Head in the game: the impact of cognitive abilities on performance of National Football League quarterbacks

American football is a multi-billion-dollar industry and source of social identity and national pride. Recruiting top level players is a priority for franchises, coaches, teams, and fans. Utilizing data obtained from 42 National League Football (NFL) quarterbacks, collected at their respective Combine experience, the current study adds to existing research demonstrating that cognitive abilities, as measured by the Athletic Intelligence Quotient (AIQ), namely Visual Spatial Processing, Reaction Time, and Decision Making, all increase the predictive accuracy beyond the role of draft pick at the Combine. Reaction Time; Visual Spatial Processing and Decision Making to a lesser, but notable degree; predicted NFL performance metrics such as Career Approximate Value, Quarterback Rating, passing and rushing yards per game, turnover worthy plays, and throwing accuracy. The role of cognitive abilities, particularly in the critical position of quarterback in American football, is discussed.