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23 NFL Wide Receivers Who Were Obsessed With the Spotlight

Some wide receivers just want to play football. Others want to play football and make sure everyone knows exactly how good, flashy, and unbothered they are doing it.

Whether they were dancing in the end zone, calling for the ball every play, or beefing with teammates and coaches, these receivers didn’t just enjoy the spotlight—they practically lived in it. From showmen to divas to full-blown reality stars, here are 23 wideouts who made headlines on and off the field.

23. Michael Crabtree

September 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) scores a touchdown against Baltimore Ravens defensive back Kyle Arrington (24, right) during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Crabtree always carried himself like a No. 1 guy, even when his stats didn’t quite match the swagger. His rivalry with Richard Sherman alone could’ve powered a reality show.

22. Mike Wallace

Sep 10, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.
Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

When Wallace had the speed, he had the confidence—and he made sure everyone knew it. He wasn’t shy about chasing big contracts or reminding folks he was that deep threat.

21. Percy Harvin

Oct 6, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin (11) catches the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Explosive on the field and volatile off it, Harvin didn’t just want the ball—he expected it, loudly. Whether it was headaches or heated moments, he stayed in the spotlight.

20. Robby Anderson (a.k.a. Chosen Anderson)

Dec 12, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Robbie Anderson (81) celebrates a first down against the New England Patriots in the first half at State Farm Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

From on-field outbursts to off-field name changes, Anderson found ways to keep attention coming his way. He’s had more memorable sideline moments than touchdowns some years.

19. Eric Moulds

Nov 15, 1998; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills receiver Eric Moulds (80) makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Rich Stadium. FILE PHOTO
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Moulds was a big-time talent who wanted big-time respect. He wasn’t afraid to let teammates, coaches, or anyone else know if he felt underused.

18. Deebo Samuel

Jan 9, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs for a first down to the 10-yard line in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Deebo brings physicality, versatility, and plenty of personality. Whether it’s demanding touches or flexing on defenders, he loves to keep eyes on him.

17. Ja’Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) runs in a touchdown reception late in the second quarter of the NFL Week 5 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. The Bengals led 17-14 at halftime.
Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Chase doesn’t just back up his talk—he amplifies it with confidence and charisma. From bold declarations to social media moments, he’s never shy under the lights.

16. Golden Tate

Dec 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field
Tim Fuller-Imagn Images

Tate loved the camera, the quotes, and the occasional feud. He always carried himself like a WR1, even when depth charts said otherwise.

15. Terrelle Pryor

May 18, 2016; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) during official training activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Originally a quarterback, Pryor reinvented himself as a receiver and never let the attention drift too far away. He was as confident as they come—no matter the position.

14. Odell Beckham Jr.

Aug 22, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium.
Danny Wild-Imagn Images

One-handed catches, designer cleats, boat trips—you name it, OBJ did it with flair. His every move felt like a headline waiting to happen.

13. Antonio Brown

Dec 26, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) catches the ball in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Before the off-field chaos, Brown craved attention on the field like few others. From end zone antics to sideline drama, he demanded to be the center of every storyline.

12. Plaxico Burress

Nov 20, 2006; Jacksonville, FL, USA; New York Giants wide receiver (17) Plaxico Burress can not come up with a catch during the 3rd quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. Jaguars defeated the Giants 26-10
Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Touchdowns weren’t enough—Burress wanted moments. And even his worst ones (you know the one) kept him in the public eye for years.

11. Randy Moss

August 18, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss (84) prepares for a game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Moss didn’t just want to be great—he wanted to do it his way, on his terms, and with a camera close by. From mooning the Packers crowd to his “straight cash, homie” line, he never blended in.

10. Dez Bryant

Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Throw up the X and cue the fireworks. Dez was emotional, fiery, and always looking to put on a show.

9. Chad Johnson (a.k.a. Ochocinco)

Nov 30, 2006; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals receiver (85) Chad Johnson runs after a catch against Baltimore Ravens safety (20) Ed Reed in the first quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports © copyright Matthew Emmons
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Custom nameplates, Hall of Fame jackets, and elaborate touchdown celebrations—Ochocinco turned football into theater. He didn’t just chase the spotlight; he choreographed it.

8. Brandon Marshall

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Tim Fuller-Imagn Images

Marshall was outspoken, intense, and constantly in the media mix. Whether it was postgame interviews or personal battles, he brought the drama everywhere he went.

7. Keyshawn Johnson

Nov 18, 1995; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Southern California receiver Keyshawn Johnson (3) in action against UCLA at the Los Angeles Coliseum. UCLA defeated USC 24-20.
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

“Just give me the damn ball” wasn’t just a quote—it was practically a life motto. Keyshawn was confident, loud, and never far from the spotlight.

6. Steve Smith Sr.

Jun 19, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) catches a pass during minicamp at the Under Armour Performance Center
Evan Habeeb-Imagn Images

Undersized but never underconfident, Smith made every catch personal. Trash talk was part of his game, and he did it all with cameras rolling.

5. CeeDee Lamb

Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) makes a touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half during the wild card game at Raymond James Stadium
Kim Klement-Imagn Images

From flashy plays to flashy fits, Lamb knows how to turn heads. He’s embraced the role of Dallas WR1—and all the attention that comes with it.

4. Stefon Diggs

Sep 24, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) runs with the ball against the Washington Commanders at FedExField
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

From “Minneapolis Miracle” to sideline showdowns, Diggs is never just a quiet presence. Whether it’s fashion or frustration, he’s always in the conversation.

Read More: The 10 Most Overrated NFL Wide Receivers Ever

3. DeSean Jackson

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) in action during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Speed and swagger defined Jackson’s game. From backpedaling into the end zone to letting the ball go just a bit too early, he stayed unforgettable.

Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Petulant NFL Wide Receivers of All Time

2. Tyreek Hill

Nov 5, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Deutsche Bank Park
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Cheetah is fast on the field and even faster on social media. He’s always ready with a quote, a flex, or a mic-drop moment.

Read More: 19 Wide Receivers Who Acted Like They Were the Entire Offense

1. Terrell Owens

Feb 25, 2011; Allen, TX USA; Allen Wranglers wide receiver Terrell Owens (81) warms up before facing the Wichita Wild at the Allen Events Center
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

T.O. wasn’t just obsessed with the spotlight—he practically invented the WR diva persona. From Sharpies in his sock to sit-ups in the driveway, no one chased the camera quite like him.

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