The Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test™ is used at the NFL Combine to measure players problem solving abilities. See more detailed information about the Wonderlic Exam here.
Harvard’s Ryan Fitzpatrick owns the highest Wonderlic score for a QB ever recorded at an NFL Combine with a score of 48. Alamaba’s Greg McElroy was rumored to have scored a 48 in 2011, but it was later found that he had scored a 43 which is the second best score in NFL history.
The Top Combine Quarterback Wonderlic Scores in NFL History:
- 48 – Ryan Fitzpatrick (2005)
- 43 – Greg McElroy (2011)
- 43 – Jason Maas (1999)
- 42 – Blaine Gabbert (2011)
- 41 – Kevin Barnes (2009)
- 40 – Darrell Hackney (2006)
- 40 – Alex Smith (2005)
- 39 – Todd Husak (2000)
- 39 – Aaron Rodgers (2005)
- 39 – Eli Manning (2004)
- 38 – Matthew Stafford (2009)
- 38 – Matt Flynn (2008)
- 38 – Omar Jacobs (2006)
- 38 – Craig Krenzel (2004)
- 38 – Charlie Frye (2005)
At the time of this writing, 6 of the top 15 names on this list are current active NFL starters (Fitzpatrick, Gabbert, Smith, Rodgers, Manning, Stafford) with another sure to get a legitimate shot at starting in the near future (Flynn).
Other Notable Wonderlic Scores:
- 36 – Sam Bradford (2010)
- 35 – Christian Ponder (2011)
- 33 – Tom Brady (2000)
- 32 – Matt Ryan (2008)
- 30 – Matt Schaub (2004)
- 30 – Tony Romo (2003)
- 30 – Philip Rivers (2004)
- 29 – Andy Dalton (2011)
- 28 – Drew Brees (2001)
- 28 – Mark Sanchez (2009)
- 27 – Josh Freeman (2009)
- 27 – Joe Flacco (2008)
- 26 – Jay Cutler – (2006)
- 22 – Tim Tebow (2010)
- 21 – Cam Newton (2011)
It is increasingly common for starting QBs to have scored better and better on the Wonderlic exam. This may be due to several factors including increased pre-draft preparation by the players, an increased value placed on Wonderlic scores by NFL teams on draft day, and an increased likelihood of success for highly intelligent Quarterbacks.
*A high Wonderlic score does not necessarily indicate intelligence, nor does a low Wonderlic score indicate a lack of intelligence.