Matthew Stafford has elevated his career accomplishments since joining the Los Angeles Rams, including winning a Super Bowl and an NFL MVP award. Dan Orlovsky believes that with another ring, the veteran will have done enough to place himself among the top five or so quarterbacks of all time. Many around the league disagreed with his bold take.
Is Dan Orlovsky Accurate in Calling Matthew Stafford a Top 5 QB in NFL History?
Orlovsky discussed the Rams’ outlook for the 2026 NFL season and what it could mean for Stafford’s legacy during a recent “Get Up” episode on ESPN. He stated that if he could win another Super Bowl this year, he would enter the conversation among the “top five or seven” best quarterbacks ever to play the game.
Many around the league thought he took it too far by already placing him among the all-time greats. “Just cancel the show,” said SI staff writer Matt Verderame.
Just cancel the show. https://t.co/mrP90uEQGT
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) August 31, 2026
Many other writers and content creators chimed in on the bold opinion. Most of them seemed to disagree with the idea.
“This is just silly. Just a complete lack of understanding of NFL history,” said Marcus Mosher.
This is just silly.
Just a complete lack of understanding of NFL history. https://t.co/wS6ZGAUzQg
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) August 31, 2026
Few would argue that Stafford hasn’t been great throughout his career. They did, however, make it clear that Orlovsky may be overlooking the legends throughout the league’s history.
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“A three-time Pro Bowler with seven career playoff wins in 17 seasons. Top 5 all-time is beyond wild. Mark Brunell has more playoff wins,” explained Cerrone Battle.
A 3x pro bowler with 7 career playoff wins in 17 seasons top 5 all time is beyond wild. Mark Brunell has more playoff wins thanatt Stafford.
— Cerrone Battle (@Cerrone_Battle) August 31, 2026
Several other media personalities pushed back against Orlovsky’s opinion. They didn’t even feel the need to explain themselves, suggesting they believe it should be understood that he doesn’t rank that highly.
“What?” questioned JP Acosta.
The take left many puzzled. Several challenged it with simple one-word responses.
“Huh,” asked Savage.
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Others found the idea laughable. Numerous responders dismissed the idea that Stafford should be in those conversations.
“Lol no,” stated Greg Bedard.
Orlovsky is a former teammate of Stafford from their time together with the Detroit Lions. Now serving as an analyst, he has consistently praised the veteran quarterback, but some believe he is being too much of a fan of his friend.
“Have some shame, man,” replied Brianna Pirre.
have some shame man https://t.co/jtx4QmbfWP
— brianna pirre (@bsp_13) August 31, 2026
Many fans around the league shared similar criticisms as the writers and analysts about Orlovsky’s opinion and why he has it. This includes him allegedly saying it because of their history together.
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“This dude is a joke. Was Stafford’s backup and non-stop pushes the agenda of him being the ‘clear’ MVP last season, which wasn’t true, and now this,” said another fan.
For what it’s worth, Stafford finished second in PFSN’s Impact Rankings for last season, trailing behind Drake Maye. This suggests that he was not the “clear” MVP, despite an excellent overall season, including his first first-team All-Pro selection.
“Yeah Dan, a one-time first-team All-Pro quarterback is definitely a Top 5 quarterback of all time. Laughable opinion from Dan per usual,” added another fan.
yeah dan… a 1x first team all-pro qb is def a top-5 qb all time. laughable opinion from dan per usual.
— 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙮 ✰ (@teepeefive) August 31, 2026
The Rams will enter the 2026 NFL season as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
If that were to happen, he would join more than a dozen other quarterbacks to have won multiple rings during their careers. He has also never won a Super Bowl MVP award and has only one regular-season MVP award, so his accolades may not match those of many others on the list.
