Confidence is a key ingredient for success in the NFL—but sometimes the bravado doesn’t exactly match the box score. From over-the-top celebrations to media declarations of greatness, some players talked like legends even when the play didn’t always back it up.
This list is all about those NFL stars who had the swagger, the attitude, and the belief that they were That Guy… but the on-field results were more of a mixed bag. Whether they flashed brilliance in brief bursts or just never quite lived up to their own hype, these players definitely weren’t lacking in self-belief.
29. Paxton Lynch
Lynch looked the part and carried himself like a franchise savior, but Denver quickly learned otherwise. The confidence stayed sky-high even as his career quietly fizzled.
28. Jimmy Clausen
Clausen showed up in Carolina like he was the next big thing, full of self-assurance. Then the actual football started, and the tape wasn’t kind.
27. Vince Young
Young had the swagger, the highlight plays, and the college pedigree to match. But his NFL consistency never lived up to the early promise or his self-belief.
26. Dwayne Haskins
Haskins carried himself like a seasoned starter from day one. Unfortunately, the performances didn’t support the confidence.
25. Kellen Winslow II
Winslow famously called himself a “soldier,” which was quite the declaration. Sadly, his on-field play didn’t live up to that same intensity.
24. Blake Bortles
Bortles had confidence in buckets and even led a playoff run. But week to week, his game was more rollercoaster than reliable.
23. Johnny Manziel
Manziel came into the league acting like a superstar before proving anything. Confidence? Off the charts. Consistency? Nowhere to be found.
22. Jay Cutler
Cutler had the arm talent and the attitude—he just never had the steady performances to go with it. His infamous “I don’t care” face became a whole mood.
21. Eli Apple
Apple’s social media confidence has always been Pro Bowl-level. Unfortunately, the coverage skills haven’t quite matched.
20. Sam Darnold
Darnold always seemed to speak like a QB1. But the constant turnovers and lackluster reads told a different story. Maybe he’ll be able to rewrite his story in Seattle.
19. Robert Griffin III
RGIII started his career with swagger and results, but only one stuck around. He never lost confidence, even as his play struggled to bounce back.
18. LeGarrette Blount
Blount ran angry and talked tough, but his production wildly fluctuated from team to team. You never knew if you were getting three yards or three touchdowns.
17. Josh Norman
Norman talked a big game after one elite season in Carolina. Then quarterbacks started targeting him—and the results got less pretty.
16. Baker Mayfield
Baker’s belief in himself has never wavered, even when the interceptions came in bunches. He might win some weeks, but you never quite know which Baker is showing up.
15. Mark Sanchez
Sanchez always carried himself like the guy, even during the Butt Fumble era. His confidence never dipped, even if his accuracy did.
14. Dez Bryant
Dez made sure everyone knew he was “throw-up-the-X” elite. And while he had monster moments, there were just as many inconsistencies.
13. Cam Newton (Late-career)
Prime Cam was a beast—but later Cam still acted like he was MVP Newton. The aura remained, even if the arm didn’t.
12. Dante Hall
The “Human Joystick” nickname gave him legendary vibes. But he had as many quiet games as explosive ones.
11. Terrelle Pryor
Pryor confidently switched from quarterback to wide receiver, as if it was no big deal. He had one big season… and then it was crickets.
10. Michael Crabtree
Crabtree thought he was an elite wideout from day one. Richard Sherman had a few thoughts about that—and the inconsistency only confirmed it.
9. Tavon Austin
Austin came into the league hyped as an all-purpose weapon. But his confidence stayed higher than his yards per game ever did.
8. Tony Romo
Romo always exuded calm leadership, but his play could be maddeningly up and down. Cowboys fans never quite knew what they were getting.
7. Chad Henne
Henne stayed in the league forever and always spoke like a starter. The problem was, his numbers screamed backup.
6. JaMarcus Russell
Russell had the confidence of a generational talent. But his film study—or lack thereof—told a different story.
5. Odell Beckham Jr. (Post-Giants)
OBJ still walked and talked like the best receiver in football, even as the production dipped. The brand outlasted the box scores.
4. Ryan Leaf
Leaf was infamously confident to the point of being combative. His career unraveled fast, but the belief in himself lingered much longer.
3. Tim Tebow
Tebowmania was a vibe, and Tebow believed every bit of it. But outside of a few miraculous moments, his consistency was never there.
2. Jalen Ramsey (Early Career)
Ramsey talked like a shutdown legend from day one. The talent was there—but so were some major ups and downs.
Read More: 20 Head Coaches Who Never Lacked Confidence
1. Antonio Brown (Late-Career)
Early in his career, AB was unstoppable—but by the end, his antics were louder than his production. The confidence never dipped, even when his playing time and teams did.
