In Los Angeles, Jim Harbaugh demonstrated the art of football passing in a back hallway at the Chargers” facility, a nod to his experience as a first-round draft pick and a 14-year NFL career. With his right hand mimicking the motion of throwing a football, he described the feeling of a perfect pass: “I can feel it coming off that finger,” he said, illustrating the technique. “When you hit it right, like a tuning fork goes off — oh, that was sweet. You feel it.” Harbaugh”s performance resembled that of an artist, painting a masterpiece with an imaginary brush.
On Sunday night, SoFi Stadium will host a remarkable exhibition featuring Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers squaring off against Justin Herbert and the Chargers. Both quarterbacks are recognized as two of the finest passers in NFL history, known for their incredibly tight spirals that could fit through a mail slot. Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath expressed his admiration, noting, “I marvel at them. I haven”t seen them throw a pass that wasn”t a tight spiral.” Even at 41, Rodgers continues to impress, while Herbert, despite facing more hits than any quarterback this season, delivers throws that appear laser-focused. His recent 19-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston almost eluded a diving defender by mere inches.
“If you conducted a poll among NFL players asking who has the best throwing arm, Justin Herbert would likely top the list,” said CBS play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz. “In his prime, Aaron Rodgers would have held that title.” Hall of Famer Steve Young categorized these exceptional passers as “finger throwers,” explaining the difference between finger throwers and arm throwers. “Finger throwers let the ball leave their hand almost joint by joint,” Young said. “That”s where the accuracy and touch come from.”
Camera operator Ben Johnson from NFL Films has enjoyed a unique perspective on the precision of these quarterbacks during his 19 seasons. He captures the thrilling action from low angles, focusing on the moment the ball leaves the quarterback”s hand. “There”s nothing better when I”m in the end zone and the seas part — the O-line parts — and I see one of those quarterbacks staring in my direction,” Johnson remarked. “When the ball comes off their hand, it”s so smooth. The spiral stays perfectly stable.”
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, classified as a finger thrower, is known for his wobble-free passes. The transition from Jared Goff to Stafford has been striking, as Stafford”s throws exhibit a higher spin rate. “Matthew Stafford is the best Rams quarterback ever right now,” said Jim Everett, the franchise”s all-time passing yards leader. “He”s even better than Kurt Warner in his MVP season.” Stafford has thrown 21 touchdowns with only two interceptions this season.
Throughout NFL history, numerous quarterbacks have been recognized for their impressive spiral throws, including legends like Ken Stabler, Dan Fouts, and Warren Moon. Tom House, a renowned throwing coach, emphasized that while many quarterbacks possess strong arms and accuracy, spin rate plays a crucial role in performance, particularly in windy conditions.
Former quarterback Jeff George, a top overall draft pick, credited his baseball background for his throwing ability. “I was a shortstop, so I threw the football like I threw a baseball,” he noted. “I got all my power from my wrist.” George”s unique throwing style resulted in passes that fit receivers” hands perfectly.
Former NFL quarterback Brock Huard discussed how hand size and finger dexterity significantly influence a quarterback”s throwing ability. “The bigger your hands, the easier it is to throw,” he explained. “It”s not just the size of your palm, it”s the length of your fingers.” While the ability to throw precise spirals does not guarantee victory, it certainly enhances a quarterback”s performance.
Even the great Peyton Manning had his own unique throwing style, which often did not feature a perfect spiral. Manning expressed skepticism about the concepts of “arm talent” and the ability to “spin it,” questioning their true meaning. He highlighted that a player”s performance can vary significantly between practice and actual games.
Hall of Famer Dan Marino exemplified exceptional passing skills. “Guys like Dan Marino and John Elway were rare,” Young stated, noting that both quarterbacks possessed qualities of both finger and arm throwers. Harbaugh, recalling his own passing development, said there comes a moment when a quarterback”s instinct takes over, likening it to other bodily actions that become second nature.
As a child, Harbaugh honed his skills by practicing throwing various objects. He even used a tarp to simulate a target when no one else was available to catch. “I”d tell any kid who wants to learn how to throw a football to take a rolled-up newspaper and throw it,” he advised.
In 1980, the Harbaugh family moved to Palo Alto, where young Jim had the chance to observe John Elway up close. He fondly remembered the impressive sound of Elway”s throws, which resonated with a distinct whistle. Now, watching Herbert throw, Harbaugh feels a similar sense of awe, stating, “Watching him throw, I feel like I can hear angels singing.”
