The 1980s were a glorious time for football—and an even more glorious time for ego. Some NFL stars clarified that the spotlight was their favorite teammate, from wild touchdown celebrations to endless media tours.
Whether they were flaunting their fashion, clashing with coaches, or just making sure you knew they were the main character, these players had a knack for making everything about themselves. Let’s take a nostalgic look at the most self-obsessed NFL stars of the ‘80s, ranked from “kind of into themselves” to “probably talked to a mirror before kickoff.”
18. Steve Largent
Quietly cocky is still cocky. Largent’s “I’ll let my stats do the talking” vibe masked a guy who very much knew he was elite.
17. Wilber Marshall
He was a beast on defense, but he made sure you knew he was a beast. Subtle? Never heard of it.
16. Tony Eason
He wasn’t the flashiest QB, but he acted like he was. There was always a certain smugness in how he carried himself, even during losses.
15. Dexter Manley
With his energy, personality, and constant headlines, Dexter had the ego to match his pass-rushing skills. If there was a camera nearby, he was already mid-quote.
14. Todd Blackledge
Todd never quite lived up to his draft status, but you wouldn’t know that from how he talked. Confidence remained sky-high, even when his stat line said otherwise.
13. Mark Gastineau
A dance, a pose, or a full-blown performance followed every sack. The man turned defensive end into performance art.
12. Brian Bosworth
Yes, he was drafted in the late ’80s, but the Boz lived like he was born for center stage. From the hair to the shades to the soundbites, subtlety was never an option.
11. Lawrence Taylor
LT was the best on the field and knew it. He didn’t just play the game—he dominated it with an aura that screamed, “I’m the show.”
10. Dan Marino
The arm was golden, and so was the self-image. By ’85, Dan carried himself like he was already in the Hall of Fame.
9. Phil Simms
Simms was the kind of quarterback who always looked like he just won an argument. His swagger didn’t always match the results, but that never stopped him from strutting.
8. Joe Theismann
He talked a lot and backed it up most of the time. But even in team huddles, you get the sense Joe is addressing a mirror.
7. Eric Dickerson
The goggles, the game, the attitude—Dickerson made sure you remembered him. And if you didn’t, he’d remind you during a post-game interview.
6. Jim McMahon
The headbands had slogans, and the sunglasses rarely came off. Jimis treated every week like it’s Super Bowl media day.
5. Al Toon
Toon’s quiet ego made you forget he wasn’t WR1 in every category. He was convinced—and that was enough.
4. Tony Dorsett
Dorsett was legendary, and he made sure everyone knew it. Confidence turned to cockiness on more than one occasion.
3. Freeman McNeil
He was a solid back, but the way he talked, you’d think he carried the entire league. Freeman rarely missed a chance to shine—even when the game didn’t.
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2. Billy “White Shoes” Johnson
He had flash, flair, and an entire brand built around his feet. Billy was less of a wide receiver and more of a one-man halftime show.
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1. Ken O’Brien
He was good, but not quite that good—and he still carried himself like he invented quarterbacking. The confidence always outweighed the production.
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