Every NFL quarterback deals with criticism, but some just can’t seem to take the heat without pointing fingers. Whether it’s blaming the media, the coaches, or their teammates, these quarterbacks made a habit of portraying themselves as the ones being wronged.
Sometimes it was subtle, other times it was a full-blown pity party. Either way, these 15 QBs knew how to lean into the victim narrative just a little too hard.
15. Zach Wilson
When things went south in New York, Wilson seemed more confused than accountable. Every press conference felt like he was pleading his case to a judge rather than owning up to his play.
14. Carson Wentz
Wentz always found a way to look like the guy who never got a fair shot, even when he clearly did. Injuries, locker room tension, and coaching changes all became part of his personal sob story.
13. Josh Rosen
Rosen came into the league with a chip on his shoulder and left it with a list of excuses. He blamed everyone but himself for why things never clicked in the NFL.
12. Jay Cutler
Cutler had the body language of someone who believed the world was out to get him. Whether it was booing fans or skeptical coaches, he never seemed thrilled to take the blame.
11. Cam Newton
Cam loved the spotlight when things were going well, but often bristled when the attention turned negative. His postgame interviews turned into mini TED Talks on why he was misunderstood.
10. Derek Carr
Carr always made it sound like no one believed in him, even when they actually did. His emotional pressers often painted him as the loyal soldier caught in a war he didn’t start.
9. Colin Kaepernick
Kaepernick’s post-49ers career was filled with narratives about how the league had wronged him. Whether you agree or not, he leaned heavily into the role of martyr both on and off the field.
8. Baker Mayfield
Baker wore his underdog status like armor, even when he was the first overall pick. Any slight—real or imagined—was turned into fuel for his endless “me vs. the world” campaign.
7. Matt Leinart
Leinart acted like the NFL never gave him a real shot, despite several chances to prove himself. His fallback excuse was always that he was a system QB stuck in the wrong era.
6. Tim Tebow
Tebow treated criticism like persecution, making it seem like faith—not football—was the reason he got benched. His victim narrative often overshadowed any actual on-field shortcomings.
5. Kyler Murray
Kyler bristled at criticism and acted as though the media just didn’t “get him.” His body language and postgame comments screamed, “Nobody appreciates me.”
4. Vince Young
Young felt betrayed by coaches, teammates, and front offices alike. His downfall was blamed on everyone but himself, and he never stopped reminding people he once made the Pro Bowl.
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3. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers walks the fine line between genius and grievance. He’s always ready with a subtle dig or philosophical monologue on how people just don’t understand him.
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2. Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben often used injuries or locker room drama to cast himself as the misunderstood hero. He had a knack for making every situation seem like it was happening to him.
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1. Russell Wilson
Russ wants to be the good guy in every story, but sometimes he leans a little too hard into the victim narrative. Whether it’s shade from former teammates or coaching changes, he always finds a way to be the one who was wronged.
