Quarterbacks are often the heroes of the NFL story—franchise faces, comeback kings, and the guys everyone wants to succeed. But every so often, a QB goes from fan-favorite to full-blown villain faster than you can say “pick six.”
Whether it’s a shocking trade, a bad attitude, or a lawful decision, these quarterbacks found themselves on the wrong side of public opinion. Some bounced back, some doubled down, and others are still wearing the black hat.
15. Carson Wentz
He went from MVP candidate to locker room scapegoat almost overnight. By the time Philly shipped him out, fans had already moved on.
14. Jameis Winston
People were willing to overlook the interceptions—until there were just too many. His off-field issues didn’t help his public image either.
13. Deshaun Watson
Once seen as a rising star and leader in Houston, his legacy took a hard left turn. The off-field headlines instantly changed how fans viewed him.
12. Eli Manning
Yes, he won two Super Bowls—but he became a villain real quick when he snubbed the Chargers on draft day. That draft-day power move stuck with him for years.
11. Cam Newton
When he was winning, fans loved his swagger. But once the losses piled up, the dancing and dabbing turned into ammunition for his critics.
10. Aaron Rodgers
One minute, he was the humble replacement for Brett Favre. The next, he was feuding with management, skipping camp, and going full conspiracy theorist on national TV.
9. Jeff George
With a cannon arm and a bad attitude, George wore out his welcome almost everywhere he went. Coaches didn’t like him, teammates barely tolerated him, and fans eventually gave up.
8. Colin Kaepernick
He went from Super Bowl star to cultural lightning rod in a blink. Whether you loved him or hated him, there was no neutral ground once the kneeling began.
7. Baker Mayfield
His confidence was endearing at first—until it wasn’t. The commercials kept airing while the wins stopped coming, and fans quickly turned on him.
6. Ben Roethlisberger
Early success didn’t shield him from controversy. Off-field allegations shifted the narrative fast, and some fans never looked at him the same again.
5. Jay Cutler
He had the arm, but his facial expressions told everyone he didn’t care. That disinterested vibe quickly made him one of the league’s least likeable QBs.
4. Michael Vick
His electrifying play made him a fan favorite—until the dogfighting scandal shattered everything. In one news cycle, he went from icon to public enemy number one.
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3. Russell Wilson
He was Mr. Unlimited until fans got tired of the corny persona and sudden diva energy. Denver’s collapse only amplified the eye rolls.
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2. Brett Favre
The endless retirements, the un-retirements, the wrong jerseys, and then the scandals. The gunslinger turned heel and kept digging the hole deeper.
Read More: 21 Sports Icons Who Ruined Their Reputation Overnight
1. Tom Brady
Once the underdog, he eventually became the face of NFL domination and controversy. From Spygate to Deflategate to just being too damn good, fans couldn’t wait to root against him.
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