Every fanbase has that one guy they swore they “supported,” even though their eye twitched every time he stepped on the field. Maybe it was the smiling quarterback who threw too many picks, the overpriced wide receiver who never lived up to the hype, or the “hometown hero” who mostly just annoyed everyone.
This list is dedicated to the players fans publicly defended on Twitter but privately screamed at during every third-and-long. These are the NFL players fans pretended to love, even though deep down, they couldn’t wait to move on.
19. Jay Cutler
Bears fans spent years trying to convince themselves that Jay Cutler was the guy. But the constant interceptions and “I-don’t-care” body language made it really hard to keep up the act.
18. Ezekiel Elliott
Cowboys fans went all in on Zeke… until it was clear he’d lost a step and was eating up the salary cap. They still wore the jerseys, but their hearts were already with Tony Pollard.
17. JuJu Smith-Schuster
He danced his way into the fans’ good graces—at first. But eventually, the TikToks wore thin, and the production didn’t back up the brand.
16. Baker Mayfield
Cleveland wanted Baker to be their savior so badly, they ignored every red flag. But after a few too many “chip on the shoulder” pressers and underwhelming games, reality set in.
15. Nnamdi Asomugha
Eagles fans celebrated like they landed a shutdown legend, but that version of Asomugha never showed up. Instead, they got a corner who looked confused and overpaid.
14. Carson Wentz
There was a brief MVP-caliber flash, and fans held onto that for dear life. But the injuries, turnovers, and awkward leadership vibes made it hard to stay loyal.
13. Odell Beckham Jr.
Giants fans adored the highlight catches but quietly bristled at the drama. Once the team started losing, the patience with OBJ vanished quickly.
12. Albert Haynesworth
Washington fans told themselves they were getting a game-wrecker. What they got was a paycheck collector who showed up out of shape and uninterested.
11. Cam Newton (Patriots Version)
Patriots fans tried so hard to get behind Cam’s one-year stint. But they missed Brady, and Cam’s performance didn’t make it any easier.
10. Le’Veon Bell
Jets fans convinced themselves this was a franchise-altering signing. Then he averaged 3 yards a carry and reminded them why Pittsburgh moved on.
9. Sam Darnold
Jets fans wanted him to be “the one,” even as ghosts haunted him on national TV. It took a few years, but eventually, they admitted he was never going to be the answer.
8. Percy Harvin
Electric when healthy, sure—but that was almost never. Seahawks fans loved the idea of Percy Harvin more than the reality.
7. Nick Foles (Post-Philly Stints)
Eagles fans will always love the Super Bowl version of Foles. But other teams tried to replicate that magic, and their fans found out quick—it was a Philly-only phenomenon.
6. Mark Sanchez
The “Sanchize” nickname was cool for a hot second. Then came the Butt Fumble, and everyone quietly walked away from the hype.
5. Jameis Winston
Bucs fans swore he was just a few interceptions away from greatness. But eventually, even the most loyal fans realized 30 picks were 30 too many.
4. Trent Richardson
Browns fans thought they finally had their franchise running back. Then he started running into his own linemen, and the dream collapsed fast.
Read More: 19 NFL Stars Who Got Exposed When They Switched Teams
3. Tim Tebow
Broncos fans defended him like he was the second coming, even when it was clear the passing game was… let’s say “unorthodox.” The miracle wins helped, but the act couldn’t last forever.
Read More: 19 NFL Stars Who Got Exposed When They Switched Teams
2. Tony Romo
Cowboys fans acted like they were always behind Romo, but that wasn’t the case during his career. They only truly appreciated him once he was in the broadcast booth.
Read More: 20 of the NFL’s Most Expensive Letdowns
1. Russell Wilson (Broncos Version)
Broncos fans forced a smile and said “Let’s Ride” way too many times in 2022. Deep down, they knew something was off, and now they can finally admit it.
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