The world of sports is full of confidence, swagger, and bravado—but every now and then, an athlete crosses the line from self-assured into straight-up delusional. Whether it’s insisting they’re still elite long after their prime or making bold claims that reality just refuses to support, these athletes have turned denial into an art form.
From misguided retirements to never-happened comebacks, wild predictions to stubborn refusals to adapt, these athletes gave the world some truly head-scratching moments. Let’s count down the most delusional stars to ever believe their own hype, whether the world agreed or not.
28. Antonio Brown
At some point, Antonio Brown stopped being a wide receiver and started being a walking headline. His off-field declarations often seemed to exist in a different universe from his actual NFL status.
27. Ronda Rousey
She was on top of the world—until she wasn’t. Even after two crushing losses, she acted like she was still the most feared fighter in the octagon.
26. Jalen Rose
Jalen once claimed he “shut down” Kobe Bryant… in a game where Kobe dropped 81. The man might be great on TV, but math is not on his side.
25. Dwight Howard
He swore he was still a dominant big man long after teams stopped calling. At some point, that Superman cape turned invisible.
24. Ricky Henderson
Ricky was a legend, but he famously refused to retire because he believed he could still steal 50 bases at 50. He was dead serious about it too.
23. Floyd Mayweather
He calls himself TBE—The Best Ever—and absolutely believes it. Undefeated record or not, there’s a difference between confident and delusional.
22. Johnny Manziel
Even as his career crumbled, Johnny Football carried himself like a superstar in waiting. Unfortunately, the league didn’t feel the same way.
21. Deion Sanders (in his coaching era)
Prime Time was one of the greatest athletes ever, but his recent proclamations as a coach are a different ballgame. Saying you’re building a dynasty when you’re under .500 is bold—bordering on delusion.
20. Michael Beasley
He once insisted he was just as talented as LeBron James. That’s not confidence—that’s a different timeline.
19. JaMarcus Russell
He swore he was working hard, even when the receipts (and blank DVDs) said otherwise. His belief in himself never quite matched his tape.
18. Tim Tebow
From NFL quarterback to baseball player to tight end, Tebow always truly believed. The results? Less miraculous than his college days.
17. Paul Pierce
Pierce declared himself better than Dwyane Wade with a straight face. The internet hasn’t stopped laughing since.
16. Brian Bosworth
The Boz came into the NFL with more hype than a Marvel movie trailer. Then Bo Jackson turned him into a meme before memes were a thing.
15. Gilbert Arenas
He once said he was a top-three player in the league… post-injury. Not even his own knees believed that.
14. LaVar Ball
No one has spoken more confidently about a 2.2-point-per-game college average. In LaVar’s mind, he still beats Michael Jordan one-on-one.
13. Conor McGregor
He’s got all the swagger in the world, even when reality—and his record—don’t back it up. That left hook might land, but the ego never wavers.
12. Vince Young
He told people he’d be back in the NFL for years after it was clear he was done. Sometimes the dream just won’t quit, even when the phone stops ringing.
11. Boogie Cousins
Boogie went from dominant to unsigned but never stopped declaring himself an All-Star. His body may have betrayed him, but his delusion stayed loyal.
10. Manny Ramirez
He once said he’d play until he was 50… after getting suspended multiple times. “Manny being Manny” eventually just meant ignoring reality.
9. Baker Mayfield
![Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]
Baker Cover 2](https://gamerkoala.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Baker-Mayfield-10-1024x558.jpg)
He still believes he’s destined for greatness, no matter how many teams he’s played for. Swagger is one thing—reality is another.
8. Allen Iverson
One of the greatest ever, yes—but even long past his prime, Iverson thought he could still hang with the young guns. Sadly, his game aged faster than his confidence.
7. Lance Armstrong
Even after getting caught, banned, exposed, and roasted, Lance somehow maintained a level of denial worthy of an award. He didn’t just cheat—he doubled down on it.
6. Terrell Owens
He stayed in shape for years, genuinely believing an NFL comeback was always just around the corner. No one trained harder for imaginary opportunities.
5. Nick Young
Swaggy P once said he should’ve been a Hall of Famer—and that’s not even the wildest thing he’s claimed. Whether he was airballing heat checks or celebrating missed shots, his confidence never met a shot selection he didn’t like.
4. Ben Simmons
He’s still out here posting workout videos like the league doesn’t know what’s up. Believing you’re elite is one thing—shooting like it would help.
3. Kyrie Irving
The Earth is flat. That should be enough right there.
2. Logan Paul
From calling himself a future boxing champion to beefing with legit fighters, Logan’s belief in his abilities is unmatched. Confidence? Sure. Reality? Not quite.
Read More: 25 Athletes Who Were Simply Born in the Wrong Era
1. Ryan Leaf
From day one, Leaf thought he was better than Peyton Manning—and never quite let go of that idea. His NFL career flamed out fast, but the confidence stayed eternal.
Read More: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams by Who Needs a Reality Check
