NFL All-Time QB Rank No. 39: John Hadl

Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…

39. John Hadl

Drafted in the first round by the San Diego Chargers in the 1962 AFL Draft out of the University of Kansas, Hadl began his professional career as a versatile quarterback who had starred as a halfback, punter and defender in college.

He quickly became a key player for the Chargers, helping them win the 1963 AFL Championship with his dual-threat abilities.

Over 11 seasons with the Chargers (1962-1972), Hadl led the AFL in passing yards twice (1965, 1968) and touchdown passes once (1968), earning Second-team All-AFL honors in 1965 and 1966. He set franchise records for passing yards and touchdowns during his tenure.

Traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 1973, Hadl had a resurgent year, earning First-team All-Pro recognition, NFL Man of the Year honors in 1971 (while still with San Diego), and his first Pro Bowl nod. He led the Rams to the NFC Championship Game that season, throwing for 2,008 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Later stints with the Green Bay Packers (1974-1975) and Houston Oilers (1976-1977) saw him continue as a reliable veteran, amassing six total Pro Bowl selections across his 16-year career.

Hadl’s career totals include 33,503 passing yards, 244 touchdowns and 268 interceptions in 224 games.

Hadl’s standout attributes were his exceptional arm strength and accuracy on deep balls, often leading the league in yards per completion. He was tough and resilient, surviving a near-fatal horseback riding accident in 1971 that sidelined him briefly.

Hadl retired after the 1977 season and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

But who ranks ahead of Hadl at No. 38 all-time?