It’s not easy being an NFL owner. You’ve got billions of dollars, a loyal fanbase, and a team full of professionals—so naturally, you decide to micromanage every decision like it’s your fantasy football lineup. For some reason, certain owners can’t help themselves from stepping in and throwing a wrench into what could’ve been a perfect operation.
Whether meddling in football decisions, repeatedly hiring the wrong people, or being more drama than the Real Housewives, these owners have found ways to fumble the bag. Here are 10 NFL owners who got in their way and made things much harder than needed.
10. Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts
Jim Irsay loves to be front and center on Twitter or in the Colts’ draft room. His emotional decisions and impulsive hires have stalled the team’s progress since Andrew Luck retired.
9. Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons
Arthur Blank is a well-meaning owner who sometimes just can’t let go. From standing awkwardly on the sidelines during the Super Bowl collapse to sticking with underperforming regimes too long, he’s often part of the problem.
8. Haslam Family, Cleveland Browns
The Haslams have gone through more front-office and coaching changes than most teams go through quarterbacks—and that’s saying something in Cleveland. Constant upheaval and impatience have kept the Browns spinning their wheels.
7. Daniel Snyder, Washington
Daniel Snyder was the poster child for bad ownership until he finally sold the team. Years of scandal, toxic culture, and awful football decisions left the once-proud franchise completely rudderless.
6. Dean Spanos, Los Angeles Chargers
Dean Spanos took the Chargers from San Diego into a half-empty soccer stadium. Between relocation drama and constant penny-pinching, he’s ensured the team always feels stuck in neutral.
5. Jerry Richardson, Carolina Panthers
Before being forced to sell the team, Jerry Richardson ran the Panthers like an old boys’ club. His refusal to adapt to a modern NFL ultimately cost him his legacy.
4. Woody Johnson, New York Jets
Woody Johnson has never been afraid to make a splash, but usually for the wrong reasons. Poor hires, big whiffs in free agency, and a revolving door at head coach have plagued the Jets under his watch.
3. Al Davis (Late), Oakland Raiders
Al Davis was a trailblazer early on, but his obsession with speed and control hurt the Raiders in his later years. Drafting track stars and ignoring modern strategies derailed the team until his son took over.
Read More: 10 NFL Franchises That Have Never Figured It Out
2. Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones loves being the face of the Cowboys more than he loves letting his football people do their jobs. While he’s built a brand juggernaut, his meddling has kept the team from championship success for decades.
Read More: Ranking All Current NFL Team Owners from Worst to Best
1. Mike Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Brown’s reputation for being cheap and stubborn held the Bengals back for years. Joe Burrow and some outside pressure finally brought the franchise into the modern NFL.
