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NFL: 15 Best Dual-Threat Quarterbacks In History

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)


The NFL has seen its share of tremendous dual-threat quarterbacks over the years. Here is our list of the best in NFL history. Agree? Disagree? Leave your comments below.

15. Jack Kemp

BUFFALO, NY – JANUARY 1967 : Jack Kemp #15 of the Buffalo Bills passing against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1966 season AFL Championship Game on January 1, l967 in Buffalo Bills. (Photo by Herb Scharfman/Sports Imagery/Getty Images)

21,218 passing yards (114 TDs), 1,150 rushing yards (40 TDs)

Before Kemp turned to a career in politics he was one of the first great dual-threat NFL QBs.

14. Steve Grogan

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 08: A detail of the New England Patriots logo on the field during the game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

26,886 passing yards (182 TDs), 2,176 rushing yards (35 TDs)

This former Patriots great was always underappreciated for his athleticism.

13. Kordell Stewart

14,746 Passing yards (77 TDs), 2,874 rushing yards (38 TDs)

Brought his exciting brand of football from Boulder to the NFL.

12. Jalen Hurts

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws the ball during the second half in the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

14,667 passing yards (85 TDs), 3,133 rushing yards (55 TDs)

There is no doubt that Hurts will finish much higher on this list by the time his career comes to an end.

11. Steve McNair

BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 7: Steve McNair #9 of the Tennessee Titans drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game October 7, 2001 at PSINet Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. McNair played for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans from 1995-2005. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

31,304 passing yards (174 TDs), 3,590 rushing yards (37 TDs)

“Air” was known for his rocket arm but he was a fantastic runner too

10. Fran Tarkenton

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 18: A general view of the Minnesota Vikings’ logo on the 50 yard line during the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints on December 18, 2011 at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

47,003 passing yards (342 TDs), 3,674 rushing yards (32 TDs)

“Tark” was the leader of the vaunter Vikings offense

9. Randall Cunningham

PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 24: Quarterback Randall Cunningham #12 of the Philadelphia Eagles passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during a preseason game at Three Rivers Stadium on August 24, 1995 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Steelers 16-6. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

29,979 passing yards (207 TDs), 4,928 (35 TDs)

He would be unstoppable if he was currently in the NFL

8. Cam Newton

32, 382 passing yards (194 TDs), 5,628 rushing yards (75 TDs)

Was much better as a runner than he was as a passer

7. Donovan McNabb

ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 09: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2010 NFC wild-card playoff game at Cowboys Stadium on January 9, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

37,276 passing yards (234 TDs), 3,459 rushing yards (29 TDs)

One of the truly great players on and off the field

6. Josh Allen

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 16: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills calls a play at the line during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)

26,434 passing yards (195 TDs), 4,142 rushing yards (65 TDs)

Could end up top three on this list by the time he retires

5. Russell Wilson

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 12: Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos looks to pass during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on September 12, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

46,135 passing yards (350 TDs), 5,462 rushing yards (31 TDs)

He’s been cooking a Hall of Fame career

4. Michael Vick

22,464 passing yards (133 TDs), 6,109 rushing yards (36 TDs)

Arguably the fastest to ever play the position

3. John Elway

SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 25: John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos turns to hand the ball off to a running back against the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XXXII on January 25, 1998 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Broncos won the Super Bowl 31-24. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

51,475 passing yards (300 TDs) 3,407 rushing yards (33 TDs)

Was not only a dual-threat NFL player but an outstanding baseball player too

2. Steve Young

MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 29: Quarterback Steve Young #8 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates as he runs to the sideline against the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX at Joe Robbie Stadium on January 29, 1995 in Miami, Florida. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 49-26. (Photo by Joseph Patronite /Getty Images)

33,124 passing yards (232 TDs), 4,239 rushing yards (43 TDs)

His numbers could have been even bigger had he not spent years in the USFL and backing up Joe Montana

1. Lamar Jackson

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

20,059 passing yards (166 TDs), 6,173 rushing yards, (33 TDs)

Could finish his career with over 10,000 rushing yards at this pace

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