Every NFL player needs confidence, but some guys took self-belief to delusional levels. Whether it was wild pregame declarations, off-field bravado, or a complete disconnect between perception and production, these players convinced themselves they were all-time greats—even when the rest of us weren’t buying it.
This isn’t about talent alone. This is about the guys who carried themselves like icons but never quite lived up to their hype machines. Let’s count down the NFL players who were legends in their minds.
14. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football entered the league like a rock star, acting like he’d already made Canton. Unfortunately, the NFL isn’t impressed by frat house fame.
13. Robert Griffin III
RGIII thought he would change the league forever after his rookie season. He might’ve had the brand, but the body—and the tape—couldn’t keep up.
12. Le’Veon Bell
Le’Veon held out like a generational weapon, but fizzled after leaving Pittsburgh. He talked like a superstar but aged like a journeyman.
11. Vince Young
Vince Young said the Titans were a dream team before the season started. He might’ve believed it, but reality had other plans.
10. Odell Beckham Jr.
OBJ had a few electric seasons, then acted like a walking Hall of Famer. The highlight reel stayed in his head longer than on the field.
9. Cam Newton
Cam always had the swagger of a champion, even when his play said otherwise. His MVP season was real, but the legend he crafted in his mind never went away.
8. Baker Mayfield
Baker planted flags, talked trash, and told the world he was built differently. NFL defenses disagreed loudly.
7. Chase Claypool
Claypool once called himself a top-three receiver in the league. He was closer to the top three on the bench.
6. Antonio Brown
AB genuinely believed he was untouchable, on and off the field. He let his myth of himself get louder than his talent, which made him special.
5. DeAngelo Hall
Hall talked like he was the second coming of Deion Sanders. Opposing quarterbacks treated him like a regular Tuesday.
4. JaMarcus Russell
Russell briefly believed he was the franchise’s future, as did the Raiders. Unfortunately, his arm strength couldn’t carry his ego or the offense.
3. Michael Crabtree
Crabtree thought he was elite, but Richard Sherman ensured everyone knew otherwise. That moment said it all.
2. Eli Apple
Apple has never been short on confidence, chirping like a lockdown corner. The problem is, his actual lockdown rate was more wishful thinking than statistical fact.
Read More: 10 NFL Wide Receivers Who Built Their Brand Before Their Legacy
1. Terrell Pryor
Pryor reinvented himself as a wide receiver and quickly labeled himself unstoppable. One good season does not a legend make—but try telling him that.
Read More: 15 NFL Players Who Thought They Were Legends on Day One
