If there’s one position in the NFL that embraces the spotlight with open arms, it’s wide receiver. These guys don’t just want the ball—they want the postgame interview, the social media clips, and the legacy-defining catch while pointing to the name on the back of the jersey.
Whether it was a touchdown dance, a press conference quote, or a reality show appearance, some wideouts seemed more interested in being heard than being covered. Here are 20 wide receivers who absolutely knew how to make it all about themselves, ranked from “pretty into themselves” to “do you even know there are other players on the field?”
20. Brandin Cooks
Cooks has quietly bounced around the league while loudly insisting he’s a WR1 wherever he lands. There’s confidence, and then there’s thinking every team is lucky to have you, regardless of the results.
19. Percy Harvin
Harvin had the talent to back up the swagger, but not always the durability. He carried himself like he was the most important player in the building, even when he was barely on the field.
18. Devin Funchess
For a guy with modest production, Funchess always seemed to believe he was one breakout game away from superstardom. The confidence was admirable, the consistency… less so.
17. Josh Gordon
Gordon’s belief in his own ability never wavered, no matter what off-field obstacles stood in the way. He often acted like the NFL owed him something just for showing up.
16. Allen Robinson
Robinson’s career has been filled with solid seasons and a whole lot of “look what I could’ve done with a real quarterback.” At times, it felt like his sense of importance was higher than his actual impact.
15. Jarvis Landry
Landry’s “juice” persona wasn’t just a nickname—it was a full-on personality trait. He always talked like he was the heartbeat of the locker room, whether that was true or not.
14. Santonio Holmes
After winning Super Bowl MVP, Holmes carried himself like a certified legend. Unfortunately, his production didn’t always match the ego that followed.
13. Mike Wallace
Wallace had wheels and wasn’t shy about telling you. Once he got that big contract, the self-importance showed up in full force.
12. Antonio Bryant
Bryant bounced around the league and always brought the drama with him. He never lacked confidence, even when teams did.
11. Odell Beckham Jr.
Few receivers have had their highlights go more viral, or their sideline moments more scrutinized. OBJ was always the main character, no matter what team or year it was.
10. DeSean Jackson
Jackson loved letting the world know he was the fastest man alive. Whether it was a backwards flip into the end zone or a soundbite, he made sure you remembered him.
9. Dez Bryant
Dez played every snap like it was personal and acted like every pass should’ve been his. He never met a camera—or a sideline tantrum—he didn’t like.
8. Chad Johnson
Whether he was calling out defensive backs or changing his name to “Ochocinco,” Chad was in a league of his own. The self-importance was sky-high, but at least he made it entertaining.
7. Steve Smith Sr.
Smith didn’t just think he was the best—he wanted to fight you if you disagreed. His game backed it up, but let’s be honest, humility was never part of the package.
6. Plaxico Burress
Burress had a knack for making headlines on and off the field, always positioning himself as the guy you had to watch. He rarely missed a chance to remind the world how clutch he thought he was.
5. Keyshawn Johnson
“Just give me the damn ball” might as well have been printed on his business cards. Keyshawn was all about Keyshawn, and he was proud of it.
4. Brandon Marshall
Marshall could dominate a game, and dominate a press conference right after. He treated every team like it was lucky to have him, and every play like it was part of his personal documentary.
3. Michael Irvin
Irvin brought the swagger, the suits, and the speeches on the field and in the locker room. He wasn’t just playing for Dallas, he was playing for his brand before it was even trendy.
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2. Antonio Brown
Brown didn’t just cross the line—he sprinted past it with a phone in his hand. He made himself the center of attention everywhere he went, and somehow always upped the drama.
Read More: 10 NFL Wide Receivers Who Treated the Sideline Like a Stage
1. Terrell Owens
No one turned “me first” into an art form quite like T.O. From sit-ups in the driveway to pointing at his name on the jersey, he was the undisputed king of self-importance at the position.
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