In a sport where team-first mentality is everything, there have always been a few NFL players who didn’t quite get the memo. Whether it was an ego too big for the locker room or off-field antics that overshadowed on-field play, these stars made it clear they saw themselves as more than just players—they saw themselves as the show.
Some backed it up with legendary play. Others… well, let’s just say they tried really hard to make headlines. Here are 20 NFL stars who seemed to believe the NFL revolved around them.
20. Antonio Brown
The talent was undeniable, but the drama was unavoidable. From frostbitten feet to mid-game exits, AB made it clear he was playing by his own rules.
19. Baker Mayfield
From planting flags to fiery press conferences, Baker always carried himself like the main character. The league didn’t always agree.
18. Terrell Owens
TO thrived on being the center of attention, whether it was driveway workouts or mid-game celebrations. No one loved TO more than TO.
17. Odell Beckham Jr.
OBJ’s flair was just as loud as his play, from the one-handed catches to designer cleats. Sometimes it felt like his brand came before the team.
16. Cam Newton
When he was on, he was electric—and he knew it. The Superman poses and custom outfits only added to the Cam show.
15. Keyshawn Johnson
He literally wrote a book called Just Give Me the Damn Ball. That about sums it up.
14. Aaron Rodgers
Brilliant on the field, but not exactly shy about letting you know it. Whether it’s darkness retreats or cryptic interviews, Rodgers is always in control of his own narrative.
13. Joe Namath
Before Instagram influencers, there was Broadway Joe. He was as famous for his fur coats and nightlife as he was for winning Super Bowl III.
12. Le’Veon Bell
He sat out an entire season to make a statement and drop a mixtape. It turns out that the NFL kept spinning without him.
11. Chad Johnson
Whether he was racing a horse or changing his name to Ochocinco, he stayed in the spotlight. Being a wide receiver was only part of his act.
10. Dez Bryant
Every catch felt personal, and every drop even more so. Dez wore his heart—and ego—on his sleeve.
9. Deion Sanders
Prime Time wasn’t just a nickname—it was a lifestyle. From dual-sport swagger to custom suits, Deion never settled for being just another guy on the field.
8. Vince Young
He came into the league with sky-high confidence and expectations. Unfortunately, his belief in himself outpaced his development.
7. Michael Irvin
The playmaker made big catches and even bigger noise. On and off the field, Irvin always commanded the spotlight.
6. Jalen Ramsey
He talks like a Hall of Famer and plays like one most days. Trash talk is just part of the package deal.
5. Brett Favre
Favre’s “will he or won’t he” retirements turned into an annual drama. At times, it felt like the offseason revolved around him.
4. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football was more brand than quarterback before he took an NFL snap. He seemed to enjoy the celebrity life a bit more than the playbook.
3. Russell Wilson
Once the model franchise QB, his recent “Mr. Unlimited” persona has taken on a life of its own. He’s chasing legacy, but it sometimes feels more Hollywood than huddle.
Read More: Ranking the 20 NFL Players You’d Want to Watch a Game With
2. Tom Brady
The GOAT is entitled to a little ego, but even Brady’s retirement announcement had to be a two-parter. He’s larger than life—and he likes it that way.
Read More: The 15 Most Polarizing NFL Players in History
1. Colin Kaepernick
Colin Kaepernick became a national figure in 2016 after kneeling during the anthem to protest racial injustice. His stance sparked widespread debate and may have cost him his NFL career. Unlike others on this list, his fame came from activism, not ego.
Read More: The 15 Most Egotistical Players in NFL History
