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25 NFL Players Teammates Secretly Couldn’t Stand

NFL locker rooms are full of personalities, egos, and strong opinions—and not everyone gets along. While fans only see the touchdowns and sound bites, behind closed doors, there are players who rubbed their teammates the wrong way, sparked drama, or just couldn’t help being the center of attention.

Whether it was constant media antics, selfish play, or just an all-around bad vibe, these 25 players didn’t exactly win over the whole team. From passive-aggressive comments to full-blown blowups, these guys had a knack for making things awkward at practice.

25. Jimmy Graham

Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) reacts after making a catch for a first down against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field.
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

He came in with big expectations and a tight end-sized ego to match. Some teammates reportedly felt like he was more concerned about stats than the team’s success.

24. Kerry Collins

Nov 9, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Kerry Collins (5) throws a pass as he is pressured by Chicago Bears defensive tackle Marcus Harrison (94) during the third quarter at Soldier Field. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14.
Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

Known for being moody and distant, Collins didn’t always click with teammates in the huddle or the locker room. It didn’t help that some thought he lacked leadership when it mattered most.

23. Antonio Cromartie

Oct 14, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) returns an interception against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Metlife Stadium
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

He was flashy, loud, and unapologetic—and not everyone appreciated that energy. Some teammates quietly questioned his commitment when things didn’t go his way.

22. Richie Incognito

Sep 13, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills center Richie Incognito (64) against the Indianapolis Colts at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Colts 27 to 14.
Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

His name is practically synonymous with locker room drama. Even before the bullying scandal, he had a reputation for being aggressive and hard to be around.

21. Jay Cutler

Dec 24, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler (6) prepares to throw the ball during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The body language, the shrugs, the sideline sulking—it was a vibe. And that vibe didn’t always scream “beloved teammate.”

20. Albert Haynesworth

Nov 9, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive tackles Albert Haynesworth (92) and Tony Brown (97) rest between plays against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14.
Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

He secured the bag, then seemed to check out. Players weren’t shy about their frustration when his effort clearly didn’t match his paycheck.

19. Percy Harvin

Aug 22, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin (11) carries the ball after catching a pass during the first half against the Chicago Bears at CenturyLink Field
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Blazing speed on the field, but equally explosive off it. Harvin reportedly clashed with multiple teammates and had a short fuse that wore people down.

18. Odell Beckham Jr.

Sep 23, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs after a reception against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

There’s no denying the talent, but some thought he brought unnecessary distractions. Not every teammate appreciated the off-field theatrics and media circus.

17. Martellus Bennett

Sep 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) makes a catch and is tackled by Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) during the first half at Soldier Field.
Dennis Wierzbicki-Imagn Images

He was loud, opinionated, and never afraid to speak his mind—even if it ruffled feathers. While some loved his honesty, others thought he brought too much drama.

16. Donovan McNabb

September 19, 2010; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb (5) passes the ball as Houston Texans safety Bernard Pollard (31) chases in the second quarter at FedEx Field.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Even with all his success, he struggled to connect with some teammates. Tensions with wide receivers and passive-aggressive postgame comments didn’t help his rep.

15. Jalen Ramsey

Dec 6, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (20) reacts against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

His trash talk wasn’t just reserved for opponents—he sometimes brought it into the building. Some teammates found it motivating, while others found it exhausting.

14. Cam Newton

Oct 18, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws under pressure from Denver Broncos linebacker Derrek Tuszka (48) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium
Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

His confidence and charisma were part of the package—but not everyone bought into it. Some teammates reportedly felt like he was more style than substance at times.

13. Michael Thomas

Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) catches a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams (13) in the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Once dubbed “Can’t Guard Mike,” he started to feel like “Can’t Get Along Mike.” Injuries, social media shade, and locker room tension made things messy.

12. Kellen Winslow II

October 16, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Kellen Winslow (82) during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium.
Kim Klement-Imagn Images

He brought baggage to nearly every team he joined. Teammates reportedly didn’t know what version of him they were getting from one week to the next.

11. Johnny Manziel

Nov 30, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Kevin Hoffman-Imagn Images

The hype was loud, and so was the lifestyle. Many teammates lost patience when the partying seemed to matter more than the playbook.

10. Eli Apple

Oct 22, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants corner back Eli Apple (24) reacts after breaking up a pass in the end zone during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

A first-round pick who quickly wore out his welcome. Multiple teammates openly questioned his effort and attitude, which is rare in a league that usually keeps things in-house.

9. Randy Moss (Oakland Years)

Dec. 31, 2005; Oakland, Calif, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver (18) Randy Moss expresses his displeasure with head coach Norv Turner (not pictured) during their game against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter at McAfee Coliseum.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Hall of Fame talent, but during his Raiders stint, he barely tried. His lack of effort and sour attitude turned a lot of heads—and not in a good way.

8. Terrell Owens

Dec 7, 2008; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens (81) runs after a catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers beat the Cowboys 20-13
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

TO could light up a scoreboard and a locker room. From shouting matches to driveway workouts, his teammate relationships were always…complicated.

7. Aaron Rodgers

Aug 26, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) celebrates his touchdown pass against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium
Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Brilliant quarterback, but he’s had more passive-aggressive moments than most. From cryptic interviews to subtle jabs, some teammates reportedly just tuned him out.

6. Jonathan Martin

Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) celebrates with tackle Jonathan Martin (71) after scoring a 6 yard touchdown during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

His story is tragic and layered, but teammates weren’t always sure how to handle him. The fallout from the bullying scandal left lasting tension and discomfort.

5. Jeff George

Nov 5, 2000; Tempe, AZ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins quarterback Jeff George (3) in action against the Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium.
Peter Brouillet-Imagn Images

Rocket arm, radioactive personality. Coaches and teammates alike found him nearly impossible to work with due to his attitude and stubbornness.

Read More: 15 Quarterbacks Who Won Over Every Locker Room

4. Vince Young

January 6, 2008; San Diego, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young (10) hands off to running back LenDale White (25) against the San Diego Chargers in the first half during the AFC Wild Card game at Qualcomm Stadium.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

He struggled with leadership and clashed with coaches, which didn’t sit well in the locker room. When confidence turned into conflict, things went south quickly.

Read More: 20 NBA Teammates Everyone Wanted to Play With

3. Baker Mayfield

Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) drops back to pass against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The swagger was part of his brand, but it rubbed some the wrong way. Not everyone appreciated the constant headlines and fiery antics, especially when wins didn’t follow.

Read More: 20 Athletes Who Treated Teammates Like Family

2. Ben Roethlisberger

Nov 18, 2018; Jacksonville, FL, USA;Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) winds up and throws a 78 yard touchdown pass during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field
Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

His resume is elite, but his leadership style wasn’t for everyone. Several teammates over the years hinted that Big Ben wasn’t exactly a unifying force.

Read More: 20 NFL Stars Who Were Excellent Teammates

1. Antonio Brown

Oct 28, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) in action during the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

From Facebook Live fiascos to walk-off exits, Brown was a walking headline. His off-field chaos and locker room drama reached legendary levels—and not in a good way.

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