NFL All-Time QB Rank No. 29: Bobby Layne

Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…

29. Bobby Layne

Drafted third overall by the Chicago Bears in 1948 out of the University of Texas, Layne was traded to the Detroit Lions after one underwhelming season, where he quickly became a star.

Leading the Lions to back-to-back NFL championships in 1952 and 1953, he orchestrated comebacks with clutch plays, including a game-winning drive in the 1953 title game. Layne added a third ring in 1957, though injured midseason, as Detroit won without him.

A six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, he led the NFL in passing yards twice (1950-1951), touchdowns in 1951 and scoring in 1956 with 99 points via passes, rushes and kicks.

Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1958, he revitalized their offense, posting a 9-5 record in 1962 and earning a playoff berth, though his career waned due to injuries. Named to the 1950s All-Decade Team, he was the league’s scoring champ in 1956.

Over 15 seasons, Layne completed 1,814 of 3,700 passes for 26,768 yards and 196 touchdowns, with 243 interceptions, while rushing for 2,451 yards and 25 scores, retiring as the NFL’s all-time leader in attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns.

Layne’s standout attributes were his toughness, leadership and competitive fire, often playing hurt and inspiring teammates with his charisma.

Notorious for off-field partying, which he claimed sharpened his focus, he was criticized for turnovers but thrived on risks that won titles.

Layne’s legacy is as a winner who cursed the Lions with a 50-year “hex” upon his trade, symbolizing his enduring impact.

But who ranks ahead of Layne at No. 28 all-time?