Some quarterbacks win over every crowd. These guys did the opposite.
Whether it was their attitude, off-field drama, locker room issues, or just the way they carried themselves, these quarterbacks were magnets for controversy and criticism. Fans didn’t exactly rush to defend them—and in many cases, they seemed to enjoy the role of villain just a little too much.
20. Deshaun Watson
Once a rising star, Watson’s reputation took a steep nosedive. No matter what he does on the field now, the baggage is impossible to ignore.
19. Jay Cutler
Cutler had all the tools, but his body language and aloofness made it hard for fans to rally behind him. He never looked like he was having fun, and somehow that made everyone else miserable too.
18. Rex Grossman
Grossman somehow started a Super Bowl despite playing like a weekly wildcard. Bears fans never fully trusted him, and the rest of the league didn’t take him seriously either.
17. Kerry Collins
Collins bounced around the league, but never really felt like “the guy” anywhere. Off-field issues and inconsistent play didn’t help his case.
16. Carson Wentz
He went from MVP candidate to locker room question mark in record time. Fans turned fast once the shine wore off—and it wore off hard.
15. Blake Bortles
Even when he was winning, it felt like people were laughing at him, not with him. He became a punchline long before his career fizzled out.
14. Jeff George
Few quarterbacks had a cannon like George, but he managed to rub just about everyone the wrong way. Teammates, coaches, fans—nobody was safe from the attitude.
13. Zach Wilson
The Jets fanbase turned on him fast, and the rest of the league didn’t seem all that sympathetic. He had the confidence of a ten-year vet and the stats of a practice squad rookie.
12. Matt Leinart
College legend, NFL meh. Leinart never lived up to the hype, and his Hollywood vibe didn’t exactly scream leader of men.
11. JaMarcus Russell
Russell had arm strength and size, but little else. His lack of work ethic became legendary—in the worst way possible.
10. Philip Rivers
He was talented and productive, but his nonstop chirping rubbed plenty of people the wrong way. Even opposing fans knew exactly when he was talking—and he always was.
9. Vince Young
Young started off hot, but his career was derailed by inconsistency and off-field drama. The support he once had vanished almost overnight.
8. Colin Kaepernick
Kaepernick divided the football world like few others. Supporters saw him as brave, while critics never forgave him for kneeling during the anthem.
7. Cam Newton
Cam had an MVP season, but his celebrations, style, and post-game sulking didn’t sit right with many fans. He was never boring—but he was never universally liked, either.
6. Sam Bradford
High draft pick, huge paycheck, low results. Bradford somehow kept getting chances, which only made fans more annoyed.
5. Eli Manning
Yes, he won two Super Bowls—but he also threw a ton of interceptions and had the permanent face of a guy who just lost his homework. Even Giants fans had a love-hate relationship with him.
4. Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben had plenty of success, but his early career was marred by troubling off-field allegations. The tension between his accomplishments and his reputation never fully went away.
3. Michael Vick
Electric on the field, infamous off it. The dogfighting scandal erased years of goodwill and left many fans permanently uneasy.
Read More: 14 Quarterbacks Who Were a PR Nightmare Waiting to Happen
2. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football came in loud and flamed out even louder. He partied harder than he played, and fans got tired of the circus fast.
Read More: The 20 Most Ungracious Quarterbacks Ever
1. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers is one of the most gifted quarterbacks ever—but he’s also one of the most polarizing. From his off-field rants to locker room rumors, he’s made it surprisingly easy to root against greatness.
Read More: 10 Quarterbacks Who Thought They Were Smarter Than Their Coach
