The Greatest Left-Handed NFL Players
Lefty Gridiron Greats Who Changed the Game
Football may favor right-handed players, but that hasn’t stopped some of the best left-handed NFL players from making history. Whether it’s a left-handed NFL quarterback launching a perfect spiral or a lefty athlete breaking tackles, these players have proven time and again that their unique skill set is an advantage.
While left-handed NFL QBs are rare, those who reached the top showed that being a lefty isn’t a limitation—it’s a competitive edge. If you've ever wondered how to throw a football left handed, you know it takes precision, adaptability, and a different approach to the game. The same is true for the best left-handed NFL QBs in history.
From famous left-handed athletes who dominated the gridiron to lefty sports legends who redefined the game, these southpaws left an unforgettable legacy.
So, pour your coffee into your favorite left-handed mug and get ready to relive the greatest moments from the most legendary left-handed NFL players of all time.
Steve Young
When it comes to left-handed NFL quarterbacks, one name stands above the rest: Steve Young. A Hall of Famer, two-time NFL MVP, and three-time Super Bowl champion, Young was the ultimate dual-threat QB.
After taking over for Joe Montana in San Francisco, he led the 49ers to a dominant Super Bowl XXIX victory, throwing for a record six touchdowns, a feat still unmatched in Super Bowl history. His pinpoint accuracy, elite mobility, and clutch performances cemented him as one of the greatest quarterbacks—left or right-handed—of all time.
Gale Sayers
While quarterbacks dominate the conversation around left-handed NFL players, Gale Sayers deserves just as much recognition. Known as the "Kansas Comet," Sayers dazzled defenders with his lightning-fast speed, agility, and unmatched ability to change direction.
Despite injuries cutting his career short, he became the youngest player ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His left-handed dominance on the field made him one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
Ken Stabler
A true gunslinger, Ken "The Snake" Stabler was one of the most clutch left-handed NFL QBs ever. Leading the Oakland Raiders, he guided the team to a Super Bowl XI victory and earned the 1974 NFL MVP award.
Stabler was known for his ability to make big plays under pressure, often scrambling out of trouble before delivering a perfect pass. His fearless playstyle, leadership, and signature lefty throwing motion made him a Raiders legend.
Boomer Esiason
A classic pocket passer, Boomer Esiason was one of the best left-handed quarterbacks of the modern era. Winning the 1988 NFL MVP award, he led the Cincinnati Bengals to Super Bowl XXIII, proving that left-handed QBs could thrive in a pass-heavy league.
Known for his strong arm, football IQ, and leadership, Esiason remains one of the most successful left-handed NFL quarterbacks of all time.
Dez Bryant
Not all left-handed NFL players are quarterbacks. Dez Bryant, one of the best wide receivers of his generation, made a name for himself with his elite catching ability and physical playstyle.
A three-time Pro Bowler and an NFL touchdown leader, Bryant was a dominant red-zone target for the Dallas Cowboys. His left-handed advantage may not have been obvious, but it played a role in his ability to make spectacular one-handed grabs.
Left-Handed Legends and Their NFL Legacy
Left-handed players may be rare in the NFL, but the ones who made it to the top proved that being a lefty is no obstacle to greatness. Whether it’s mastering how to throw a football left-handed or making clutch plays under pressure, these left-handed NFL legends left an undeniable mark on the game.
Curious to learn more about legendary left-handed athletes? Explore the best left-handed tennis players, golfers, and foil fencers who dominated their sports.
