Before they were legends, they were lightning rods. Some of the NFL’s biggest stars started their careers not as beloved heroes but as controversial figures fans loved to boo, question, or just flat-out dislike.
Whether it was their attitude, early-career struggles, off-field drama, or the simple fact that they were too good too fast, these guys had to fight their way out of villain status before finally earning respect. Let’s look at NFL players who flipped the script and turned jeers into cheers.
24. Cam Newton
With the flashy outfits and Superman celebrations, Cam rubbed a lot of people the wrong way early on. But his MVP season and leadership helped win over even the grumpiest critics.
23. Terrell Owens
T.O. made headlines for touchdown dances and quarterback drama before he made them for Hall of Fame credentials. The talent was never in doubt, but the love took a while.
22. Ndamukong Suh
Suh built a reputation as one of the dirtiest players in the game during his early years. Over time, though, he earned praise for his longevity and ability to anchor elite defenses.
21. Richard Sherman
He was loud, brash, and never backed down from a mic or a receiver. His infamous postgame rant made him a villain overnight, but eventually, his greatness couldn’t be denied.
20. James Harrison
Harrison looked and played like a movie villain, with hits that made opponents rethink their career choices. But even haters couldn’t ignore how crucial he was to Pittsburgh’s success.
19. Marshawn Lynch
Media silence and beast mode bravado had people scratching their heads at first. Eventually, everyone just sat back and enjoyed the ride.
18. Ray Lewis
Early in his career, controversy followed Lewis off the field, and his intensity terrified opponents on it. But when the dust settled, he was a respected voice and a two-time champ.
17. Steve Smith Sr.
Smith had a chip on his shoulder the size of Carolina and wasn’t afraid to throw hands to prove a point. Once people got past the fire, they realized they were watching greatness.
16. Philip Rivers
Trash talk, constant jawing, and over-the-top competitiveness made him easy to hate. But the longer he played, the more people came to admire his fire, especially since he did it all without cussing.
15. Deion Sanders
He was flashy, loud, and unapologetically himself, which rubbed old-school fans the wrong way. Prime Time didn’t care—he just kept dominating.
14. Aaron Rodgers
From the moment he was drafted to replace Brett Favre, he had doubters. His personality still divides people, but his resume is impossible to argue with.
13. Bill Romanowski
Romo was the ultimate villain—cheap shots, trash talk, and controversy followed him everywhere. Somehow, he still managed to win and stay relevant.
12. Jalen Ramsey
He talked a big game before he’d even played one. But then he backed it up and became one of the best corners in the league.
11. Keyshawn Johnson
“Just give me the damn ball” didn’t exactly scream team player. But the man made big catches when it counted and left his mark on multiple franchises.
10. Warren Sapp
His early days were full of hot takes, hard hits, and harsh words. But he was also the anchor of one of the nastiest defenses the league has seen.
9. Michael Irvin
With his on-field theatrics and off-field headlines, Irvin wasn’t the easiest guy to root for early on. But his play was too electric to ignore.
8. Tom Brady
Yes, even the GOAT started off with a healthy dose of hate—he was too perfect, too lucky, and too tied to controversy. Then he just kept winning, and eventually, people gave in.
7. Ray Rice
Before his fall from grace, Rice was already a polarizing figure thanks to his physical style and blunt attitude. His story is complicated, but his early career had plenty of villain vibes.
6. Odell Beckham Jr.
The one-handed catch made him a star, but the sideline tantrums and media drama made him a villain. Still, talent like his is hard to stay mad at forever.
5. Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben had a bumpy road early on, both on and off the field. But with two rings and a long career in Pittsburgh, he eventually became a franchise icon.
4. Tyreek Hill
Hill came into the league with serious off-field baggage. Over time, his game-breaking speed and performance earned him a different kind of spotlight.
Read More: 15 Athletes Who Became Villains Without Even Trying
3. Antonio Brown
AB’s journey is one of the wildest in NFL history—he went from underdog to superstar to villain and back again (kind of). For a stretch, though, he was the best in the game.
Read More: Ranking the 15 NFL Teams Most in Their “Villain Era”
2. Bill Belichick
He was seen as cold, robotic, and always toeing the ethical line. Not a player, but you can’t argue with the rings, and even his enemies respect his genius.
Read More: 20 Sports Franchises That Thrived as Villains
1. Randy Moss
He was seen as a diva and a locker room risk before he became one of the most dominant receivers ever. Moss made “I play when I want to play” sound like a threat—and a promise.
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