Quarterback

A quarterback (often abbreviated as QB) is considered the most important position in American Football. The quarterback is usually responsible for initiating offensive plays, sometimes changing the coach's play by calling an "audible" based on how the defensive players line up before the snap of the ball.

The most important traits for a quarterback are leadership, thriving under pressure, astute play-calling, and a strong, accurate throwing arm. Quickness and agility are becoming increasingly important, in order to run occasionally for a first down and to avoid being "sacked". Throwing interceptions, which can result from nervousness in big games, are disastrous and sometimes single-handedly cause a loss for the team.

Due to their high visibility and level of importance, quarterbacks are usually the "star players" of a team, earning a large salary and lots of public attention, and being awarded the game's most valuable player when his team wins.

Past prominent quarterbacks include Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw, who each won 4 Super Bowls for the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively. Other prominent quarterbacks include Tom Brady (7 Super Bowl wins), Patrick Mahomes (3 Super Bowl wins), Ben Roethlisberger (2 Super Bowl wins), Eli Manning (2 Super Bowl wins), Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and Drew Brees (1 Super Bowl win each).