The NFL is a league built on confidence, swagger, and belief in your own greatness. But sometimes, that confidence crosses the line and balloons into something much, much bigger—welcome to the land of inflated egos.
Whether it was non-stop self-promotion, constant feuds, or acting like the sun rose and set on their shoulder pads, these players were never shy about letting you know just how important they thought they were. From dramatic soundbites to locker room antics, here are the 20 biggest egos the NFL has ever seen.
20. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers is one of the most talented quarterbacks ever, but he rarely passes up an opportunity to remind you of it. His mix of cryptic comments and a deep belief in his own genius makes him a walking TED Talk with a throwing arm.
19. Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey never met a mic he didn’t love or a receiver he didn’t think he could lock down. He talks like he’s already in Canton and expects you to agree.
18. Keyshawn Johnson
“Just give me the damn ball” wasn’t just a quote—it was his entire personality. Keyshawn didn’t just want attention, he demanded it like it was his birthright.
17. Cam Newton
Cam brought flair, fashion, and plenty of “look at me” energy to the field. Even when he was losing, the attention was always going to be on Cam first.
16. Terrell Suggs
Suggs brought elite trash talk to a science and didn’t care who he annoyed along the way. He made sure the Ravens’ defense had as much personality as it did bite.
15. Dez Bryant
Dez wore his heart—and ego—on his sleeve every time he stepped on the field. He wanted to be seen, heard, and most importantly, thrown to on every down.
14. Joe Namath
Broadway Joe wasn’t just a nickname, it was a brand built on style, swagger, and saying things most players wouldn’t dare. The man literally guaranteed a Super Bowl win and walked around like a rock star in cleats.
13. Richard Sherman
Sherman had the skills, the brains, and the mouth—and he made sure you knew about all three. Whether it was postgame rants or pregame shade, his ego was always front and center.
12. Odell Beckham Jr.
OBJ’s ego wasn’t just about the one-handed catches—it extended to sideline tantrums, bold fashion, and social media drama. He never played like just another guy on the roster, and he sure didn’t act like it either.
11. Antonio Brown
From Facebook Live in the locker room to calling himself “Mr. Big Chest,” AB’s ego became its own chaotic reality show. His talent was never in doubt, but his need for attention eventually overshadowed it.
10. Ray Lewis
Ray didn’t just give pregame speeches—he delivered sermons with the intensity of a man convinced the world was watching. He carried himself like a football prophet, and if you didn’t feel the gospel, that was your problem.
9. Philip Rivers
Rivers chirped nonstop like he had a mic taped to his chinstrap and a thesaurus in his playbook. He didn’t need to curse to let you know he thought he was the smartest guy on the field—he just talked until you gave up.
8. Brett Favre
Favre’s “will he or won’t he” retirements turned into a yearly soap opera. He played with childlike joy, sure—but he also acted like the league couldn’t go on without him.
7. Chad Johnson
Whether it was changing his name to Ochocinco or handing out Hall of Fame jackets midgame, Chad had no problem putting himself at the center of the circus. And honestly, he kind of loved being the ringmaster.
6. Randy Moss
Randy famously said, “I play when I want to play,” and that about sums it up. His ego was as big as his highlight reel, and he knew exactly how dominant he was.
5. Michael Irvin
Irvin’s ego didn’t retire when he did—it just moved to TV. He’s been shouting about his greatness ever since he stopped playing, and he still carries himself like he’s WR1 on every set.
4. Tom Brady
Brady’s ego wasn’t flashy, but it was precision-engineered—wrapped in avocado ice cream and “nobody believed in me” energy. He won seven rings and still acted like every Instagram post was payback for being picked 199th.
3. Deion Sanders
Prime Time wasn’t just a nickname—it was a lifestyle. Deion built an entire empire off his charisma, flash, and self-belief that he was the most entertaining man in sports.
Read More: 20 Athletes Who Were More Ego Than Execution
2. Terrell Owens
TO was all about TO. He cried for his quarterback, did sit-ups in his driveway, and basically treated every game like his own personal show.
Read More: 20 NFL Stars Who Thought They Were Bigger Than the Game
1. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football believed the hype like it was scripture. He talked big, partied bigger, and never once acted like anything was ever his fault.
