Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…
13. Terry Bradshaw
Drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970 NFL Draft out of Louisiana Tech, Bradshaw overcame early struggles to become a cornerstone of the team’s 1970s dynasty. After splitting time as a rookie, he became the starter in 1971, enduring criticism for turnovers amid a rebuilding phase.
Over 14 seasons with Pittsburgh, Bradshaw led the Steelers to eight AFC Central titles and four Super Bowl wins in six years: IX (1974), X (1975), XIII (1978), and XIV (1979).
He earned back-to-back Super Bowl MVPs in XIII and XIV, throwing for 318 yards and four touchdowns against Dallas in XIII, and 309 yards with two scores against the Rams in XIV. His 1978 NFL MVP season featured league-leading 28 touchdowns and 2,915 yards. Bradshaw contributed to the “Immaculate Reception” in the 1972 playoffs.
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Bradshaw’s career totals include 27,989 yards, 212 touchdowns and 210 interceptions, with a 51.9 percent completion rate and 70.9 passer rating. In 19 postseason games, he threw for 3,833 yards and 30 touchdowns (a record at retirement).
Bradshaw’s standout attributes were his powerful arm—capable of deep threats—and rugged toughness, playing through injuries in a run-heavy offense backed by the “Steel Curtain” defense.
Retiring in 1984 after elbow surgery, Bradshaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
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But who ranks ahead of Bradshaw at No. 12 all-time?