Grudges and football go hand in hand. When you mix high stakes, bruised egos, and decades of personal slights, it’s no wonder some of the NFL’s biggest legends couldn’t move on.
Whether it was beef with coaches, front offices, or the media, these players held onto their grudges like a fumble recovery in the Super Bowl. Some of them eventually cooled off—others are still throwing verbal jabs in retirement. Let’s count down 17 NFL legends who never really let it go.
17. Terrell Owens
Owens had a Hall of Fame career and a Hall of Fame chip on his shoulder. From the 49ers to the Eagles to the Cowboys, he never forgot a slight—and he let everyone know it.
16. Bart Scott
Even long after retirement, Bart Scott still brings up his disdain for the Patriots. “Can’t wait!” wasn’t just a catchphrase—it was a declaration of football vengeance.
15. Shannon Sharpe
Sharpe made a career out of trash talk, and he’s still holding receipts on TV today. Whether it’s calling out old rivals or beefing with current players, the grudge energy lives on.
14. Richard Sherman
Sherman famously went off on Michael Crabtree after the NFC Championship, and that was just the beginning. He’s never been afraid to remind people who doubted him.
13. Randy Moss
From his exit in Minnesota to his brief return and abrupt exit again, Moss never really forgave how teams treated him. He still sounds a little salty about it—and honestly, fair.
12. James Harrison
Harrison was one of the most feared defenders in the league, and he played with a personal edge. His breakup with the Steelers left a mark, and he’s never really sugarcoated his feelings.
11. Keyshawn Johnson
Keyshawn’s tell-all book, “Just Give Me the Damn Ball,” made it clear—he had some bones to pick. And he never seemed interested in forgiveness.
10. Eric Dickerson
Dickerson and the Rams have had a love-hate relationship for years. He’s been vocal about every contract dispute and slight, long after hanging up the cleats.
9. Jay Cutler
Cutler had the arm of a gunslinger and the glare of a man perpetually annoyed. Whether it was the media, teammates, or just vibes, he never quite let things go.
8. Steve Smith Sr.
Smith played angrily, and it showed every Sunday. He kept a mental list of doubters, and even in retirement, he still brings them up for motivational purposes.
7. Jim McMahon
McMahon didn’t just win—he won with attitude and a grudge against authority. Whether it was coaches, the NFL itself, or just the media, he never forgot who crossed him.
6. Joe Horn
Horn was flashy, loud, and always carried a bit of a chip. His exit from the Saints left him bitter, and he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind about it.
5. DeAngelo Hall
Hall never turned down a chance to talk trash, even years after retiring. He’s kept his rivalries alive with spicy commentary and social media zingers.
4. Troy Vincent
Vincent had a solid career, but he’s held a grudge against how specific NFL policies were handled, especially after he moved into the league office. His transition from player to executive didn’t mellow him much.
Read More: 20 NFL Stars Who Treat Every Slight Like a Personal Betrayal
3. Boomer Esiason
Esiason is more known now for his media career, but that hasn’t stopped him from bringing up old grudges. Whether it’s about team management or playoff heartbreaks, Boomer remembers.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Pettiest Quarterbacks of All Time
2. Brett Favre
Favre’s messy divorce from the Packers turned into a full-blown grudge saga. His back-and-forth with the franchise was dramatic, emotional, and lasted years.
Read More: 15 Quarterbacks Who Could Never Let Anything Go(Opens in a new browser tab)
1. Tom Brady
Yes, even the GOAT holds grudges—especially against the teams and coaches who passed on him or let him go. He’s built an entire brand on proving people wrong, and he still seems fueled by it.
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