Every NFL team has a guy who thinks he’s the guy. He struts into the building like the future Hall of Fame bust is already being sculpted, throws out some buzzwords about “changing the culture,” and posts vague Instagram captions about “legacy.”
But the truth? Most of these dudes were more talk than takeover. Whether it was inflated ego, lack of production, or bad timing, these 20 players acted like the franchise revolved around them, only for reality to hit like a blindside sack.
20. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football walked into Cleveland like a rock star, ready to save the city. He left as a cautionary tale with more headlines than highlights.
19. Chase Claypool
After a promising rookie year, Claypool crowned himself a top-tier receiver. Then he bounced from team to team looking for the spotlight he never quite earned.
18. Blake Bortles
Bortles had a solid playoff run and suddenly looked like Jacksonville’s chosen one. The defense carried the load, and Blake followed the ride.
17. Josh Rosen
Rosen famously said there were “nine mistakes” ahead of him in the draft. The fundamental mistake was assuming he’d start carving statues before carving out a stable QB job.
16. Sam Darnold
The Jets hoped Sam would be the next great quarterback in green. But all the “franchise savior” vibes faded once the turnovers piled up. Sam revived himself in Minnesota, but we’ll have to wait and see if that was just a fluke once he starts his season in Seattle.
15. Kelvin Benjamin
Benjamin showed early flashes in Carolina and talked like a WR1. But he quickly became known more for missed opportunities than monster seasons.
14. Vince Young
Young had that epic Rose Bowl moment and entered the league with sky-high expectations. But off-field drama and inconsistent play dimmed the franchise-quarterback hype.
13. Baker Mayfield
From planting flags to fiery pressers, Baker brought all the energy of a face-of-the-franchise guy. But the Browns eventually decided they needed more than swagger. Baker’s been solid in Tampa, but it’s not like he’s lighting things up.
12. Carson Wentz
Wentz was once an MVP front-runner and Philly’s golden boy. But things unraveled fast, and multiple teams later, the “franchise QB” label is long gone.
11. Antonio Brown
AB had the numbers to back up the attitude in Pittsburgh. But chaos followed once he started trying to run the show everywhere else.
10. Robert Griffin III
RGIII burst onto the scene and looked every bit the future of the league. But injuries and a lack of adaptability turned his story into a what-could-have-been.
9. Jay Cutler
Cutler’s arm talent was never questioned, but the leadership and consistency never showed up. He acted like Chicago was his town, but the results didn’t match.
8. Odell Beckham Jr.
OBJ became a superstar after that catch, and the swagger never stopped. But being the face of a franchise means more than going viral on Sundays.
7. Matt Leinart
Leinart rolled into the NFL like a Hollywood quarterback with a Heisman shine. But the NFL spotlight exposed how far he was from being that guy.
6. Cam Akers
Akers once hinted he was ready to take over LA’s backfield and run the show. But his short stints and constant movement suggest otherwise.
5. Mitch Trubisky
The Bears traded up to get him, and Trubisky was ready to embrace the spotlight. Unfortunately, his time in Chicago was more confusing than convincing.
4. Zach Wilson
Wilson carried himself like he had already made it, and the Jets tried to sell him as the future. But the on-field play told a very different story.
3. Jameis Winston
Jameis talked like a leader and carried the confidence of a franchise face. But those 30 interceptions in a season spoke a little louder.
2. Russell Wilson (Broncos & Steelers Version)
Russ cooked in Seattle, but when he landed in Denver and Pittsburgh, he acted like the savior had arrived. The results? Let’s say it didn’t quite feel like a takeover.
1. Terrell Owens
T.O. was always the loudest in the room — and often the most talented. But for all his claims of being “the guy,” teams kept deciding they were better off without the drama.
Read More: 20 NFL Teams That Thought They Had Their Franchise QB (They Didn’t)
