Every quarterback dreams of greatness. You step onto the field with visions of game-winning drives, the roar of the crowd, and your name etched into the annals of football history. But let’s face it—not everyone has what it takes to make it to the top. In fact, after decades of coaching and evaluating quarterbacks, I’ve come to a stark realization: only 10 out of every 100 quarterbacks possess the leadership, poise, skills, talent, and determination to succeed at the next level. I call this elite group the QB 10% Club.
Are you part of it?
What Sets the QB 10% Club Apart
Being in the QB 10% Club isn’t just about having a strong arm or throwing a perfect spiral. It’s about the little things that separate the good from the great—the traits that can’t always be measured at a combine but are revealed in the heat of battle and through relentless preparation. Here’s what it takes:
1. Leadership
- Command the Huddle: Great quarterbacks own the huddle. They inspire confidence in their teammates, communicate clearly, and ensure everyone knows their assignments.
- Accountability: Do you take responsibility for your mistakes, or do you shift the blame? Leaders own their errors and work tirelessly to correct them.
- Influence Off the Field: Leadership doesn’t stop when the whistle blows. Are you setting an example in the locker room, at practice, and in your community?
2. Toughness
- Mental Resilience: Can you shake off a bad play or a critical mistake and focus on the next snap? Mental toughness is about staying composed under pressure and maintaining confidence even when the odds are against you.
- Physical Grit: Great quarterbacks take hits and get back up. Are you willing to sacrifice your body to make a play when it matters most?
- Overcoming Adversity: The path to greatness is never smooth. Have you faced setbacks and come out stronger, or do you crumble when challenges arise?
3. Work Ethic
- Year-Round Commitment: The offseason is where champions are made. Are you putting in the work with strength training, speed drills, and QB-specific training, or are you coasting until the season starts?
- Attention to Detail: Success is in the little things. Do you focus on your footwork, release, and timing on every single rep?
- Film Study Mastery: Watching film isn’t just about studying opponents. It’s about understanding your own tendencies, identifying areas for improvement, and breaking down defenses with surgical precision.
4. Athleticism
- Dual-Threat Ability: While not every QB needs to be a runner, having mobility to extend plays or evade pressure can be the difference-maker.
- Conditioning: Are you in peak physical shape to handle the demands of the game? Stamina and endurance are essential for late-game heroics.
- Adaptability: Great athletes can adjust on the fly. Can you read and react to what the defense throws at you?
5. Character
- Humility: Confidence is key, but arrogance is a killer. Do you stay grounded and remain coachable?
- Team-First Mentality: The best QBs put the team above themselves. Are you willing to make sacrifices for the greater good?
- Integrity: Do you lead with honesty and respect, earning the trust of your coaches and teammates?
The Harsh Reality
Here’s the truth: most quarterbacks talk a good game, but they don’t walk the walk. They want the glory without the grind. They post highlight reels on social media but skip the early-morning film sessions. They claim to want greatness, but their actions scream mediocrity.
The QB 10% Club doesn’t have room for excuses. It’s for the quarterbacks who do the work when no one is watching. It’s for the players who embrace the grind, who study the game until they can’t get it wrong, and who refuse to be outworked by anyone.
The Challenge
If you’re reading this, ask yourself some hard questions:
- Are you willing to outwork every other QB on your roster?
- Do you have the mental and physical toughness to handle adversity?
- Are you dedicating time to every aspect of the game—from your mechanics to your football IQ?
- Do you inspire your teammates with your actions and your attitude?
If the answer to any of these is no, then you have work to do. And if you’re not willing to do it, then accept that you’ll never reach your full potential. But if you’re ready to rise to the challenge, then it’s time to prove it.
Prove It
The QB 10% Club isn’t about talk. It’s about action. It’s about showing up early, staying late, and doing the things that others won’t. It’s about putting in the work, day after day, until greatness becomes a habit.
- Start Now: Make a plan for the offseason. Include speed and agility training, strength conditioning, and quarterback-specific drills.
- Live in the Film Room: Study your opponents, your own games, and even the greats. Learn something every time you hit play.
- Be a Leader Today: Don’t wait for game day to lead. Start inspiring and motivating your teammates now.
Closing Thoughts
The QB 10% Club isn’t for everyone. It’s for the rare few who have the talent, the drive, and the character to rise above the rest. It’s for those who understand that greatness isn’t given—it’s earned through relentless effort and unwavering commitment.
So, the question remains:
Are you ready to join the QB 10% Club? Or will you settle for being like the other 90%?
The choice is yours. But remember, in this game, you either have it or you don’t. Prove that you belong.