Every era of football has had its villains — the players fans love to boo, roast on social media, or blame for everything wrong with the league. Some were arrogant, some were dirty, and some were just too good for their own good.
Here’s our countdown of the 15 most loathed NFL stars of all time — sorry if your favorite made the list.
15. Odell Beckham Jr.
One-handed catches made him famous, but sideline meltdowns and boat trips made him infamous. Somehow always trending, even when he’s not playing.
14. Philip Rivers
He talked more trash than a WWE heel and looked mad even when he was winning. Fans got tired of the dad energy real fast.
13. Warren Sapp
A dominant force on the field and a professional loudmouth off it. Sapp never met a microphone or an opponent he didn’t want to fight.
12. Aaron Rodgers
He went from lovable Super Bowl champ to full-on football philosopher with a vaccine controversy and a side of ayahuasca. Fans can’t decide if he’s a genius, a diva, or just really into hearing himself talk — but they definitely have an opinion.
11. James Harrison
If quarterbacks had nightmares, they probably looked like James Harrison running at them full speed. His hits were brutal, his attitude even worse — unless you were a Steelers fan.
10. Jay Cutler
His face permanently said “I don’t care,” and his play sometimes backed that up. No one inspired more eye rolls — including his own teammates.
9. Vontaze Burfict
Dirty hits, late hits, and basically every hit that made you yell at your TV. His highlight reel doubles as a how-not-to guide for NFL defenders.
8. Richard Sherman
Trash talk legend, handshake denier, and the reason postgame interviews are now cautiously conducted. If you were a Seahawks hater, he was your worst nightmare.
7. Antonio Brown
Unmatched talent with unmatched chaos. Every time fans thought he couldn’t get weirder, he somehow did.
6. Bill Romanowski
A walking personal foul with a helmet. Spitting on opponents and breaking teammates’ jaws will get you remembered — but not loved.
5. Michael Irvin
He talked big, partied bigger, and dominated in a Cowboys jersey — which is basically the NFL villain trifecta. Fans outside of Dallas couldn’t stand him… and still kind of can’t.
4. Terrell Owens
Iconic celebrations, endless drama, and an autobiography titled “T.O.” pretty much says it all. Fans couldn’t decide if they hated him or just wished he played for their team.
3. Deshaun Watson
From beloved young star to one of the league’s most controversial figures. The boos are loud, the baggage is heavy, and the public perception hasn’t improved much.
Read More: Ranking the Best NFL ‘Villains’ of All Time
2. Greg Hardy
An elite pass rusher who quickly became one of the league’s most disliked — for reasons that went far beyond football. His second act in MMA didn’t help the image either.
Read More: 10 Reasons the Kansas City Chiefs Are the NFL’s Most Hated Team
1. Tom Brady
He won too much, smiled too little, and somehow aged in reverse. Even when he wasn’t cheating, fans were sure he was cheating.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Biggest NBA Villains of the Last 20 Years
