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16 Retired NFL Legends Still Talking Trash

Retirement hasn’t exactly quieted these NFL icons. If anything, stepping away from the field has given them more time — and a bigger platform — to keep the trash talk alive and well.

Whether they’re calling out former rivals, poking fun at younger players, or reliving old beefs like they happened yesterday, these legends have made it clear: just because they hung up the pads doesn’t mean they’re done chirping. From TV sets to podcasts to social media, these guys are still running their mouths — and we are absolutely here for it.

16. Bart Scott

Feb 3, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets former linebacker Bart Scott on radio row prior to Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos.
Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

Bart Scott’s “can’t wait” energy never went away — it just moved to the studio. Whether it’s quarterbacks, coaches, or entire fanbases, he’s always ready to stir the pot.

15. Tiki Barber

Mar 9, 2024; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants former running back Tiki Barber walks out for the coin flip before the match between the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas at Red Bull Arena.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Tiki’s not afraid to critique his former team, and he doesn’t always hold back. He’s made headlines for calling out the Giants and some of their biggest stars post-retirement.

14. Shannon Sharpe

NFL Hall of Famer and former SSU football player Shannon Sharpe signs bottles of his Le Portier Shay VSOP Luxury Cognac at Habersham Beverage Warehouse in Savannah on Thursday, March 19, 2025.
Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sharpe has made a second career out of talking trash on live TV, and nobody is safe. He’ll go after players, teams, and even fellow media members if the moment calls for it.

13. Jay Cutler

Nov 13, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) with turf in his helmet in the second half against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Bears defeated the Lions 37-13.
Dennis Wierzbicki-Imagn Images

Cutler may have had a calm demeanor on the field, but his post-career commentary has been surprisingly spicy. He’s thrown casual shade at coaches, teammates, and the league in general.

12. DeAngelo Williams

Former Memphis and NFL running back DeAngelo Williams smiles while looking at the scoreboard on the sideline during the game between University of Memphis and Boise State University in Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday, September 30, 2023. The 2003 Memphis football team, which Williams was a part of, was honored during the game.
Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Williams is never short on opinions, especially when it comes to former rivals or the NFL’s business side. He has a gift for turning every take into a subtle jab.

11. Chad Johnson

December 21, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL former player Chad Johnson before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Trash talk is basically part of Chad’s DNA. Even in retirement, he stays loud, proud, and quick with a comeback on social media or in interviews.

10. Joe Thomas

Cleveland Browns Hall of Famer Joe Thomas speaks at the Central Ohio High School Sports Awards ceremony at Upper Arlington High School on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in Upper Arlington, Ohio.
Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Thomas is witty, sharp, and never afraid to poke fun at other teams — especially rivals of the Browns. His trash talk is usually laced with humor, but it still hits the mark.

9. Chris Long

Sep 6, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long (56) on the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Long mixes insight with sarcasm, and it’s a combo that lands every time. He’s one of the best at throwing playful shade at today’s NFL with just enough bite to stir reactions.

8. LeSean McCoy

Feb 9, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Former running back LeSean McCoy arrives before the Legends NFL Party.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

McCoy talks like he’s still breaking ankles every Sunday. From calling players overrated to revisiting old feuds, he brings the heat wherever he goes.

7. Warren Sapp

Oct 4, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneer former player Warren Sapp in the first half at Raymond James Stadium.
Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Sapp was a trash talker during his playing days, and that switch never flipped off. He still finds time to criticize current players — especially defensive linemen who don’t live up to his standards.

6. Aqib Talib]

Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Retired American football player Aqib Talib before the game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Talib doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and his blunt delivery often feels like a verbal stiff-arm. He’ll call it like he sees it — and usually with a smirk.

5. Michael Irvin

Nov 30, 2024; Syracuse, New York, USA; Miami Hurricanes former player and NFL Hall of Fame member Michael Irvin looks on during the first half of a game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Irvin talks with the intensity of a guy who could still suit up and score on you. Whether he’s hyping the Cowboys or roasting their rivals, the Hall of Famer stays fiery.

4. Ryan Clark

Jan 11, 2009; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark (25) during the Steelers' 35-24 victory over the San Diego Chargers in the AFC divisional playoff game at Heinz Field.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Clark’s analysis always comes with a side of edge. He’s smart, direct, and doesn’t hold back when something — or someone — rubs him the wrong way.

3. Steve Smith Sr.

Aug 21, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Former Panthers wide receiver and now commentator Steve Smith Sr. before the game between the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium.
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Steve Smith’s trash talk has actually aged like wine — sharper, funnier, and somehow even more ruthless. Whether he’s breaking down tape or roasting a current player, he’s always locked and loaded.

Read more: 20 NFL Stars Who Turned Trash Talk Into a Personality Trait

2. Richard Sherman

Oct 26, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; NFL TV analyst and former player Richard Sherman on the sidelines before a game between the Buffalo Bills and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Highmark Stadium.
Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Sherman was built for post-retirement media life, and he’s wasted no time calling out bad coverage, weak corners, and lazy narratives. He might be off the field, but he’s still talking like it’s 4th and goal.

Read more: 10 Legendary Boxers Who Redefined The Art Of Trash Talk

1. Tom Brady

Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; FOX broadcaster and former NFL quarterback Tom Brady looks on before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Yep, even the GOAT has entered his trash-talk era. Whether he’s playfully jabbing at former opponents or reminding everyone of his seven rings, Brady has officially embraced the fun side of being retired.

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