Ranking the 15 Most Hated Owners in NFL History

The NFL has had its fair share of legendary owners—visionaries who built dynasties and helped grow the league into a global powerhouse. But on the flip side, there have also been team owners who have frustrated fans, alienated players, and made controversial decisions that earned them a reputation as some of the most hated figures in football history.

From meddling with team affairs to moving franchises against fans’ wishes, these owners have left a legacy of disappointment, frustration, and sometimes outright failure. Here’s a ranking of the 15 most hated owners in NFL history.

15. Zygi Wilf (Minnesota Vikings)

Wilf has been criticized for his handling of coaching changes and for strong-arming the city of Minneapolis into funding a new stadium. His tenure hasn’t been a disaster, but Vikings fans have had their fair share of frustrations under his ownership.

14. Bud Adams (Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans)

While Adams played a crucial role in the AFL-NFL merger, his decision to move the Oilers from Houston to Tennessee in 1997 left fans devastated. The way he handled the move—burning bridges with Houston in the process—cemented his reputation as one of the league’s more unpopular owners.

13. Dean Spanos (San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers)

Spanos will always be remembered for ripping the Chargers away from their passionate San Diego fanbase. Despite years of support, he moved the team to Los Angeles in 2017, where they have struggled to establish a true fan presence.

12. Al Davis (Los Angeles/Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders)

A controversial figure, Davis was both revered and reviled. While he had undeniable football knowledge and a commitment to winning, his repeated lawsuits against the NFL, constant battles with the league office, and multiple franchise relocations angered many fans.

11. Paul Brown (Cincinnati Bengals)

Brown’s football acumen was legendary, but he clashed with star players (including his own franchise quarterback, Greg Cook) and refused to adapt to changing times. His controlling nature led to years of mediocrity for the Bengals.

10. James Dolan (New York Giants – Brief Ownership)

Dolan, best known for running the New York Knicks into the ground, had a brief stint with the Giants that was forgettable and marred by internal dysfunction. He was quickly ousted, but his toxic ownership style left a stain.

9. Bob Irsay (Baltimore Colts/Indianapolis Colts)

Irsay’s infamous decision to sneak the Colts out of Baltimore in the dead of night in 1984 remains one of the most heart-wrenching betrayals in NFL history. His mismanagement of the team before the move only adds to his infamy.

8. Art Modell (Cleveland Browns/Baltimore Ravens)

Modell’s decision to relocate the Browns to Baltimore in 1996 was a gut punch to one of the NFL’s most loyal fanbases. While he did bring success to the Ravens, Browns fans still haven’t forgiven him for taking their team away.

7. Randy Lerner (Cleveland Browns)

After inheriting the Browns, Lerner treated the team like an afterthought, rarely involving himself in its operations. His disinterest led to one of the worst eras in franchise history, cementing his status as a disliked owner.

6. William Clay Ford Sr. (Detroit Lions)

Ford oversaw some of the most painful years in Detroit Lions history. His loyalty to failing executives and a general lack of vision kept the team in perpetual mediocrity (or worse) for decades.

5. Jimmy Haslam (Cleveland Browns)

Haslam has been involved in multiple controversies, from the FBI investigating his company for fraud to a revolving door of coaches and quarterbacks. His questionable handling of the Deshaun Watson situation only further angered fans.

4. Jerry Jones (Dallas Cowboys)

While Jones is undeniably a great businessman, his constant meddling in team decisions, refusal to cede power, and never-ending quest for attention have made him one of the most divisive figures in football. Cowboys fans either love him or hate him.

3. Georgia Frontiere (Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams)

Frontiere took over the Rams after her husband’s death and eventually moved the team from Los Angeles to St. Louis, alienating a fanbase in the process. Her lack of football knowledge and questionable decision-making only made matters worse.

2. Donald Sterling (Briefly Owned the Rams)

Before becoming infamous as the disgraced owner of the NBA’s Clippers, Sterling briefly owned a stake in the Rams. His involvement was filled with mismanagement, and he was quickly forced out. His reputation as a terrible owner in basketball also colors his NFL legacy.

1. Dan Snyder (Washington Commanders)

Snyder’s tenure as owner of the Washington franchise was filled with scandal, terrible decisions, and a toxic workplace culture. His interference in football operations, repeated poor hiring choices, and off-field controversies made him one of the most hated owners in all of sports.