The Best Left-Handed NFL Quarterbacks
Southpaw Signal-Callers Who Made History
Football has long favored right-handed passers, but that hasn’t stopped left-handed quarterbacks from leaving their mark on the game. While left-handed NFL QBs are rare, those who reached the top level proved that being a southpaw is no disadvantage. The best left-handed quarterbacks in NFL history have won Super Bowls, shattered records, and electrified crowds with their unique playing style.
But just how many left-handed quarterbacks are in the NFL today? The answer—almost none. If you’re wondering, "Are there any left-handed quarterbacks in the NFL?", the reality is that lefty QBs are nearly extinct. However, history proves that when a left-handed NFL quarterback takes the field, magic happens.
Of course, throwing as a lefty presents its own challenges. If you've ever wondered how to throw a football left handed, you know it requires adaptability, precision, and a different approach to the game. Just like in other lefty sports, famous left-handed athletes have had to master their craft in a right-handed world.
So, grab your coffee in your lucky lefty mug and settle in as we break down the best left-handed quarterbacks in NFL history.
Steve Young
No conversation about the best left-handed quarterbacks is complete without Steve Young. A dual-threat superstar, Young combined accuracy, mobility, and toughness to redefine the position.
Taking over for Joe Montana in San Francisco, he led the 49ers to victory in Super Bowl XXIX, winning MVP honors with a record-setting six touchdown passes, a feat still unmatched in Super Bowl history.
Young’s ability to throw pinpoint passes while scrambling made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks of his era. He earned two NFL MVP awards and retired as the league’s all-time leader in passer rating at the time. His legacy as the greatest left-handed QB of all time remains undisputed.
Ken Stabler
Few quarterbacks embodied toughness and swagger like Ken "The Snake" Stabler. As the leader of the Oakland Raiders in the 1970s, he played with a fearless style that made him one of the most exciting passers of his era. He won the 1974 NFL MVP award and guided the Raiders to their first Super Bowl victory in 1977. Known for his ability to stay calm under pressure, Stabler orchestrated legendary comebacks and took risks that paid off. His impact on the game was officially recognized in 2016 with a posthumous induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Michael Vick
Speed, arm strength, and game-changing ability made Michael Vick one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in NFL history. Defenses struggled to contain his combination of elite athleticism and deep-passing ability, and in 2001, he became the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. His dynamic play turned the Atlanta Falcons into a must-watch team, and he set the record for most career rushing yards by a quarterback. While his career had ups and downs, his influence on the evolution of the dual-threat quarterback remains undeniable.
Boomer Esiason
A strong arm and commanding presence helped Boomer Esiason lead the Cincinnati Bengals to Super Bowl XXIII and earn the 1988 NFL MVP award. He thrived in the pocket, throwing for over 37,000 career yards while guiding one of the league's most potent offenses. Even after retiring, his impact on the game continues through his work as a broadcaster, where he remains one of football’s most recognizable voices.
Mark Brunell
Mobility, accuracy, and leadership turned Mark Brunell into the first great quarterback in Jacksonville Jaguars history. He helped transform the young franchise into a contender, leading them to multiple playoff appearances in the late 1990s. With over 32,000 passing yards and three Pro Bowl selections, his career cemented his place among the best left-handed quarterbacks in NFL history.
Left-Handed Quarterbacks, a Rare Breed
The list of left-handed NFL quarterbacks all time is short compared to their right-handed counterparts. Today, lefty QBs are nearly nonexistent in the league. But history proves that when given the chance, left-handed players can thrive at the game’s highest level.
Whether it’s the pinpoint precision of Steve Young, the fearless play of Ken Stabler, or the electrifying speed of Michael Vick, these left-handed NFL QBs have shown that southpaws can dominate the gridiron.
The legacy of lefties extends far beyond the gridiron. Explore more southpaw legends and their impact on the game. Whether in hockey, tennis, or foil fencing, left-handed athletes continue to leave their mark across sports.
