By B. Duane Cross, CNNSI.com

Steve Young is not one of the top five quarterbacks ever -- he's not even one the top three QBs of the 1990s. While it may be easy to get caught up in the moment of Young's retirement, let's not lose sight of the facts.

During the 1990s, Dallas' Troy Aikman won three Super Bowls and Denver's John Elway won two. Green Bay's Brett Favre won as many championship rings as Young.... For what it's worth, so did Kurt Warner.

But it's the numbers that fans wrap themselves in. Yes, Young was a bona fide threat with his feet. But it's the arm that carries teams to the title game, with the exception of Dan Marino.

In the 90s, Aikman played in 143 games, compared to 121 for Young. Marino threw for 33,508 yards, while Young had 27,656. Favre, a three-time MVP, had 235 touchdown passes, and Young had 200.

When debating the all-time greats, remember Bart Starr, Johnny Unitas, Terry Bradshaw, Roger Staubach ... and the man Young replaced, Joe Montana. Top five all-time? I think not.

Give Steve Young his due -- and a place in Canton, but don't lose sight of the fact his on-field numbers just don't add up when talking about the 'best ever.' A player must be the best of his era before he can be among the all-time greats.

By Joanna Cohen, CNNSI.com

Not only is Steve Young the best QB of the 1990s, he also is one of the best of all time. His career statistics tell the story. Young will assume his rightful place in the annals as one of the top quarterbacks ever to play the game. His numbers prove that he was not just a skilled QB, but an all-around great football player.

He's the highest rated quarterback in NFL history. His completion percentage (.650) and touchdown/interception ratio (2.17) are both NFL records. He has the most career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (43) and his 85 touchdown passes to Jerry Rice are the NFL record for a duo. These numbers plus Young's two MVP awards and six passing titles will surely earn him a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Young may not have as many Super Bowl rings as Troy Aikman or John Elway, but he possessed a rare combination of skills (pin-point passing accuracy and outstanding athleticism) and intangibles (grit, determination and passion) that set him above and apart.

While it's on-field performance that counts when trying to determine the greatest QBs in history, it shouldn't be forgotten that in addition to being a future Hall of Famer, Young is also a good guy. Affable and intelligent, he seems to be one of a dwindling number of sports stars still capable of feeling genuine joy, awe and appreciation about being a professional athlete. Just another reason to count him among the all-time greats.