws, which poses challenges for defenders accustomed to facing right-handed quarterbacks.

Can you guess which southpaw gunslinger ranks in the top 10 for most NFL MVP's of all-time? (Don't cheat!)

Here is a breakdown of the five best left handed quarterbacks in NFL history.

5. Mark Brunell

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Teams: Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets
Years Active: 1994- 2011
Career Stats: 32,027 yards, 184 touchdowns, 193 games played

Mark Brunell played college football at the University of Washington and then entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick in 1993 by the Green Bay Packers. However, he made a significant impact during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played from 1995 to 2003. Brunell was instrumental in leading the Jaguars to multiple playoff appearances, including an AFC Championship Game in the 1996 season.

4. Ken Stabler

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Teams: Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Oilers, New Orleans Saints
Years Active: 1970- 1984
Career Stats: 27,938 yards, 194 touchdowns, 184 games played

Ken Stabler played college football at the University of Alabama and, after a successful collegiate career, entered the NFL as a second-round draft pick by the Oakland Raiders in 1968. He quickly became the team's starting quarterback and led the Raiders to numerous playoff appearances during the 1970s.

Stabler's playing style was characterized by his poise under pressure, accuracy as a passer, and an uncanny ability to lead his team in clutch situations. He guided the Raiders to victory in Super Bowl XI, defeating the Minnesota Vikings in 1977. Stabler was named the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1974 and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times during his career.

3. Boomer Esiason

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Teams: Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals
Years Active: 1984- 1996
Career Stats: 37,920 yards, 247 touchdowns, 187 games played

Esiason played college football at the University of Maryland before entering the NFL. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1984 NFL Draft. Boomer quickly became known for his strong arm, accuracy, and leadership on the field.

One of the highlights of Boomer Esiason's career was his performance during the 1988 season when he led the Bengals to Super Bowl XXIII, although they were defeated by the San Francisco 49ers in a close and memorable game. Esiason earned the NFL MVP award for the 1988 season.

2. Michael Vick

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Teams: Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers
Years Active: 2001- 2015
Career Stats: 22,464 yards, 133 touchdowns, 143 games played

Michael Vick played college football at Virginia Tech and gained widespread recognition for his electrifying performances. He entered the NFL as the first overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, selected by the Atlanta Falcons. Vick quickly became known for his incredible speed, agility, and arm strength, making him a dual-threat quarterback. With his left-handed throwing style, Vick redefined the quarterback position by showcasing his ability to extend plays with his legs and make jaw-dropping runs down the field. His style of play paved the way for a new era of mobile quarterbacks in the NFL.

1. Steve Young

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Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers
Years Active: 1985- 1999
Career Stats: 33,124 yards, 232 touchdowns, 169 games played

Young played college football at Brigham Young University (BYU) and had a successful collegiate career before entering the NFL. He was selected in the first round of the 1984 NFL Supplemental Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but initially struggled to find success with the team. However, Young's career took a significant turn when he joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1987 and served as the backup to Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana. When Montana suffered an injury, Young seized the opportunity and went on to have an exceptional career with the 49ers.