What Is a Franchise Quarterback?

The quarterback on a National Football League team is the key position for the entire team. The quarterback is the central player who receives instructions from the coaches and implements them. A "franchise quarterback" is a proven leader that every team needs, but not every team is fortunate enough to have one. Franchise quarterbacks are those at the top of their profession.

  1. Role of a Franchise Quarterback

    • The role of the franchise quarterback is to be a constant leader for his team on and off the field. A franchise quarterback rises to the top of his craft and knows exactly how to play. A franchise quarterback is usually the highest-paid player on the team and assumes responsibility for the entire offense. Extreme athleticism and the abilities to make split-second decisions and to get players into the correct positions for plays are requirements of a franchise quarterback.

      A non-franchise quarterback usually lacks the intangibles that a franchise quarterback does, which makes a franchise quarterback even more valuable. Franchise quarterbacks possess qualities that aren't teachable.

    Former Franchise Quarterbacks

    • These former franchise quarterbacks led their teams to the Super Bowl:

      Joe Namath--New York Jets

      Bart Starr--Green Bay Packers

      Terry Bradshaw--Pittsburgh Steelers

      Joe Montana--San Francisco 49ers

      Dan Marino--Miami Dolphins

      John Elway--Denver Broncos

      Kurt Warner--Saint Louis Rams / Arizona Cardinals

    Current Franchise Quarterbacks

    • Some current franchise quarterbacks as of 2010:

      Tom Brady--New England Patriots

      Peyton Manning--Indianapolis Colts

      Brett Favre--Green Bay Packers / Minnesota Vikings

      Ben Roethlisberger--Pittsburgh Steelers

      Tony Romo--Dallas Cowboys