Top 5 NFL quarterbacks with the most consecutive regular-season starts

Consistency and longevity are highly-valued traits in any sport or profession, and the world of professional football is no exception. The NFL has a limited number of players who have been able to start an impressive number of games consecutively, proving their durability, skills, and devotion to the sport.

Not many quarterbacks have been able to display their dedication, hard work, and resilience by playing a large number of games in succession. Their ability to consistently perform at a high level for extended periods sets them apart. In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 players with the most-consecutive regular season starts.

#1. Brett Favre

Brett Favre

Favre leads the way with the most-consecutive starts by a quarterback in the NFL. The legend played for the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and the Minnesota Vikings and started regular-season games consecutively. This ranged from September 1992 to December 2010, spanning 19 seasons. This ironman streak from Favre is a record unlikely to be broken anytime soon.

#2. Philip Rivers

San Diego Chargers v Jacksonville Jaguars

Rivers is the most-consistent player on the list drafted in the 21st century. Traded during the 2004 draft in a deal that involved Eli Manning, the quarterback played his NFL career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts, starting 240 regular-season games consecutively. This spanned over 15 seasons, ranging from September 2006 to January 2021.

#3. Eli Manning

Seattle Seahawks v New York Giants

Eli Manning was drafted with the first overall pick in the same year as Philip Rivers and a trade during the draft saw them switch teams. Unlike Rivers, who started his streak after two seasons in the league, Eli Manning's streak began right from his first season with the Giants. He started 210 consecutive games, ranging from November 2004 to November 2017, spanning 14 seasons.

#4. Peyton Manning

Wild Card Playoffs - New York Jets v Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning is considered one of the greatest professional footballers in history. Like his brother Eli, he was drafted as the first overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 1998. He immediately became a starter for the team and racked up 208 consecutive starts, just two shy of his brother. His streak ranged from September 1998 to January 2011 with the Colts, spanning over 13 NFL seasons.

#5. Matt Ryan

Divisional Playoffs - Seattle Seahawks v Atlanta Falcons

Ryan is the only player on the list still actively playing in the NFL. Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons as the third overall pick in 2008, the quarterback immediately became a starter for the team. His streak, however, started in December 2009 and lasted until October 2019, amounting to 154 games. It could have started in 2008, except that he missed two games in the 2009 season.