Top 12 Quarterbacks Wearing Number 12 in NFL History
In the NFL there are certain uniform numbers that have special meaning and status. Thanks to Jim Brown, O.J. Simpson, Franco Harris and others, number 32 was synonymous with great running backs for many years. The number 88 has a place of honor in the wide receiver room of the Dallas Cowboys and even outside of Dallas has been worn by many all-time greats. But the number that is probably most associated with a position and greatness is the number 12. There are currently six Hall of Fame quarterbacks who wore the number 12 during their playing days. That number will certainly grow once Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers take their rightful spots in the Hall of Fame in the next few years.
In honor of December 12 (12/12), we have ranked the top 12 quarterbacks who have worn the number 12 during their career.
1. Tom Brady
Widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Tom Brady redefined excellence with his longevity, success, and leadership. Over 23 seasons with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brady captured seven Super Bowl titles, more than any other player or franchise. He holds numerous records, including career passing yards, touchdowns, and playoff wins. Brady’s ability to excel in clutch situations and adapt to different systems made him the gold standard for quarterback play.
2. Roger Staubach
“Captain America” Roger Staubach was a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys during the 1970s, leading the team to two Super Bowl titles and six NFC Championship appearances. Known for his scrambling ability and poise under pressure, Staubach was a model of consistency and competitiveness. A Hall of Famer, he remains one of the most beloved players in Cowboys history.
3. Terry Bradshaw
The face of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ dynasty in the 1970s, Terry Bradshaw was a four-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Super Bowl MVP. Known for his deep passing and leadership, Bradshaw guided the Steelers to dominance in an era defined by tough defenses. While his stats don’t match modern quarterbacks, his knack for rising to the occasion in big games cements his legacy among the NFL’s greats.
4. Joe Namath
Broadway Joe Namath was the epitome of swagger and confidence, famously guaranteeing and delivering a New York Jets victory in Super Bowl III. Namath’s performance in that game legitimized the AFL and paved the way for the NFL-AFL merger. Though injuries curtailed his career, Namath’s influence on the game and his role as a cultural icon are undeniable.
5. Jim Kelly
As the leader of the Buffalo Bills’ offense, Jim Kelly orchestrated one of the most prolific attacks in NFL history with the “K-Gun” no-huddle offense. Kelly guided the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s, an unprecedented achievement. While the Bills fell short each time, Kelly’s toughness, leadership, and production make him one of the best to wear No. 12.
6. Ken Stabler
“The Snake” Ken Stabler was the cool, unflappable leader of the Oakland Raiders during their 1970s heyday. A left-handed gunslinger with a knack for last-minute heroics, Stabler led the Raiders to victory in Super Bowl XI and was the 1974 NFL MVP. His fearless style and charisma made him a fan favorite and an icon of Raider Nation.
7. Bob Griese
The steady hand behind the Miami Dolphins’ prolific teams of the early 1970s, Bob Griese was a two-time Super Bowl champion. Known for his efficiency and leadership, Griese adapted to his team’s needs, transitioning from a passer to a game manager during the Dolphins’ dominant run game years. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his contributions to Miami’s success.
8. Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is one of the most talented quarterbacks in NFL history, combining pinpoint accuracy, mobility, and a knack for dramatic comebacks. A Super Bowl champion and four-time NFL MVP, Rodgers has consistently been among the league’s elite quarterbacks with the Green Bay Packers and now the New York Jets. His ability to make impossible throws and avoid turnovers is unmatched.
9. Randall Cunningham
Randall Cunningham revolutionized the quarterback position with his rare blend of arm strength and athleticism. Wearing No. 12 for most of his career, Cunningham was a dual-threat dynamo for the Philadelphia Eagles and later the Minnesota Vikings. His ability to extend plays and his electrifying style paved the way for future mobile quarterbacks.
10. Andrew Luck
Though his career was cut short by injuries, Andrew Luck made a significant impact during his time with the Indianapolis Colts. A former No. 1 overall pick, Luck displayed elite intelligence, arm strength, and mobility. He led the Colts to multiple playoff appearances and earned four Pro Bowl selections before his surprise retirement in 2019 left fans wondering what could have been.
11. Doug Williams
Doug Williams made history as the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, delivering a record-breaking performance in Super Bowl XXII with the Washington Redskins. Known for his toughness and leadership, Williams overcame significant obstacles during his career to achieve football immortality. His No. 12 became a symbol of perseverance and triumph.
12. John Brodie
A San Francisco 49ers legend, John Brodie was a prolific passer in the 1960s and early 1970s. The 1970 NFL MVP, Brodie led the league in passing yards three times and helped modernize the quarterback position with his precision and vision. Though often overshadowed by contemporaries, Brodie’s accomplishments make him one of the top players to wear No. 12.
