The Shocking Quarterback List That Will Change How You View NFL Legends Forever
Ever wonder what it really takes to carve your name into NFL lore? Sure, football’s the ultimate team sport, but let’s be honest—the lion’s share of the spotlight (and pressure) almost always zeroes in on the quarterback. Those guys don’t just throw passes; they carry the weight of their franchise’s hopes on every snap. So, when ESPN’s Michelle Smallmon rolled out her list of the top five quarterbacks most desperate for that elusive Super Bowl ring, it got me thinking: Is a single championship truly the golden ticket that defines greatness, or just a piece of a far messier puzzle? From MVPs struggling to crush playoff curses to veterans haunted by “just one” title critiques—this lineup tells a story beyond stats. Grab a seat, because the heat on these QBs is as real as it gets, and the NFL’s toughest question looms large—is glory measured in rings alone, or something richer?
It takes a lot to win in the National Football League, and no one can do it on their own.
However, as much as football is a team sport, most of the weight usually falls on the quarterback.
As such, they need to win a championship to cement the narrative of their career.
With that in mind, ESPN analyst Michelle Smallmon shared a list of the top five quarterbacks under the most pressure to win the Super Bowl.
.@msmallmon's Power Rankings: Top 5 QBs who need a ring:
1.) Lamar Jackson
2.) Josh Allen
3.) Joe Burrow
4.) Dak Prescott
5.) Aaron RodgersWhat are your thoughts on the list?
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) August 27, 2025
Notably, she has Aaron Rodgers at No. 5, even though the current Pittsburgh Steelers QB is the only player on her list who’s actually won a championship.
Then again, Rodgers has always caught plenty of fire for being one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and winning “just one” Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers.
Then, she has Dallas Cowboys veteran Dak Prescott at No. 4.
Not many people consider Prescott to be an elite quarterback, but given his record-setting salary and the fact that he plays for one of the most popular teams in sports, he’ll always be under that type of pressure.
Smallmon put Joe Burrow at No. 3.
He has led the dysfunctional Cincinnati Bengals to a Super Bowl, which they lost to the Los Angeles Rams, and now he has to finish the job.
At No. 2, she has Josh Allen.
The reigning NFL MVP makes the Buffalo Bills an annual contender, but he’s 0-4 against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs.
To no one’s real surprise, Lamar Jackson is at No. 1.
The Baltimore Ravens have consistently flamed out in the playoffs, never even reaching the Super Bowl with the two-time NFL MVP at QB.
The post Analyst Names Top 5 QBs Who Need A Super Bowl Ring appeared first on The Cold Wire.
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