3 of the most underappreciated quarterbacks in NFL history
When you think of underappreciated quarterbacks, the name Tom Brady definitely doesn't come to mind. The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star won seven Super Bowls, five Super Bowl MVPs and three NFL MVPs during his fantastic 23-year career.
Brady is considered by most to be the greatest quarterback off all time. If you're labeled The G.O.A.T., you certainly aren't underappreciated. But who are a few QBs who you can make the case for being underappreciated?
#1 - Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles second overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. The Syracuse product went on to have a 13-year career with the Eagles, Washington and Minnesota Vikings.
McNabb led the Eagles to eight playoff appearances, five division titles, five NFC Championship Games (four consecutive) and a Super Bowl appearance.
The six-time Pro Bowler currently also ranks 10th all-time in rushing yards by a quarterback with 3,459.
Donovan McNabb goes deep to DeSean Jackson for a 48-yard touchdown to take the lead against the Bears. https://t.co/nTAch94zuS
McNabb hasn't played since 2011 and still isn't in the Pro Football Hall of Fame yet. That's why he's underappreciated.
#2 - Dan Marino
Dan Marino played his entire career with the Miami Dolphins from 1983 to 1999. The Pittsburgh native was the NFL's MVP in 1984 and was named to the Pro Bowl on nine different occasions.
Been watching a lot of Dan Marino highlights lately. This man was so special. Wish kids today watched this man in his prime. https://t.co/tX4q7DtNdp
He also led the league in passing yards five times and passing touchdowns three times. In addition, he led the Dolphins to Super XIX, although the team fell to Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers.
Marino's '84 season was one for the ages, as he became the first player to ever throw for over 5,000 yards.
Why is he underappreciated? It's simple: Fans and pundits usually only mention him when they think of players who have never won a Super Bowl.
#3 - Jim Kelly
Today, the Buffalo Bills have one of the league's best quarterbacks in Josh Allen. But years ago, the team was led by Hall of Famer Jim Kelly.
Kelly was selected by the Bills in the famous 1983 NFL Draft, which also included fellow signal-callers John Elway and Dan Marino. After beginning his professional career with the Houston Gamblers of the USFL, Kelly finally joined the Bills in 1986 and starred for the franchise until 1996, making five Pro Bowls.
Unfortunately, Kelly is mostly known for losing four consecutive Super Bowls. He should be known more for having an illustrious career.