Playing most of his career with Pittsburgh, Richie Hebner became Pittsburgh’s starting Third Baseman in 1969, which he held until he left for rival Philadelphia in 1977. 

Over his first run with the Pirates, Hebner helped Pittsburgh make the playoffs five times, including winning the 1971 World Series.  While Hebner was never s superstar (or even an All-Star), he was solid defensively, had decent power (128 Home Runs as a Pirate) with 1,079 Hits and a .277 Batting Average.  He returned to Pittsburgh in a reserve role in 1982 for a season-and-a-half.

Claude Ritchey was one of the 14 players that the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired from the dismantling of the Louisville Cardinals in 1899.  Ritchey was not one of the bigger stars of the deal, but the infielder was one of the most dependable.

Ritchey played for the Pirates from 1900 to 1906, providing strong defense in the middle and had a solid 965 Hits with a .277 Batting Average and helped them reach the 1903 World Series.  It was a decent run that was largely unnoticed as he played alongside Honus Wagner at Shortstop, but it is worth celebrating.

As the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine comes to a close, football fans are abuzz with excitement about the upcoming draft and the potential talent that will soon join the league. The combine, which took place from February 24 to March 3, featured a wide array of prospects showcasing their skills in various drills and workouts. 

While the quarterback class for the 2025 draft may not be as strong as previous years, it still holds promise with names like Carson Beck and Shedeur Sanders gaining attention.

However, as we look forward to the future of the NFL, it's also a great time to reflect on the past and rank the best quarterbacks the league has ever seen. Here's a look at the top NFL quarterbacks of all time, based on their performance, leadership, and impact on the game.

Top NFL Quarterbacks of All Time

1. Tom Brady

• Career Highlights: Seven Super Bowl wins, five Super Bowl MVPs, and three NFL MVP awards.
• Why He's the Best: Brady's unparalleled success and longevity make him the gold standard. His ability to perform under pressure and lead teams to championships is unmatched.

2. Joe Montana

• Career Highlights: Four Super Bowl wins, three Super Bowl MVPs, and two NFL MVP awards.
• Why He's Great: Known for his clutch performances, Montana is a legendary figure in NFL history. His leadership and ability to deliver in big games are iconic.

3. Aaron Rodgers

• Career Highlights: One Super Bowl win, two NFL MVP awards, and six Pro Bowl appearances.
• Why He's Elite: Rodgers is renowned for his incredible accuracy and ability to extend plays with his feet. His intelligence and mastery of the quarterback position are among the best.

4. Peyton Manning

• Career Highlights: Two Super Bowl wins, five NFL MVP awards, 14 Pro Bowl appearances.
• Why He's a Legend: Manning's intelligence and work ethic set him apart. He revolutionized the quarterback position with his ability to read defenses and make adjustments at the line.

5. Drew Brees

• Career Highlights: One Super Bowl win, one Super Bowl MVP, and seven Pro Bowl appearances.
• Why He's Great: Brees holds numerous NFL records, including career passing yards and completions. His consistency and accuracy over his career are unparalleled.

6. Dan Marino

• Career Highlights: Nine Pro Bowl appearances, one NFL MVP award.
• Why He's Iconic: Marino was a pioneer of the modern quarterback, known for his strong arm and quick release. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, his stats and influence on the game are undeniable.

7. John Elway

• Career Highlights: Two Super Bowl wins, one Super Bowl MVP, and nine Pro Bowl appearances.
• Why He's a Hero: Elway's leadership and athleticism made him a dual threat. He led his team to championships both as a player and later as an executive.

8. Jim Kelly

• Career Highlights: Four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, and five Pro Bowl appearances.
• Why He's Respected: Kelly's toughness and ability to perform under pressure earned him a place among the all-time greats. His leadership and clutch performances are legendary.

9. Steve Young

• Career Highlights: One Super Bowl win, two NFL MVP awards, and seven Pro Bowl appearances.
• Why He's Elite: Young's athleticism and intelligence made him a versatile quarterback. His ability to extend plays and make accurate throws on the run is still studied today.

10. Terry Bradshaw

• Career Highlights: Four Super Bowl wins, two Super Bowl MVPs, and three Pro Bowl appearances.
• Why He's a Champion: Bradshaw's leadership and big-game performances are iconic. He was the face of the Steelers' dynasty in the 1970s.

These quarterbacks have left an indelible mark on the NFL, and their achievements continue to inspire and influence the next generation of players. As the league moves forward with new talent emerging from events like the NFL Scouting Combine, it's fascinating to see how these legends will be remembered and how future quarterbacks will be measured against them.