by Brett Favre: The Gunslinger’s Legacy Lives On
Brett Favre redefined what it meant to be a gunslinger quarterback during his legendary NFL career. With his fearless playmaking ability and willingness to take chances, Favre left an indelible mark on the game. While his career is now in the past, Favre’s influence can still be seen in the next generation of quarterbacks currently lighting up the league. These young gunslingers have adopted Favre’s take-no-prisoners mentality and aren’t afraid to let it fly downfield. Here are five modern QBs who are clearly inspired by the legend of Brett Favre.
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)
As Favre’s successor in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers had big shoes to fill. But Rodgers has proven more than capable, establishing himself as one of the game’s all-time greats during his Packers tenure. Rodgers has openly acknowledged Favre’s influence on his playing style, citing the way Favre’s gunslinger mentality rubbed off on him.
While Rodgers is a more polished passer than Favre ever was, he still possesses that risk-taking, playmaking ability when he needs it. Rodgers isn’t afraid to stand in the pocket amidst the pass rush and fire bullets downfield. He also excels at extending plays with his legs like Favre did. Rodgers doesn’t possess Favre’s raw athleticism, but he shares the ability to make something out of nothing with his elusiveness.
The results for Rodgers have been superb. He owns a career passer rating well above Favre’s and has won two MVP awards. But Rodgers’ willingness to channel his inner Favre and take chances in big moments is a big reason for his championship pedigree as well. The Packers are undoubtedly in good hands with Rodgers carrying on Favre’s legacy as the unquestioned star in Green Bay.
Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins)
Jay Cutler never achieved the team success of Favre or Rodgers, but his playing style was certainly Favre-esque. Cutler possessed a rocket arm capable of making all the throws. But more than just his physical tools, Cutler adopted Favre’s gunslinger mentality. He played with an aggressive swagger and confidence that he could fit passes into tight windows.
Cutler’s fearlessness was both a blessing and a curse at times. It resulted in spectacular touchdown passes but also too many costly interceptions. Still, Cutler gave Bears, Broncos, and Dolphins fans plenty of exhilarating moments with his willingness to challenge defenses deep. While injuries and consistency held Cutler back, in his prime he showed flashes of being able to carry a team like Favre often did.
Ultimately Cutler fell short of a Hall of Fame career. But for Bears fans in particular, Cutler brought back memories of watching Favre let it rip during his Packers heyday. His strong arm and risk-taking style made Cutler must-see TV every week.
Derek Carr (Las Vegas Raiders)
Currently lighting up the scoreboard for the Raiders, Derek Carr has drawn high praise from Favre himself. The retired gunslinger has gone on record saying Carr reminds him of the way he played. And Carr has said Favre was one of his role models coming up.
Like Favre, Carr possesses a rocket arm capable of making any throw. He’s not afraid to stand in the pocket against a fierce pass rush and fire bullets. Carr also isn’t shy about taking chances downfield, willing to test defenses with his willingness to air it out.
Carr’s leadership as the face of the Raiders franchise also draws comparisons to Favre. Both were natural leaders who made everyone around them better. Carr is still working to achieve team success on Favre’s legendary level. But his playmaking, risk-taking style is certainly carrying on the gunslinger tradition.
Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
While not as prolific a passer as the others on this list, Josh Allen’s style of play channels the spirit of Brett Favre more than any. Allen is a much bigger quarterback at 6’5″, 237 pounds. But he shares Favre’s rare combination of arm strength and athleticism.
Allen makes defenses pay with both his arm and legs. He’s a threat to take off running on designed QB runs or when the pocket breaks down. Allen also isn’t afraid to launch the ball from any platform or angle, trusting his rocket arm to fit it into tight windows.
The results have been spectacular so far for Allen and the Bills. He owns the single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback. Allen also has shown the ability to dominate games with both his legs and accurate downfield passing.
While Allen must still work on consistency, his fearless, do-it-all playing style is the epitome of a modern Favre. He keeps defenses on their toes with his unique dual-threat skills. Allen is proof that while passing numbers have exploded in today’s NFL, there’s still a place for the old school gunslinger.
Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
Taking over as the Cowboys starter in 2016, Dak Prescott immediately brought a shot of adrenaline to America’s Team with his play. Prescott doesn’t have the elite physical tools of others on this list. But his willingness to let it fly downfield channels the spirit of Brett Favre.
Prescott makes accurate throws all over the field. He’s particularly dangerous when given time to set his feet and fire missiles. Prescott is more than willing to challenge defenses deep, keeping safeties honest with his big arm.
While not as naturally elusive as Favre, Prescott has also shown an ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing when the pocket collapses. His toughness and leadership as the Cowboys QB1 are also reminiscent of Favre.
Injuries have slowed Prescott’s progress in recent years. But when at his best, he plays with a fearless gunslinger mindset that would make Favre proud. Prescott gives Cowboys fans hope that their franchise can once again be powered by a risk-taking star under center.
The Legacy Lives On
Brett Favre redefined what it meant to play quarterback during a Hall of Fame career spanning three decades. While the game has changed in many ways, Favre’s gunslinger spirit lives on through the next generation. Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr, Josh Allen, Dak Prescott and others are proof that while passing numbers soar to new heights, there’s still a place for quarterbacks willing to let it fly without fear of consequences. Through their willingness to take chances, these modern gunslingers are ensuring Brett Favre’s legendary legacy lives on for years to come.
