Not everyone in the NFL is a good sport. For every humble handshake or “we’ll get ‘em next time” attitude, there’s a guy ready to throw teammates under the bus, talk trash after a loss, or bail on a press conference entirely.
Some of these players were sore losers, others were sore winners, and a few just seemed to carry a chip on their shoulder 24/7. Whether it was a lack of sportsmanship, poor leadership, or just a flair for the dramatic, these are the 20 most ungracious stars the league has ever seen.
20. Antonio Brown
From walking off the field mid-game to throwing teammates under the bus, Antonio Brown redefined diva behavior. His talent was undeniable, but humility was never part of the package.
19. Jay Cutler
Cutler’s resting disdainful face didn’t help, but it was his lack of accountability that really irked people. Whether it was poor play or a playoff injury exit, grace under pressure was never his thing.
18. Warren Sapp
Trash talk was his love language, and post-career comments didn’t help his case. Sapp could dominate on the field, but he didn’t exactly win people over off of it.
17. Cam Newton
When Cam was rolling, he was dabbing all over the field—but when he lost, especially in big games, he struggled to keep the same energy. That sulky Super Bowl presser still lives rent-free in people’s minds.
16. Terrell Owens
T.O. might’ve loved himself more than the game itself. Whether it was mocking defenders or bashing quarterbacks, grace was never part of his highlight reel.
15. Eli Apple
If unearned arrogance were an Olympic event, Eli Apple might medal. He talks big, often before big games… then disappears when the lights come on.
14. Ndamukong Suh
Few players walked the fine line between intensity and outright dirty play like Suh. The stomps, the late hits, and the postgame shrugs didn’t exactly scream remorse.
13. Jeff George
Jeff George could sling it, but if things didn’t go his way, you were going to hear about it—loudly. He made blaming coaches and teammates an unfortunate art form.
12. JuJu Smith-Schuster
Dancing on logos before games didn’t do him any favors. And when it backfired, his explanations always felt more defensive than introspective.
11. DeAngelo Hall
Hall had a mouth that never turned off and a knack for rubbing people the wrong way. He could play, sure—but his sportsmanship rarely kept up with his speed.
10. Baker Mayfield
Few have leaned harder into the chip on their shoulder than Baker. From planting flags to calling out teammates and coaches, humility just never seemed to be part of the playbook.
9. Dez Bryant
When things went south, Dez went nuclear. Sideline tantrums were part of the weekly drama, and accountability didn’t always make the cut.
8. Philip Rivers
He never cursed, but he talked more trash than most players combined. When it came to losing, though, Rivers wasn’t exactly the model of poise and maturity.
7. Odell Beckham Jr.
From kicking nets to sideline theatrics, OBJ’s meltdowns became almost as famous as his catches. Grace in defeat? Not exactly his strong suit.
6. Richie Incognito
Between locker room bullying and on-field skirmishes, Incognito’s reputation often overshadowed his play. His version of leadership always seemed a bit… hostile.
5. Randy Moss
Straight cash, homie. Moss was an all-time talent, but his attitude toward authority and effort gave off some serious “above it all” energy.
4. Greg Hardy
Hardy’s off-field issues were bad enough, but even on the field, he lacked any sense of humility. His behavior made it clear he thought the rules didn’t apply to him.
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3. Michael Irvin
The playmaker label was earned, but so was his arrogance. Irvin never met a camera or a celebration he didn’t love—especially when his team was on top.
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2. Keyshawn Johnson
Keyshawn wrote a book called “Just Give Me the Damn Ball,” and that basically sums it up. He wasn’t exactly known for subtlety or postgame grace.
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1. Aaron Rodgers
For a guy so calm under center, Rodgers has never been shy about letting people know when they’ve disappointed him. Whether it’s former coaches, young receivers, or entire front offices, he doesn’t exactly do subtle.
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