A gay fan’s guide to the 14 quarterbacks in the NFL playoffs: Who’s hot on and off the field

There’s quite a crop of dazzling dudes at quarterback in this year’s NFL Playoffs. Some are coming off phenomenal seasons, some arrive with a bit of controversy in tow, some are just beginning their careers, others are squarely in their prime, and there’s even one future Hall of Famer (my personal favorite) nearing the end of his run. 

A few have been vocal in their support of the LGBTQ community, some decidedly less so. Most are tall, one is famously not, but all of them are chasing the same thing: a trip to Super Bowl LX.

And yes, Super Bowl LX. Sixty. It’s hard to believe the NFL has reached this milestone, especially when you consider how dominant the quarterback position has been across the previous 59 games. 

Traditionally, the Super Bowl is the quarterback’s stage. It’s the place where legends are cemented, reputations are rewritten and MVP trophies tend to land squarely in the hands of the guy under center.

From this year’s playoff field, one of these quarterbacks could further solidify an already impressive legacy, think Aaron Rodgers or Matthew Stafford, or create a singular, history-making moment of their own. 

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The Super Bowl has given us Joe Namath’s audacious guarantee in Super Bowl III, Doug Williams’ barrier-breaking performance in Super Bowl XXII, Kurt Warner’s undrafted-to-immortal journey in Super Bowl XXXIV and Tom Brady’s record-setting seventh championship in Super Bowl LV. 

What’s certain is that this postseason offers a fascinating mix of storylines, talent and personality at the game’s most scrutinized position. Here’s a look at each of the quarterbacks still standing, and what they bring to the table — both athletically and aesthetically —  as they try to carve out their own place in Super Bowl lore.

NFC

No. 1 seed Seattle Seahawks — Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold, the 6’3″, 225-pound (BTW, I looked all these stats up!) quarterback with classic leading-man looks, enjoyed a full-on career renaissance in 2025. At 28, he’s still young enough to qualify as a twink —  at least to those of us of a certain age.

Darnold led Seattle to a stellar 14–3 record, throwing for more than 4,000 yards with 25 touchdowns and a 99.1 passer rating, proving his 2024 Pro Bowl season was no fluke. More importantly, he became the steady, reliable leader the Seahawks had been searching for since Russell Wilson left.

No. 2 seed Chicago Bears — Caleb Williams

At 6’1″, 226 pounds, Caleb Williams delivered a true breakout season in 2025, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards, setting franchise records and leading the Bears to their first NFC North title in years, and he’s just 24.

A Heisman Trophy winner at USC in 2022, Williams arrived in the NFL as a star and quickly became a cultural lightning rod. His bold fashion choices and painted nails have endeared him to the LGBTQ+ community while drawing predictable backlash from the narrow-minded. It’s 2026 — nail polish has nothing to do with sexuality.

This is the most excitement Chicago has had at quarterback since Jim McMahon led the Bears, along with William “Refrigerator” Perry, to victory in Super Bowl XX.

No. 3 seed Philadelphia Eagles — Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts is a radiant hunk who can thunk. I’m trying to be cute, but stay with me. He’s a physically imposing, dual-threat quarterback with speed, power, intelligence and undeniable leadership.

In 2025, Hurts once again powered the Eagles with efficient passing and punishing runs, reminding everyone why he’s already a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Add in his impeccable style, and Hurts remains one of the league’s most complete and compelling packages.

No. 4 seed Carolina Panthers — Bryce Young

At roughly 5’10”, Bryce Young lacks prototypical quarterback size. As an FYI, he’s the same height as Doug Flutie, for those keeping score. But unlike Flutie, Young has steadily emerged as a franchise cornerstone.

In 2025, he showed remarkable resilience and poise, engineering multiple game-winning drives while elevating an offense that often lacked elite talent. Young doesn’t rely on a cannon arm; instead, his quiet confidence and clutch instincts have made him the clear leader of Carolina’s rebuilding future.

No. 5 seed Los Angeles Rams — Matthew Stafford

At 37, Matthew Stafford remains the Rams’ tough-as-nails, chiseled-faced veteran, and in 2025 he played some of the best football of his career. Despite lingering back issues, Stafford posted MVP-caliber numbers with 42 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.

