The NFL has always been a league of heroes and villains, and sometimes, the difference between the two is just a matter of perspective. Some players are hated for their trash talk, others for dirty plays, and some just because they won too much. Whether they were controversial off the field, rubbed fans the wrong way, or simply got under opponents’ skin, these players all made Sundays a little more interesting.
Here are the 30 most disliked players in NFL history—whether they deserved it or not.
30. Philip Rivers (QB)
Rivers was an elite quarterback, but his relentless trash talk (without ever swearing!) drove opponents crazy. His exaggerated reactions and fiery competitiveness made him as entertaining as he was annoying.
29. Jay Cutler (QB)
Cutler had the talent, but his disinterested body language and “whatever” attitude made him an easy target. Whether he was actually indifferent or just misunderstood, fans and analysts alike had little patience for him.
28. Eli Manning (QB)
Despite winning two Super Bowls, Manning’s permanently dazed expressions made him a meme before memes were even big. Giants fans loved him, but the rest of the league saw him as frustratingly lucky.
27. Bill Romanowski (LB)
Romanowski played like a villain straight out of a wrestling ring. He spit on opponents, broke teammates’ jaws in practice, and had a reputation for cheap shots. It’s no surprise he wasn’t exactly beloved.
26. Michael Irvin (WR)
Irvin was loud, flashy, and completely unapologetic about it. While Cowboys fans adored him, opponents and rival fan bases found his celebrations and constant talking more than a little obnoxious.
25. Jalen Ramsey (CB)
Ramsey is one of the best corners in the league, but his relentless trash talk has made him plenty of enemies. Calling out quarterbacks as “trash” and never backing down only fuels the fire.
24. Vontaze Burfict (LB)
Burfict played with reckless aggression—too much of it. His reputation as one of the dirtiest players in NFL history was cemented by repeated late hits and suspensions, yet he never seemed to change his style.
23. Cam Newton (QB)
Superman to some, super annoying to others. Newton’s flashy celebrations, bold fashion choices, and sometimes dismissive press conference responses made him polarizing throughout his career.
22. Johnny Manziel (QB)
“Johnny Football” was all swagger in college, but his NFL career was an unmitigated disaster. His off-field antics, partying, and lack of professionalism turned what could have been a great story into a cautionary tale.
21. Ben Roethlisberger (QB)
Big Ben’s on-field success was undeniable, but off-field controversies—including serious allegations—left a stain on his reputation that even some Steelers fans couldn’t ignore.
20. Troy Aikman (QB)
Being a Cowboys quarterback comes with built-in hate, but Aikman’s transition to the broadcast booth made things worse. Fans constantly complain that he’s either biased for or against their team—sometimes both at once.
19. Randy Moss (WR)
Moss was a generational talent, but his infamous “I play when I want to” mindset rubbed people the wrong way. Fake mooning Packers fans only added fuel to the fire.
18. Richard Sherman (CB)
Sherman’s loud and proud personality made him a love-him-or-hate-him player. His postgame rant about Michael Crabtree was either legendary or way over the top, depending on who you ask.
17. Brett Favre (QB)
Favre’s endless retirements and eventual defection to the Vikings after years in Green Bay turned many fans against him. His post-career controversies haven’t done him any favors, either.
16. Colin Kaepernick (QB)
Kaepernick’s kneeling protest made him one of the most polarizing figures in sports history. Some saw him as a hero, while others never forgave him for mixing activism with football.
15. Greg Hardy (DE)
Hardy’s off-the-field issues—including disturbing allegations of domestic violence—made him one of the most despised players in the league. Many questioned why he was even allowed to return to the NFL.
14. Deion Sanders (CB/WR)
“Prime Time” was all about the flash—dancing, talking, and letting the world know just how good he was. Fans of his teams adored him, but everyone else wished he would tone it down.
13. Baker Mayfield (QB)
Mayfield plays with a massive chip on his shoulder, which is fun when he’s winning but unbearable when he’s losing. His cocky attitude and nonstop commercials didn’t help when his play declined.
12. Roger Goodell (Commissioner – Honorable Mention)
Not a player, but no one gets booed more at the NFL Draft than Goodell. From inconsistent punishments to labor disputes, he’s one of the most universally disliked figures in the league.
11. James Harrison (LB)
Harrison hit hard—sometimes too hard. He often complained about fines for dangerous hits, making it seem like he didn’t quite understand why player safety was a concern.
10. Tom Brady (QB)
Winning seven Super Bowls will earn you respect, but it also makes you the ultimate villain. Deflategate, constant Patriots dominance, and his unshakable confidence made him unbearable for rival fans.
9. Ndamukong Suh (DT)
Suh built a reputation for dirty plays, including multiple foot-stomping incidents. His aggressive style sometimes crossed the line into outright dangerous.
8. Ray Lewis (LB)
A legendary linebacker, but his legal troubles and theatrical pregame speeches made him a controversial figure. Ravens fans saw him as a leader; others saw him as over-the-top.
7. Marshawn Lynch (RB)
Beast Mode’s refusal to talk to the media made him a folk hero to some, but to others, it felt like unnecessary defiance. His “I’m just here so I won’t get fined” moment is still legendary.
6. Odell Beckham Jr. (WR)
OBJ’s talent is undeniable, but his sideline tantrums, fights with kicking nets, and non-stop social media presence made him a lightning rod for criticism.
5. Michael Vick (QB)
Vick was one of the most exciting players ever, but his dogfighting scandal forever tainted his legacy. Even after serving time and attempting to redeem himself, some fans never forgave him.
4. Aaron Rodgers (QB)
Rodgers is one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, but his smug attitude, feud with the Packers, and off-field opinions have turned plenty of people against him.
Read More: Ranking the Best NFL ‘Villains’ That Fans Love to Hate
3. Antonio Brown (WR)
AB went from being one of the best receivers in the league to a constant source of drama. From bizarre social media rants to walking off the field mid-game, his antics have overshadowed his talent.
Read More: The 15 Most Disappointing Quarterbacks of the 2024-25 NFL Season
2. Deshaun Watson (QB)
Watson was on a Hall of Fame trajectory before serious allegations of misconduct surfaced. His return to the league has been met with significant backlash, and many fans still refuse to support him.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best Rookie Seasons in the Last 20 Years of the NFL
1. Terrell Owens (WR)
T.O. had a Hall of Fame career, but his antics made him impossible for some teams to keep around. From sideline blowups to popcorn celebrations, he was always the center of attention—for better or worse.
Read More: 10 Young NFL Stars Destined for Hall of Fame Glory
