Confidence is a requirement in the NFL, but some players treat the line between swagger and arrogance like it’s optional. Whether they were dancing in the end zone, calling themselves the GOAT, or just refusing to take any blame, these players could’ve toned it down a notch, or five.
From legendary trash talkers to guys who thought every play should be a highlight reel moment (for them), this list is a reminder that talent doesn’t always come with self-awareness. Let’s count down 20 NFL stars who could’ve used a little slice of humble pie.
20. Michael Irvin
Irvin never met a camera or microphone he didn’t like. As great as he was, the constant bravado sometimes made people forget he was actually on a team.
19. Richard Sherman
Sherman’s infamous postgame rant about Michael Crabtree is still one of the most meme-able moments in NFL history. Subtlety was never his strong suit.
18. Odell Beckham Jr.
OBJ’s highlight catches were amazing, but his celebrations, sideline antics, and fashion statements sometimes overshadowed his game. It was like watching a reality show with cleats.
17. Terrell Owens
If there were an all-time team for ego, TO would be a unanimous first-ballot selection. The driveway sit-ups alone earn him a place on this list.
16. Antonio Brown
Brown’s career went from elite production to a rollercoaster of headlines. Talent through the roof, but his humility stayed in the basement.
15. Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey talks like every receiver is beneath him, even when he’s getting torched. Trash talk is fun, but backing it up every snap is another thing entirely.
14. Cam Newton
Cam’s MVP season was electric, but the dab-heavy celebrations and post-loss press conference silence didn’t exactly scream humility. Great player, but not always the most gracious.
13. Jay Cutler
Cutler carried himself like a guy who won three Super Bowls, not one playoff game. His eternal scowl and dismissive demeanor didn’t help.
12. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers is a wizard on the field, but his press conferences often sound like TED Talks on how little he cares about your opinion. Smarter than everyone? Maybe. Humble about it? Not even close.
11. Chad Johnson
Chad loved Chad. From changing his name to Ochocinco to sending Pepto-Bismol to defenders, subtlety was never part of the game plan.
10. Deion Sanders
Prime Time was a brand before that was a thing. The man backed it up, sure, but he never stopped reminding you that he did.
9. Johnny Manziel
“Johnny Football” came into the league with more hype than humility. The money signs and nightlife caught up to him way faster than defenders ever did.
8. Rex Ryan
Okay, he’s not a player, but his ego belonged in the huddle. Rex talked like the Jets were a dynasty when they were mostly just a good defense and vibes.
7. Baker Mayfield
Baker played with a chip on his shoulder and let everyone know about it. From planting flags to chirping at opponents, he sometimes acted like he was already in Canton.
6. Joe Namath
Broadway Joe predicted a Super Bowl win and delivered, but he also strutted like a guy with five rings. The fur coats and flashy lifestyle made him a larger-than-life figure, with the ego to match.
5. Brett Favre
Favre was legendary but never met a gunslinger moment he didn’t love. Even when he threw soul-crushing picks, the “aw shucks” routine didn’t exactly scream accountability.
4. Keyshawn Johnson
“Just give me the damn ball” became his personal slogan—and brand. He was loud, proud, and never shy about his importance to the offense.
3. Dez Bryant
Dez was an emotional force on the field, but sometimes it came with sideline tantrums and self-centered energy. Passion is great, but perspective matters too.
2. Vince Young
Young thought the NFL would be as easy as college. After one big rookie year, he declared himself a legend—and then things unraveled fast.
Read More: 25 NFL Stars Who Had Zero Humility
1. Tom Brady
Yes, he’s the GOAT. But Brady’s constant edge, chip-on-the-shoulder routine, and sometimes smug demeanor make it clear he never forgot a slight, or let you forget he hadn’t.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Inflated Egos in NFL History