Already a Super Bowl champion after leading the Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI, Stafford has given Los Angeles its greatest quarterback stability since the Kurt Warner era, and before that, Vince Ferragamo’s run to Super Bowl XIV.

No. 6 seed San Francisco 49ers — Brock Purdy

Yes, Brock Purdy is a cutie and hot, meaning he has the hot hand right now. Towards the end of the season, he accounted for five touchdowns — running and passing — in two straight games.

After becoming the league’s darling and reaching Super Bowl LVIII, Purdy endured a rollercoaster 2025 season. Early struggles with turnovers and inconsistency gave way to steadier play once he regained his rhythm following a fully healthy offseason.

No. 7 seedGreen Bay Packers — Jordan Love

Standing 6’4″, Jordan Love cemented himself as Green Bay’s franchise quarterback in 2025, leading the Packers to back-to-back playoff appearances with a strong arm, improved mobility and calm command of the offense, all while battling injuries.

Love made some quirky news this year posting far better numbers during Toyotathon, Toyota’s annual sales event, than in other parts of the season, and fans have turned this quirky trend into a fun promotion with trading cards and social buzz.

At this pace, he’s well on his way to joining the Packers’ legendary quarterback lineage of Bart Starr, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. All that’s missing? A Super Bowl ring.

AFC

No. 1 seed Denver Broncos — Bo Nix

What’s not to like about Bo Nix? Especially his name. Bo Nix. It sort of sounds like an abbreviated adult film name, no? For starters, he’s not on social media — a refreshing rarity that instantly earns points.

In 2025, Nix showed improved mobility but endured a mixed sophomore season marked by flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. Still, Denver finished 14–3, scored more than 400 points and owned the AFC’s best record. Don’t sell the 6’2″ quarterback short.

No. 2 seed New England Patriots — Drake Maye

At 6’4″ with classic good looks, Drake Maye had a breakout 2025 season, leading New England to an AFC East title while setting records with a remarkable 72% completion rate.

MVP buzz feels premature, but Maye is clearly the Patriots’ quarterback of the future. Comparisons to Tom Brady are wildly early, but if Maye keeps progressing, he’ll have plenty of chances to build his own legacy.  

No. 3 seed Jacksonville Jaguars — Trevor Lawrence

The Fabio of NFL quarterbacks, Trevor Lawrence is 6’6″ with flowing blond hair. He delivered a career-defining 2025 season, setting franchise records with 38 total touchdowns and his third 4,000-yard passing year.

After years of instability, Lawrence has firmly established himself as Jacksonville’s franchise quarterback. Like Brock Purdy, he’s open about his Christian faith, which is fine, so long as it doesn’t come with hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community.

No. 4 seed Pittsburgh Steelers — Aaron Rodgers

Full disclosure: I’m a Steelers fan, and my heart belongs to Aaron Rodgers. The NFL hasn’t had a daddy this hot since Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay era. At 42, Rodgers is chasing one last hurrah, and hopefully, one last Super Bowl.

Skepticism was warranted, even from me, but Rodgers proved to be exactly what Pittsburgh needed after years of quarterback purgatory post–Ben Roethlisberger. With retirement looming, this ride is worth savoring.

No. 5 seed Houston Texans — C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud, known for his calm demeanor and classic good looks, missed three games with a concussion but came back to help the Texans win their last six games.

Still, he guided Houston back to the postseason, where he’ll face Rodgers and the Steelers on Monday night. That’s really all I need to say. Go Steelers defense!

No. 6 seed Buffalo Bills — Josh Allen

At 6’5″, Josh Allen remains Buffalo’s mainstay, blending a cannon arm with elite rushing ability. In 2025, he led all quarterbacks with 14 rushing touchdowns and once again dragged the Bills into the playoffs.

A commercial superstar and unquestioned leader, Allen’s legacy continues to orbit one elusive goal: a Super Bowl title. Until then, his dominance remains undeniable.

No. 7 seed Los Angeles Chargers — Justin Herbert

Standing 6’6″, Justin Herbert is the Chargers’ franchise centerpiece, and in 2025 he proved just how valuable he is. Behind a porous offensive line, Herbert endured more pressure than any quarterback while still delivering MVP-caliber play and leading Los Angeles into the postseason.

His toughness, accuracy, and late-game heroics solidified his status as one of the league’s elite.

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