Confidence is key in football, but some players cranked the self-love dial past 100 and never looked back. These guys treated the spotlight like a best friend, gave themselves nicknames, and occasionally acted like they were doing the league a favor just by showing up.
Some backed it up with all-time great performances. Others just liked to hear themselves talk. Either way, here are the 15 most conceited NFL stars of all time—legends in their minds, and proud of it.
15. Phillip Rivers
Rivers talked trash like he was undefeated, even when he wasn’t. He acted like every incomplete pass was someone else’s fault—usually very loudly.
14. Eli Apple
Apple has never been shy about calling out other players. Unfortunately, the receipts rarely work in his favor.
13. Michael Thomas
“Can’t Guard Mike” put it in his Twitter handle like gospel. He had a few monster seasons, but his confidence never dipped, injuries or not.
12. Jay Cutler
Cutler walked around like he didn’t care; maybe that was the problem. He always had a smug expression, saying, “I’m better than this”—even when he wasn’t.
11. Richard Sherman
Sherman was a shutdown corner with an open mic. He never missed a chance to tell you exactly how elite he was.
10. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football came into the league like a rock star. The problem was he partied like one, too—and forgot to win games.
9. Keyshawn Johnson
He wrote a book telling his team to throw him the ball more. That’s next-level self-promotion.
8. DeAngelo Hall
Hall had the confidence of a Hall of Famer and the consistency of a backup. He talked like he ran the league, even when he got torched.
7. T.O. (Terrell Owens)
He loved him some him. Terrell Owens once did sit-ups in his driveway for the media, just because he could.
6. Antonio Brown
AB was unstoppable at his peak, and he ensured you knew it. Then things spiraled, but the ego never left.
5. Cam Newton
Cam dressed like he was headed to Fashion Week every game day. He was just as proud of his outfits as he was of his MVP season.
4. Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey rates himself as the best in the league every year. He’ll tell you, your quarterback is trash—and then smile for the cameras.
3. Brett Favre
Favre made every offseason about him, with retirement teases and media tours. He always seemed to love the drama as much as the game.
Read More: The 15 Most Divisive Players in NFL History, Ranked
2. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers talks like he’s the most intelligent guy in every room—and sometimes he is. But the smug energy is undeniable, whether he’s throwing darts or shade.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Eccentric NFL Players of All Time
1. Deion Sanders
Prime Time was the original king of self-love. From the outfits to the attitude, Deion built a brand around being the greatest—and never stopped reminding us.
Read More: 10 NFL Players Who Were Villains on the Field but Likeable Off It
