Quarterbacks are the face of the franchise, the leaders in the huddle, and often the first to be blamed when things go wrong. Whether it’s because of their personality, playstyle, or something they said during a postgame interview, some QBs just never stood a chance at being universally loved.
From media lightning rods to arrogant trash talkers to guys who always seemed to win in the most annoying way possible, this list covers the quarterbacks who rubbed the most people the wrong way. Some earned the hate, others inherited it, but all became villains in the eyes of football fans everywhere.
15. Jim McMahon
The headband-wearing rebel of the 1980s Bears had swagger, attitude, and a mouth that never stopped running. His brashness may have thrilled Chicago, but it drove the rest of the league up a wall.
14. Deshaun Watson
The backlash came fast and hasn’t slowed since off-field accusations derailed his once-promising career. Many fans won’t forgive or forget, no matter what he does on the field.
13. Philip Rivers
He talked trash on every down, complained to refs like he was in a courtroom, and did it all with a bolo tie. Opposing fans couldn’t stand him, even if his teammates swore by his fire.
12. Cam Newton
From dabbing to Superman celebrations, Cam’s showmanship never sat right with a chunk of the football world. Critics accused him of being too flashy when things went well and too pouty when they didn’t.
11. Matt Leinart
The golden boy from USC came into the league with Hollywood vibes and reality show energy. That didn’t translate to NFL success; fans quickly soured on him.
10. Colin Kaepernick
After kneeling during the anthem, he became the face of a cultural firestorm, and no quarterback has divided public opinion more since. He’s a hero; to others, he’s a symbol of everything wrong with the league.
9. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football entered the NFL as a walking headline and left as a cautionary tale. His partying, cockiness, and bust status all combined to make him a lightning rod of dislike.
8. Tony Romo
Dallas fans defended him to the end, but everyone else relished every interception and playoff meltdown. He was too clean-cut, hyped, and easy to root against.
7. Baker Mayfield
From planting flags to feuding with reporters, Baker thrived on being the villain. But the cockiness wore thin as the losses piled up.
6. Jay Cutler
Cutler’s face alone seemed to irritate people—and that was before he started throwing soul-crushing picks with a look of total indifference. His apathy became his brand, and fans never forgave him for it.
5. Eli Manning
It sounds strange now, but Eli was once labeled smug, overrated, and lucky. Two Super Bowl wins helped his legacy, but not his likeability during the prime years.
4. Ben Roethlisberger
Off-field allegations and a long list of controversies made him one of the most disliked stars in the league. Add a reputation for drama and taking hits like a WWE stuntman; he was never universally embraced.
3. Tom Brady
No quarterback has won more, and no quarterback has been booed more in opposing stadiums. Whether it was the Patriots’ dynasty, the Super Bowl rings, or Deflategate, haters were always ready with their receipts.
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2. Aaron Rodgers
Brilliant passer, but also smug, condescending, and prone to conspiracy-laced interviews. His second act as an NFL philosopher hasn’t exactly boosted his Q score.
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1. Michael Vick
Even years after serving prison and trying to rehab his image, Vick remains one of the most polarizing players ever. The dogfighting scandal cemented his place as one of the most hated athletes in NFL history, regardless of his talent.
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