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20 NFL Stars Who Lived Like It Was Always the Offseason

Some NFL stars treated the regular season like a job, and the offseason like an endless vacation. From wild parties and flashy purchases to nonstop jet-setting, these players gave “work hard, play harder” a new meaning.

While some athletes kept it low-key between Sundays, others turned their fame and fortune into a lifestyle that never hit pause. Whether they were still playing or long retired, these guys made it clear the offseason mentality was a year-round vibe.

20. Clinton Portis

Nov 23, 2008; SEATTLE, WA, USA; Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis (26) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Qwest Field. Washington defeated Seattle, 20-17.
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Portis never met an alter ego or a shopping spree he didn’t like. His press conferences were performances, and his off-field life looked like a sitcom waiting to happen.

19. Vince Young

Sept 24, 2007; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young (10) warms up before the start of game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome.
Matt Stamey-Imagn Images

The man once racked up a $5,000 Cheesecake Factory tab—just because. Young didn’t just play quarterback; he lived like a king with a platinum card.

18. Rob Gronkowski

Feb 4, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) prior to Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Gronk built a second career off being the life of the party. If a boat, beach, or DJ was involved, chances are Gronk was already there.

17. DeSean Jackson

Jun 8, 2021; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) stretches during mini camp held at the practice facility at Cal State Lutheran.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Jackson was as flashy off the field as he was with the ball. Custom cars, music videos, and designer fits were all part of the brand.

16. Odell Beckham Jr.

Oct 18, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) gestures on the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

OBJ made headlines as often for yacht trips and Paris Fashion Week as for one-handed catches. The man turned every break into a highlight reel of luxury.

15. Johnny Manziel

Aug 28, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

“Johnny Football” treated the offseason like spring break forever. Whether in Vegas, Cabo, or somewhere in between, he leaned into celebrity life.

14. Terrell Owens

Feb 06, 2005; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles receiver Terrell Owens (81) reacts against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium. The Patriots won 24-21.
Imagn Images

TO lived large with designer clothes, reality TV appearances, and paparazzi moments to spare. He didn’t just play like a star—he lived like one, 24/7.

13. Michael Irvin

Jan 31, 1993; Pasadena, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin (88) celebrates in the endzone after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXVII at the Rose Bowl. The Cowboys defeated the Bills 52-17.
Manny Rubio-Imagn Images

The Playmaker didn’t exactly tone it down once the game clock stopped. His nightlife reputation was nearly as famous as his route-running.

12. Antonio Brown

Jan 3, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) flips into the end zone for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium.
Kim Klement-Imagn Images

AB went from All-Pro to always-on-the-gram, with private jets, music releases, and chaos. The offseason was more like his main season.

11. Marshawn Lynch

Dec 29, 2019; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) puts on his helmet during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field.
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Lynch may have been media-shy, but he wasn’t low-key off the field. Beast Mode always stayed busy, from Skittles to tanks to hilarious business moves.

10. Joe Namath

Unknown date 1967; Flushing, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath (12) in action against the New England Patriots.
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images

Broadway Joe invented the offseason lifestyle. Fur coats, late-night parties, and all the swagger in the world—Namath was doing it before it was cool.

9. Chad Ochocinco

August 18, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Chad Ochocinco (85) catches the ball prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
Kim Klement-Imagn Images

Ochocinco was a full-time entertainer from reality TV to soccer tryouts to tweeting his every move. His offseason was just a continuation of the spectacle.

8. Pacman Jones

Aug 30, 2018; Glendale, AZ, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Adam Jones (20) returns the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during a pre season game at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Pacman’s off-field antics were nearly impossible to keep up with. If there was trouble or a tabloid story, he might have something to do with it.

7. Reggie Bush

Dec. 2, 2007; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back (25) Reggie Bush sits on the field after a short gain in the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Louisiana Superdome. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 27-23.
Matt Stamey-Imagn Images

Bush dated Hollywood stars and moved like a celebrity first, a football player second. Even during the season, he gave off offseason energy.

6. Deion Sanders

Jan 28, 1996; Tempe, AZ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys receiver Deion Sanders (21) in action against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Willie Williams (27) during Super Bowl XXX at the Sun Devil Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Steelers 27-17.
The Arizona Republic-Imagn Images

Prime Time wasn’t just a nickname—it was a lifestyle. From music albums to baseball games to blinding suits, Deion stayed in high gear year-round.

5. Baker Mayfield

Aug 23, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks for a receiver during warmup before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Scott R. Galvin-Imagn Images

Even early in his career, Baker embraced the limelight with ads, appearances, and nonstop headlines. The man never shied away from a camera or a commercial break.

4. Le’Veon Bell

Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) rushes the ball against New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 24-14.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Bell once sat out a whole season and spent the time dropping rap tracks and flexing his jet-set life. For him, the offseason was more of a mindset than a calendar.

Read More: 15 Running Backs Who Were McCaffrey Before McCaffrey

3. Brett Favre

Jan 12, 2008; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre (4) throws a pass as he is rushed by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Patrick Kerney (97) during the first quarter of the NFC divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field. The Packers beat the Seahawks 42-20.
Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

Favre had a bit of a “one foot in, one foot out” approach to retirement—and to structure. He brought offseason vibes even to training camp.

Read More: Ranking the 15 NFL Teams That Talk the Most, Yet Win the Least

2. Cam Newton

Dec 15, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) tries to run away from New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images

Cam’s wardrobe alone deserves a spot on this list. From fashion shows to business ventures, he always found a way to make the offseason look like the main event.

Read More: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams by Offseason Delusion

1. Tom Brady

Oct 9, 2011; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up before the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium.
David Butler II- Imagn Images

You’d think the GOAT would be all business, but Brady’s post-practice schedule included tropical vacations, high-end sponsorships, and A-list connections. He mastered the art of winning on the field while living like it was always the offseason.

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