Smartest NFL Players
When it comes to the NFL, quarterbacks are considered to be the smartest of the pack. While there are definitely many players who could make the cut as being smart, we're here for the smartest NFL players in the game's history.
Peyton Manning
When it comes to watching a video and dismantling defenses at the line of scrimmage, Peyton Manning is about as good as it gets. His brain is unequaled at the position, and while his physical capabilities are excellent, the Colts would almost certainly be a below-average football club without him. He is regarded by many as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. Peyton Manning's career statistics cannot be contested, along with his contributions to his league and the sport; two Super Bowl victories, five NFL MVP awards, 14 Pro Bowl selections, and many other awards and accolades.
Drew Brees
Football quarterback Drew Brees played in the NFL for 20 seasons. He received a degree in industrial management from Purdue University, which is well known for its academic program. He also played collegiate football, setting 13 Big Ten Conference records, two NCAA records, and 19 Prude records.
Following his accomplishments in college, Brees participated in the 2001 NFL Draft. He was chosen by the San Diego Chargers as the 32nd overall selection, first in the second round. He was a Chargers player from 2001 until 2005. He was ranked as the second-smartest NFL player in a 2010 survey by Sports Illustrated. In addition, he holds the NFL record for both the highest season and game completion.
Rosey Grier
Grier played for two different dynasties as a player and is the classic example of a "Renaissance Man." He participated in local, state, and federal politics and served as a bodyguard for Bobby Kennedy in 1968. He is also a successful author, singer, actor, motivational speaker, and ordained pastor. He was on the board of trustees for a large education organization.
Richard Sherman
Richard Sherman, who fancied himself the "greatest corner in the game," attended Stanford University and graduated with a 4.2-grade point average. In addition to playing football, Sherman also earned a Bachelor's in Communication and a Master's during his last year of NCAA eligibility. In order to help low-income families succeed academically, Sherman also established a charitable organization that purchases school supplies for poor families.
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick is a professional football player who is known for his athleticism as well as his intellectual accomplishments. Fitzpatrick graduated from Harvard University with a degree in economics in 2005. The only quarterback in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a career, Fitzpatrick was named Ivy League MVP while still a student.
Tom Brady
You may have seen this one coming, but Tom Brady has achieved what other NFL players can only dream of. His abilities on the field are unmatched and well-known, and it is obvious that he has a high football IQ. His intellect is also put to use off the field. He earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and took the Wonderlic Test before joining the NFL, scoring an impressive 33. Brady, a successful businessman, also founded the TB12Sports Lifestyle brand to inspire others to lead healthy lives.