New York Jets: Top 5 Quarterbacks Of All-Time

Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets former quarterback Joe Namath before Super Bowl XLVIII between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets have been a team known to have troubles when it comes to fining a franchise quarterback. So much so that there is even a “curse” that says that Joe Namath made a deal with devil so that he could win the only Super Bowl in team history back in 1968.

Although the Jets continue their struggle to find the one quarterback who will bring them back to the Super Bowl, they have had a handful of quarterbacks that seemed like they were the ones at the time and became fan favorites in the process.

Take a look at my top 5 quarterbacks of all-time in team history!

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Jul 27, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; General view of a New York Jets helmet during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

5. Richard Todd

Richard Todd was the man that took over after Joe Namath. Many hoping that he could be the next big thing in New York after Namath had left. Unfortunately it was not a Montana/Young story most fans were hoping for.

Todd although could not possibly outshine Namath had a good career with the Jets. Todd in eight seasons with the Jets threw for 18,241 yards and 110 touchdowns.

Although he did have a decent career with the Jets, he did have his flaws. Todd’s ranking was hurt by the losing record he posted as the Jets started and the 138 interceptions he threw during his career in New York.

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Jul 27, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; General view of a New York Jets helmet during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

4. Ken O’Brien

Ken O’Brien was the quarterback that the Jets picked over Hall of Famer Dan Marino in 1983. Fans were shocked when the Jets opted to draft O’Brien instead of Marino. Many fans hoped that perhaps that the Jets made the right call that needed time to see if they were indeed right.

One fan famously said “Obviously the Jets know something we don’t.” From that point on, Marino vs O’Brien were games to watch since they would for quite some time be compared.

Although he did have a decent career with the Jets, oosting 50 wins in nine seasons is second all-time in franchise history. O’Brien threw a total of 24,386 yards with 124 total touchdowns. Of course he didn’t have the career that Marino did but he definitely had an impact in his tenure with the Jets.

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Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Jets former quarterback Chad Pennington on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors award ceremony at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3. Chad Pennington

Pennington was a very successful quarterback with the Jets early in his career and was a favorite amongst fans. He was the kid everyone wanted to see succeed once he was able to be the Jets’ starting quarterback.

Sadly though, Pennington was plagued with injuries that kept him from reaching his true potential. Pennington is 5th all-time with 32 wins for the Jets. He threw for 13,738 yards and 82 touchdowns.

Pennington is still loved by the Jetss fan-base even after having a brief stint with division rival Miami Dolphins. Many fans today want Pennington back as a coach or even as an adviser.

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Jul 27, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; General view of a New York Jets helmet during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

2. Vinny Testaverde

Vinny Testaverde is another fan favorite, who captivated fans after he joined the Jets late in his career. He was an older quarterback but one that had won over the whole fan-base thanks to what he brought to the table.

He was so loved that when the Jets announced they had re-signed the former play caller in 2005, fans cheered thinking it was his second coming with the team. No matter what the score was, fans knew that if Testaverde was under center, he would do everything in his power to leave victorious.

Testaverde is fourth all-time in wins for the Jets at 35. He threw for 12,490 yards and 77 touchdowns. He also has the most wins by any Jet with a winning record.

Next: Broadway Joe

Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Jets former quarterback Joe Namath on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors award ceremony at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

1. Joe Namath

“Broadway Joe” is one of the most famous Jets to ever play the game. He captivated fans and became a household name quickly. He is also the only quarterback to win a Super Bowl for the Jets and is well known for the guarantee he made that the team would win the Super Bowl in 1969.

Namath also had a very intriguing life outside of football. He was in commercials and even television shows, like the Brady Bunch. He was one of the first to put professional football in the spotlight both on the field and off it.

Namath holds the record in most wins by a quarterback at 60. He threw for 27,057 yards and 170 touchdowns. He will always and forever be remembered as the all-time greatest quarterback to ever play for the Jets.

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