"Not saying Michael Vick is insane": CFB world has wild reactions to Alabama signee Keelon Russell's QB picks

Keelon Russell is the No. 2-ranked player and quarterback in the Class of 2025, per 247Sports. He threw for 4,17͏7 ya͏rds and ͏55 to͏uchdowns ͏wi͏th͏ a ͏6͏9.4% compl͏etion͏ rate and was named the 2024-25 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year. The young quarterback is headed to Alabama after signing with the Crimson Tide last month.

On Saturday, SportsCenter Next's Instagram page posted Russell's picks for his top-five quarterbacks of all time, which sparked fan debate.

His five were Cam Newton, Patrick Mahomes, Peyton Manning, Lamar Jackson, and Tom Brady. Fans were quick to react to Russell's choices.

"Not saying Michael Vick Is insane," a fan commented.

"So we just forgot about the swagger that cool joe namath had?," a fan wrote.

Some fans contradicted Russell's choice of Cam Newton in particular.

"Cam Newton was a BAD QB," a fan suggested.

"Just don't ask him to jump on a fumbled ball in the Superbowl," another fan wrote, referencing an infamous play involving Newton in Super Bowl 50.

Meanwhile, a couple of fans were on board with Russell's picks, including Newton.

"Mahomes, Brady, Manning, Rodgers, and Lamar is the best answer you can give," one fan said.

"If you’re building the perfect QB, definitely want Cams build and skill set, prime cam," one wrote.

Fan Reactions for Keelon Russell (@sportscnternext / Credit- Instagram)

---

Keelon Russell explains why he chose Cam Newton

When asked by ESPN anchor Phil Murphy to list his top five quarterbacks of all time, Russell didn’t shy away from bold picks. Russell started off his list with an Auburn alum, Cam Newton.

When asked why he picked Newton, who played for Alabama's fierce rivals, the young QB said:

“I mean, it's smart guy like he's...I feel like he's the only quarterback that has to burn the swag to the quarterback position. So like I feel like he got a respect, he burn a swag to the quarterback position. You know what I mean, ” Russell said.

In response to Russell putting him in his list of top five QBs, Cam Newton commented on the post with one word:

"-1ØVĖ🤟🏾," Cam commented on the post.

Cam Newton comment (@sportscenternext / Credit - Instagram)

Russell’s admiration for Newton reflects his appreciation for uniqueness at the quarterback position. Alabama fans will now have to wait and see if one of the nation’s brightest prospects can shine in the position at Tuscaloosa.