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20 NFL Stars Who Went Off on Reporters

Sometimes, the only thing more unpredictable than an NFL game is an NFL press conference. When the cameras are rolling and the questions get spicy, even the league’s biggest stars can lose their cool.

From awkward silences to full-blown tirades, these moments remind us that not all interviews unfold as planned. Let’s count down 20 NFL players who went off on reporters—and made headlines for reasons that had nothing to do with the scoreboard.

20. Aaron Rodgers

Oct 27, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) answers questions from reporter Michelle Tafoya after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Packers win 44-31.
Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Rodgers usually plays it cool, but he has had a few passive-aggressive moments when the media gets a little too intrusive. He’ll smile through the shade, but the message lands loud and clear.

19. Richard Sherman

Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Richard Sherman on the Thursday Night Football Tonight set at SoFi Stadium.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Sherman doesn’t hold back, especially if he thinks a question lacks respect. He once told a reporter, mid-interview, that they were “better than that.”

18. Cam Newton

Feb 7, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Cam Newton on Radio Row at the Super Bowl LIX media center.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cam’s been known to throw some side-eye when a reporter rubs him the wrong way. One comment about a female reporter’s question remains a topic of discussion years later.

17. Bill Romanowski

Apr 20, 2007; Avondale AZ, USA; Former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski addresses the media at Phoenix International Raceway.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Romanowski didn’t just hit people on the field—he verbally hit reporters, too. His temper didn’t stop when the whistle blew.

16. Terrell Owens

July 25, 2009; Pittsford, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens (81) during the press conference after the first session of training camp.
Kevin Hoffman-Imagn Images

T.O. always brought drama, and the podium wasn’t safe either. He once snapped back mid-question and reminded everyone he wasn’t one to be disrespected.

15. Baker Mayfield

Jun 10, 2025; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) gives a press conference after mini camp at AdventHealth Training Center.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Baker doesn’t like what he calls “dumb questions,” and he has no problem saying so on the record. He’s walked out of interviews more than once after clashing with the press.

14. Jalen Ramsey

Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey addresses reporters at the team facility Thursday. Img 9675
HAL HABIB / The Palm Beach Post / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ramsey doesn’t mince words when he’s got something to say—and reporters have felt that heat. If he thinks your question is trash, he’ll tell you straight up.

13. Dez Bryant

Dec 2, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; NBC sideline reporter Michelle Tafoya interviews Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) running back DeMarco Murray (29) and receiver Dez Bryant (88) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Eagles 38-33.
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Bryant has had several testy media run-ins, especially when things weren’t going well on the field. One time, he even had to be pulled away from a reporter postgame.

12. Jay Cutler

Sep 19, 2010; Arlington, TX, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) is interviewed by NFL network reporter Kara Hendeson against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. The Bears beat the Bears 27-20.
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Cutler’s icy stare and “don’t care” attitude didn’t win over many media members. He didn’t yell, but the snark was strong.

11. Marshawn Lynch

Aug 30, 2018; Seattle, WA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (left) talks with Seahawks radio siideline reporter Jen Mueller (center0 nad Seahawks coach Pete Carroll during a preseason game at CenturyLink Field.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Marshawn’s whole press game was one big protest. From “I’m just here so I won’t get fined” to deadpan silence, he turned media scrums into viral moments.

10. Antonio Brown

Dec 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) is interviewed by NBC network reporter Michele Tafoya (right) after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-17.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

AB’s off-field behavior has often bled into his interactions with the press. He’s called out reporters by name and gone on wild rants in interviews.

9. Bill Belichick

Feb 5, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick greets a reporter before Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Technically not a player, but Belichick’s pressers are infamous. His grumpy one-word answers and eye rolls are a weekly media event.

8. Randy Moss

Jan 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; (l-r) ESPN reporters Suzy Kolber talks with analyst Matt Hasselbeck, Randy Moss, and Charles Woodson prior to the game with the Houston Texans playing against the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium.
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Moss could charm when he wanted, but he wasn’t shy about barking back when provoked. His “straight cash, homie” line came after dodging a fine-related question.

7. Ben Roethlisberger

Feb 2, 2006; Detroit, MI, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger answers reporters questions at a press conference at the Detroit Marriott Pontiac at Centerpoint.
Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Big Ben has clashed with reporters over injury talk, criticism, and more. He’s gone from dismissive to downright irritated on multiple occasions.

6. Warren Sapp

Feb 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFL former player Warren Sapp reacts after being selected to the pro football hall of fame during a NFL Network presentation at the New Orleans Convention Center.
Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

Sapp treated postgame interviews like full-contact drills. If a reporter came at him wrong, he came right back, twice as hard.

5. Odell Beckham Jr.

Odell Beckham Jr., wide receiver for the LA Rams, talks with reporters on Super Bowl Media Day at William Rolland Stadium on Friday, Feb 11, 2022. Don't use duplicate
JUAN CARLO/THE STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK

OBJ hasn’t always appreciated the media’s focus on his antics. He’s blasted reporters for stirring up narratives and even stormed off a few times.

4. Eli Apple

Feb 11, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple (20) following practice for Super Bowl LVI at Drake Stadium.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Apple had some rocky years and didn’t appreciate being reminded of them. He once called a reporter “a liar” and refused to take questions.

Read More: The 15 Most Dull Quarterbacks of All Time

3. Keyshawn Johnson

This year's Gala honored former Tampa Bay Buc wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson. The mission of the annual Dick Vitale Gala's is to raise money for pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation for Cancer Research to help men, women and children diagnosed with cancer. This year the 2022, 17th Annual Dick Vitale Gala raises a record $11.1 million. For more information and how to donate visit v.org. Sar Dick Vitale Gala 12
THOMAS BENDER/HERALD-TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK

Keyshawn could be charming or combative, depending on the day. When things turned south, he’d go on long rants that left reporters stunned.

Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Pompous NFL Quarterbacks of All Time

2. Jonathan Allen

Dec 30, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) talks to reporters at Sugar Bowl media day at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Chuck Cook-Imagn Images

Allen had a postgame moment where frustration boiled over, leading to a heated exchange. He later apologized, but the clip lived on.

Read More: 25 Athletes Who Treated Every Interview Like a TED Talk

1. Tom Brady

Nov 6, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) speaks to CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson anger beating the Los Angeles Rams at Raymond James Stadium.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Even the GOAT has cracked. Brady famously walked out of pressers, bristled at questions about teammates, and let his frustration show—usually right before reminding the room he’s got seven rings.

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