CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo recently released his ranking of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history—a list sure to spark debate among football fans. While many San Francisco 49ers supporters still place the legendary Joe Montana at the top of their all-time lists, DeArdo awarded the No. 1 spot to the player many consider the greatest ever—Tom Brady.
Montana landed at No. 2—an impressive ranking for the quarterback who epitomized excellence for an entire generation of fans.
"Considered the greatest QB of all-time pre Brady, Montana still has the unofficial title as the best QB of the 20th century," DeArdo wrote. "Montana's 'Joe Cool' nickname was well earned as he led the 49ers on two of his most famous game-winning drives in NFL history. His touchdown pass to Dwight Clark (nicknamed 'The Catch') led to the 49ers' first Super Bowl berth while shifting the NFL's balance of power from Dallas to San Francisco. Seven years later, Montana led a 92-yard drive that was punctuated by his game-winning touchdown pass to John Taylor that sealed the 49ers' third Super Bowl win during the 1980s."
Unlike Brady, Montana never lost a Super Bowl, going 4-0 on football's biggest stage and becoming the first player to win Super Bowl MVP honors three times. His performances in those championship games only added to his legendary status.
"Of his 92 pass attempts in Super Bowls, Montana threw 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions," DeArdo added. "His 59 rushing yards in Super Bowl XIX served as the single-game record for a quarterback for 15 years."
Steve Young ranked at No. 11
The next 49ers quarterback to make the list is Steve Young, who came in at No. 11. Young's brilliant 1994 season helped propel San Francisco to its then-record fifth Super Bowl title, following years spent backing up Montana.
"Young's pro career included two years in the USFL, two forgettable years with the Buccaneers, and two Super Bowl wins in San Francisco as Joe Montana's backup," DeArdo wrote. "Young didn't become a full-time starter with the 49ers until he was 30 years old. Despite that, he enjoyed a prolific career that included seven straight Pro Bowl selections, two league MVPs, and a Super Bowl MVP. His 96.8 career passer rating was the best in NFL history at the time of his retirement.
"In Super Bowl XXIX, Young threw for a Super Bowl record six touchdowns and was the first QB to lead both teams in rushing in a Super Bowl. Speaking of running, Young was one of the best dual-threat QBs in NFL history. He's sixth all-time among quarterbacks in career rushing yards and fourth in career touchdown runs."
Another QB with 49ers ties
Notably, another 49ers quarterback, Y.A. Tittle, came in at No. 20 on DeArdo's list. Tittle played 10 seasons for the San Francisco 49ers, from 1951 to 1960. During that span, he established himself as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks before finishing his career with the New York Giants.
"Tittle was part of the 49ers' legendary "Million Dollar Backfield" during the 1950s," DeArdo noted. "He ended his career with the Giants, that included one of the greatest seasons in NFL history. At age 37, Tittle led the NFL in completion percentage, touchdown passes, and passer rating while leading New York to an NFL Championship game appearance."
H/t to Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated for the find.