Gamer Koala

15 NFL Players Who Took Diva Behavior to Historic Levels

The NFL has always had its fair share of personalities, but some players elevated “me first” energy into an art form. From over-the-top celebrations to feuding with coaches and demanding the spotlight, these guys made sure the league—and the world—knew exactly how they felt at all times.

This isn’t just about being a little flashy. These 15 players turned diva behavior into their personal brand, creating headlines, controversy, and sometimes chaos wherever they went.

15. Le’Veon Bell

Nov 26, 2011; Evanston, IL, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Le'Veon Bell (24) rushes the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Ryan Field.
Mike DiNovo-Imagn Images

At his peak, he was one of the best running backs in the league, but sitting out an entire season over a contract dispute was next-level drama. Bell made sure the Steelers knew he wanted star treatment and wasn’t afraid to walk away when he didn’t get it.

14. Keyshawn Johnson

Oct 27, 1996; Tempe, AZ, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Jets receiver Keyshawn Johnson (19) in action against the Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium.
Peter Brouillet-Imagn Images

The man titled his book “Just Give Me the Damn Ball.” That tells you everything you need to know about his mindset on and off the field.

13. Odell Beckham Jr.

Sep 13, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr (13) runs after a reception against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium.
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

OBJ was always doing the absolute most, from sideline meltdowns to one-handed catch celebrations that felt like full-blown performances. His talent was undeniable, but he was rarely satisfied being just a player—he needed to be the star.

12. Cam Newton

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) catches a pass during a timeout in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers defeated the Falcons 38-0.
Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images

The outfits, the Instagram captions, the interviews—Cam didn’t just play quarterback, he played fashion icon meets philosopher. It was electric when things were going well, but the energy could get icy fast when they weren’t.

11. Dez Bryant

Oct 25, 2010; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) prior to the game against the New York Giants at Cowboys Stadium.
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Dez brought fire, emotion, and lots of volume to the Cowboys. Whether yelling on the sideline or making cryptic social media posts, he ensured you always knew how he felt.

10. Baker Mayfield

Jan 24, 2018; Mobile, AL, USA; North Squad quarterback Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma (6) during Senior bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
Chuck Cook-Imagn Images

Baker’s got that walk-on chip on his shoulder, but it often came out as “I’m the main character” energy. He played with flair, whether planting flags, firing shots at opponents, or calling out critics.

9. Michael Thomas

Jan 13, 2019; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) stiff arms Philadelphia Eagles free safety Avonte Maddox (29) during the second quarter of a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
John David Mercer-Imagn Images

When healthy, he was a reception machine—but “Can’t Guard Mike” became more known for subtweets and tension with the Saints. Injuries may have slowed him down, but the diva vibes never left.

8. Randy Moss

Sep 27, 1998; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings (84) Randy Moss in action against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

He played when he wanted to—and famously said as much. Moss could easily dominate a game, but if he wasn’t feeling it, you were getting bare minimum with a side of moodiness.

7. Johnny Manziel

Jan 4, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) scrambles out of the pocket against the Oklahoma Sooners during the Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium. Texas A&M beat Oklahoma 41-13.
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Johnny Football walked into the NFL with swagger turned to 100, and that confidence quickly spiraled into full diva mode. Parties, headlines, and attitude overshadowed anything he did on the field.

6. Jalen Ramsey

Sep 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) runs onto the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Ramsey talks the talk, walks the walk, and throws shade in all directions. From press conferences to practice field drama, he’s always ready to stir the pot with elite-level pettiness.

5. Antonio Brown

Aug 15, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Where do you even begin? From frostbitten feet to mid-game jersey removals, AB didn’t just flirt with diva behavior—he redefined it.

4. Jay Cutler

Sep 8, 2008; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass during the Broncos 41-14 victory over the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jay gave off a unique kind of diva energy—apathetic, smug, and “too cool to care.” His permanent look of disinterest and constant clashes with teammates made him a walking eye roll.

3. T.O. (Terrell Owens)

Feb 06, 2005; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles receiver Terrell Owens in action against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 24-21.
Imagn Images

Get your popcorn ready because T.O. brought drama wherever he went. He was always at the center of the storm, whether doing sit-ups in his driveway or causing locker room chaos,

2. Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) may have played his last game for Gang Green, Sunday January 5, 2025, in East Rutherford.
Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers is the intellectual diva, mixing cryptic comments, offseason disappearing acts, and passive-aggressive jabs like a true master. When he’s not winning MVPs, he’s busy dominating headlines with a mysterious edge.

Read More: 15 NFL Divas Who Were Always the Center of Attention

1. Brett Favre

Jan 25, 1998; San Diego, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre (4) in action against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXXII at Qualcomm Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Packers 31-24.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

The king of the “will he or won’t he” era, Favre’s retirement saga played out like a soap opera for years. He kept the balance, fans, and the media balanced during a dramatic off-season.

Read More: 20 Athletes Whose Swagger Outshined Their Talent

Scroll to Top