The Cannon Club- Ranking the 10 Strongest-Armed Quarterbacks in NFL History

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (83 yards)

Bursting onto the scene in 2017, Patrick Mahomes quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. With a background in baseball and football, Mahomes brought a rare athletic prowess to the quarterback position. His arm strength, evidenced by a staggering 83-yard throw during a pre-draft workout, has consistently made headlines. But it's the way he combines this raw power with an uncanny ability to improvise on the move that truly sets him apart. Mahomes' penchant for making no-look passes and throwing from different arm angles, while maintaining accuracy and power, has transformed the Kansas City Chiefs' offense into one of the most dynamic in the league. In a sport where fractions of a second can make all the difference, Mahomes' arm strength has proven to be a game-changer.

2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (80 yards)

Before Josh Allen was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2018, his arm strength was already the stuff of legend. During his Pro Day at the University of Wyoming, Allen fired off a pass that sailed an incredible 80 yards, a distance that few NFL quarterbacks could hope to match. But Allen's arm strength is more than just a spectacle—it's a strategic weapon that has helped him turn the Bills into a formidable adversary. His ability to throw deep has stretched defenses and created opportunities for the Bills' offense. Allen's physical gifts, however, are just part of the story. Over the course of his career, he has shown a remarkable ability to learn and adapt, improving his accuracy and decision-making to complement his natural power. Today, Allen stands as a testament to the transformative power of a strong arm in the hands of a dedicated and evolving athlete.

3. Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers (70+ yards)

There are few players in NFL history who embody the term 'gunslinger' as aptly as Brett Favre. A fearless competitor with a rocket arm, Favre lit up the league with his aggressive, high-risk, high-reward style of play. His arm strength, with a reported ability to hurl the ball over 70 yards, allowed him to make throws most wouldn't dare attempt. This, combined with his iron-man streak of 297 consecutive starts, is a testament to his toughness and resilience. Favre's career was marked by numerous comebacks and thrilling moments, including a memorable Monday Night Football performance the day after his father's death, where he passed for 399 yards and 4 touchdowns. Favre's arm strength was not just about power, it was about perseverance, pushing through adversity and delivering when it mattered most.

4.John Elway, Denver Broncos (76 yards)

John Elway brought more than just a strong arm to the quarterback position; he brought an indomitable will to win. The former Stanford star and New York Yankees draft pick had a cannon for an arm, reportedly capable of launching the football 76 yards. But Elway's legacy is built on more than just arm strength. His ability to engineer late-game comebacks, most notably "The Drive" in the 1987 AFC Championship game, helped cement his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Elway’s blend of arm strength and mental toughness was on full display in Super Bowl XXXII. Despite suffering from severe migraines, Elway led the Broncos to victory, including a daring scramble and dive for a critical first down, forever known as "The Helicopter". His arm strength was a key component of his success, but it was his competitive spirit that made him a legend.

5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (74 yards)

Aaron Rodgers, with his uncanny accuracy and formidable arm strength, has etched his place among the all-time greats. His arm, capable of launching the ball 74 yards as reported, has been the cornerstone of his success. But Rodgers' arm strength is not just about distance; it's about timing, placement, and the ability to make pinpoint throws under pressure. The legacy of his arm strength is perhaps best encapsulated in his collection of Hail Mary passes, seemingly defying physics and probability with each throw. One such instance was the "Miracle in Motown" in 2015, where Rodgers, evading a swarm of Detroit Lions defenders, unleashed a 61-yard bomb into the end zone as time expired to seal an improbable victory. Rodgers' arm strength, combined with his ability to perform in clutch situations, continues to make him one of the most feared quarterbacks in the league.

6. Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins (70+ yards)

In an era defined by rushing attacks, Dan Marino brought a pass-first mentality to the Miami Dolphins that would forever change the landscape of the NFL. Known for his quick release and laser-like precision, Marino's arm strength, estimated to be over 70 yards, allowed him to stretch the field like few before him. Marino's ability to make deep throws quickly and accurately put tremendous pressure on opposing defenses and paved the way for the high-powered passing offenses of the modern era. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Marino's impact on the game is undeniable. His performance in the 1984 season, where he became the first quarterback to throw for over 5,000 yards and set a then-record 48 touchdown passes, is a testament to his arm strength and the revolutionary impact he had on the game.

7 Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (70 yards)

Matthew Stafford's arm strength has been a defining feature of his career. As the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, Stafford's ability to make any throw on the field was immediately evident. He has been clocked throwing a football approximately 70 yards, a testament to his powerful arm. But what makes Stafford stand out is his ability to combine this arm strength with a keen understanding of the game. His ability to read defenses and make split-second decisions has allowed him to utilize his arm strength effectively, leading numerous fourth-quarter comebacks. Perhaps one of the most memorable displays of his arm strength and toughness came in a 2009 game against the Cleveland Browns. After suffering a shoulder injury, Stafford insisted on finishing a crucial drive, throwing a touchdown pass to secure a Lions victory.

8. Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh Steelers (70 yards)

Terry Bradshaw's arm strength was a key factor in the Pittsburgh Steelers' dominance in the 1970s. Bradshaw could reportedly launch the football up to 70 yards and had an aggressive style of play that put constant pressure on opposing defenses. However, it was not just his arm strength that made Bradshaw a legend; it was his leadership and ability to perform under pressure. In Super Bowl XIII, Bradshaw threw for 318 yards and 4 touchdowns, leading the Steelers to a victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Despite being under relentless pressure from the Cowboys' defense, Bradshaw's arm strength and poise allowed him to deliver one of the greatest performances in Super Bowl history.

9. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears (69 yards)

Jay Cutler's career was marked by a series of highs and lows, but his arm strength was consistently among the best in the league. Known for his ability to make deep, aggressive throws, Cutler's arm strength was often his greatest asset on the field. During a 2007 test, he reportedly launched the football 69 yards, a testament to his throwing power. One of Cutler's most memorable throws came in a 2013 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Despite being hobbled with an ankle injury, Cutler fired a perfect 16-yard touchdown pass to secure a Bears victory in the final minutes. This throw, showcasing his arm strength and toughness, was a perfect example of Cutler's ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

10. Jim Plunkett, Oakland Raiders (70 yards)

Jim Plunkett's journey in the NFL was filled with adversity, but his arm strength and determination helped him carve out a successful career. As a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Raiders, Plunkett's powerful arm was a key weapon in his arsenal. Known for his deep throws and ability to perform in clutch situations, Plunkett could reportedly throw the football nearly 70 yards. One of Plunkett's most iconic moments came in Super Bowl XV, where he launched an 80-yard touchdown pass on the Raiders' third play from scrimmage. This throw, the longest in Super Bowl history at the time, set the tone for the game, leading the Raiders to a decisive victory and earning Plunkett the Super Bowl MVP.

From the gridiron battles of yesteryears to today's high-tech arenas, the NFL has seen its share of quarterbacks with arms like cannons. These quarterbacks—Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Brett Favre, John Elway, Aaron Rodgers, Dan Marino, Matthew Stafford, Terry Bradshaw, Jay Cutler, and Jim Plunkett—have not only carved their names into the annals of NFL history but have also redefined the limits of what's possible on the football field.

Their legacy lies not just in their ability to hurl a football down the field, but also in their resilience, their ability to perform under pressure, and their unwavering commitment to their teams. These quarterbacks have shown us that arm strength is more than a physical attribute—it's a testament to their character, their dedication to their craft, and their relentless pursuit of excellence.

The throwing distances reported are estimates or anecdotal records. Official NFL combine data does not include maximum throw distance. These legendary players have left an indelible mark on the NFL, inspiring a new generation of quarterbacks to throw farther, aim higher, and dream bigger. They have shown us that in the high-stakes world of the NFL, a powerful arm can be a game-changer.