When it comes to naming the greatest athletes, even legends in one sport pay their respects to those in another. LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, recently revealed his Mount Rushmore of NFL quarterbacks, and the list has ignited debates among fans and analysts alike.
James’ picks included Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Montana—three names widely regarded as locks for any all-time QB list. However, the fourth spot was a toss-up for LeBron between two former Denver Broncos greats: John Elway and Peyton Manning.
The discussion reached a broader audience when Hall of Famer and former Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe, who won two Super Bowls with Elway, shared his thoughts on ESPN’s First Take on Wednesday.
Sharpe expressed certainty about the top three, saying, “There is no doubt about the first three.” However, the fourth selection proved more contentious. “It gets a little tricky when it gets to that fourth spot,” Sharpe said. “You got Peyton Manning, five MVPs, two Super Bowls. You got John, who I played with for a decade, and he wins two [Super Bowls] [and] goes to five [Super Bowls].”
Elway, known for his grit and leadership, carved out a Hall of Fame career as one of the most successful quarterbacks of his era. Named MVP of Super Bowl XXXIII, Elway holds the distinction of being the only player to pass for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 200 yards in seven consecutive seasons. Selected to nine Pro Bowls, he was also the NFL MVP in 1987 and AFC Offensive Player of the Year in 1993.
For Sharpe, who witnessed Elway’s success firsthand, there’s no doubt who should claim the final spot. “I’m going Elway,” Sharpe declared. “I played with the guy; the guy helped get me into the Hall of Fame. … The way he talked to me, the way he coached me, the way he was with me in the locker room and on the field — 7 gets it for me.”
However, First Take co-host Stephen A. Smith disagreed, firmly placing Peyton Manning on his personal Mount Rushmore. “You cannot leave Peyton Manning off that list,” Smith argued. “You just can’t do it.”
Manning’s resume is equally impressive: a five-time NFL MVP, a 14-time Pro Bowler, and holder of multiple NFL records upon his retirement. Manning’s cerebral approach to the game and historic achievements have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
While fans may be divided over who deserves the final spot, both Elway and Manning have left indelible marks on the NFL—and on Denver.
