When you’re known as “America’s Team,” you’re bound to collect some haters along the way—and the Dallas Cowboys have done just that. Between flashy personalities, controversial moments, and the simple fact that they wear a star on their helmet, plenty of Cowboys players have rubbed fans the wrong way.
Some were loud, some were smug, and some were good at football while playing for the NFL’s most polarizing franchise. Here are 15 Cowboys players who, for one reason or another, were never exactly fan favorites outside of Dallas.
15. Roy Williams (Safety)
He had a reputation for bone-crushing hits that sometimes crossed the line. Eventually, the “Roy Williams rule” was born, and fans outside Dallas were happy to see him go.
14. Michael Irvin
His Hall of Fame career was electric, but his loudmouth persona and off-field antics made him a lightning rod for criticism. He talked and walked the talk, but not everyone enjoyed the show.
13. Terrell Owens
T.O. brought drama wherever he went, and Dallas was no exception. The driveway workouts, sideline rants, and “that’s my quarterback” speech became part of Cowboys lore for all the wrong reasons.
12. Leon Lett
He wasn’t hated in a traditional sense, but his blunders became punchlines for decades. If you’ve ever seen a blooper reel, you’ve seen Leon Lett doing something regrettable in a Cowboys uniform.
11. Tony Romo
Romo had loyal defenders, but critics blamed him for every playoff disappointment. Whether fair or not, his calm demeanor and inconsistent clutch moments made him an easy target.
10. Nate Newton
Newton was part of Dallas’s dominant offensive line in the 1990s, but his post-career legal issues tarnished his reputation. It’s hard to cheer for a guy who ended up with a massive drug trafficking conviction.
9. Jay Novacek
He was a reliable tight end, but fans of rival teams found him annoyingly consistent during the Cowboys’ dynasty years. There was nothing flashy about him—just quiet production that made everyone else mad.
8. Deion Sanders
Prime Time was as cocky as they come, and his arrival in Dallas only added fuel to the fire. If you didn’t already hate him from his Falcons or 49ers days, becoming a Cowboy sealed the deal.
7. Ezekiel Elliott
Zeke’s early dominance, signature feed-me celebrations, and off-field issues made him a polarizing figure. He was great until he wasn’t, and his contract saga didn’t win him many neutral fans.
6. Emmitt Smith
He was one of the greatest running backs, but his record-breaking career came with plenty of smugness. Opposing fans got tired of hearing about Emmitt every Sunday, especially with that star on his helmet.
5. Dez Bryant
Dez was as fiery as they come, and that passion often spilled over into drama. From sideline outbursts to “was it a catch?” debates, he stayed in the spotlight—and not always in a good way.
4. Jimmy Johnson
He was not a player, but his influence and attitude as a coach made plenty of people loathe him. He built a powerhouse and let everyone know he was in charge, which rubbed many folks the wrong way.
3. Jerry Jones
Technically not a player, but c’mon—he’s been the face of the franchise since 1989. His meddling, ego, and constant camera presence make him one of the most disliked figures in Cowboys history.
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2. Greg Hardy
This one didn’t take long. His brief time in Dallas was defined by controversy, and most fans (Cowboys included) were ready to forget it ever happened.
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1. Antonio Bryant
Before Dez, there was Antonio Bryant, who managed to tick off coaches, quarterbacks, and teammates alike. Tossing your jersey at Bill Parcells is one way to land on this list permanently.
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