The NFL has always been a league filled with larger-than-life personalities, and not all of them are universally loved. While some players earn admiration for their skill and leadership, others gain notoriety for their trash talk, questionable hits, off-field antics, or simply dominating the competition for too long.
From quarterbacks with sky-high egos to defenders who seem to take pleasure in pushing the limits of the rulebook, every era has its fair share of villains. Whether they were outspoken, controversial, or just too good for their rivals’ liking, these players stirred emotions every time they took the field. Love them or hate them, there’s no denying they made the game more entertaining. Now, let’s take a look at the 30 most disliked players in NFL history—whether they earned the reputation or not.
30. Philip Rivers
Rivers was an elite quarterback, but his constant trash talk (without ever cussing!) got under everyone’s skin. His exaggerated reactions on the field were pure entertainment—or pure annoyance, depending on who you asked.
29. Jay Cutler
Cutler had all the arm talent in the world, but his “I don’t care” attitude made him an easy target for criticism. His body language often screamed, “I’d rather be anywhere else,” and fans took notice.
28. Eli Manning
Yes, he won two Super Bowls, but his permanently confused facial expressions made him a meme before memes were even big. Giants fans loved him, but the rest of the league found him frustratingly lucky.
27. Bill Romanowski
This guy was basically an old-school WWE villain in football pads. Spitting on opponents, breaking teammates’ jaws, and admitting to using illegal substances? Yeah, he wasn’t exactly Mr. Popular.
26. Michael Irvin
Irvin talked a big game and backed it up, but not everyone loved the Cowboys’ loudest hype man. His celebrations were legendary, but for opposing fans, they were just plain irritating.
25. Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey’s talent is undeniable, but he’s made enemies with his elite-level trash talk. Calling quarterbacks trash and never backing down has earned him as many haters as fans.
24. Vontaze Burfict
Burfict played like he had a personal vendetta against every offensive player. His late hits and dirty plays got him suspended multiple times, but he never seemed to learn his lesson.
23. Cam Newton
Superman or super annoying? Cam’s celebrations, fashion choices, and press conference antics made him polarizing—some loved the confidence, while others saw it as arrogance.
22. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football had the swagger of a superstar but the career of a backup. His off-field partying and lack of discipline made him one of the biggest busts—and most frustrating players—to watch.
21. Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben’s talent was undeniable, but his off-field controversies left a permanent stain on his legacy. Even Steelers fans had a hard time defending him at times.
20. Troy Aikman
Cowboys quarterbacks always get hate, but Aikman’s broadcasting career has only fueled the fire. Fans argue he either hates their team or is biased for the Cowboys—there’s no in-between.
19. Randy Moss
Moss had highlight-reel catches, but his “I play when I want to” attitude didn’t sit well with everyone. Fake mooning Packers fans also made him a legend—just not in a good way for some.
18. Richard Sherman
Sherman backed up his trash talk, but that didn’t mean people liked hearing it. His infamous postgame rant about Michael Crabtree was either hilarious or completely over the top.
17. Brett Favre
Favre was a legend, but his never-ending retirements got exhausting. When he suited up for the Vikings after years as a Packers hero, he officially entered “villain” status in Green Bay. His off-the-field issues haven’t helped either.
16. Colin Kaepernick
Kaepernick’s kneeling protest made him one of the most polarizing figures in sports history. Some saw him as a hero, while others never forgave him for mixing football with activism.
15. Greg Hardy
Hardy’s on-field talent was overshadowed by serious off-field issues. His return to the NFL after domestic violence accusations made him one of the league’s most hated figures.
14. Deion Sanders
Prime Time was flashy, cocky, and never shy about telling you how good he was. Fans of his teams loved him, but everyone else just wanted him to sit down and be quiet.
13. Baker Mayfield
Baker plays with a chip on his shoulder, which is fun when he’s winning but annoying when he’s not. His cocky attitude and endless commercials didn’t help when his play started declining.
12. Roger Goodell (Honorable Mention)
Okay, so he’s not a player, but no one in the NFL gets more collective boos than Goodell. If you’re hated by every fanbase, you’re doing something… well, not right.
11. James Harrison
Harrison hit like a truck and played with an undeniable edge. But when he complained about fines for dangerous hits, many thought he just didn’t get it.
10. Tom Brady
Seven Super Bowls will get you respect, but Deflategate and constant winning made him unbearable for rival fans. Patriots haters had to watch him succeed for 20 years, and that’s just unfair.
9. Ndamukong Suh
Suh’s reputation as a dirty player followed him for years, thanks to multiple suspensions and foot-stomping incidents. He played with aggression, but sometimes it looked more like straight-up anger issues.
8. Ray Lewis
Lewis was a phenomenal linebacker, but his past legal troubles made him a controversial figure. His over-the-top motivational speeches didn’t help his case with non-Ravens fans.
7. Marshawn Lynch
Beast Mode was entertaining, but his refusal to talk to the media rubbed people the wrong way. Some saw it as legendary defiance, others as unnecessary attitude.
6. Odell Beckham Jr.
OBJ’s talent is undeniable, but the sideline tantrums, fights with kicking nets, and constant attention-seeking made him a love-him-or-hate-him figure.
5. Michael Vick
Vick was electrifying on the field, but his dogfighting scandal forever tainted his reputation. Even after redemption, some fans never forgave him.
Read More: The 12 Most Infamous Athlete Arrests
4. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks ever, but his smug attitude and recent off-field takes have turned plenty of people against him. Packers fans adored him—until they didn’t.
3. Antonio Brown
AB was once a top receiver, but his off-field drama overshadowed his talent. From social media meltdowns to bizarre helmet disputes, he kept everyone talking for all the wrong reasons.
2. Deshaun Watson
Watson’s career was on a Hall of Fame path before serious off-field allegations surfaced. His return to the league wasn’t exactly met with cheers.
Read More: 10 Players Blacklisted from the NFL
1. Terrell Owens
T.O. had a Hall of Fame career, but his drama-filled exits from multiple teams made him hard to root for. The popcorn celebrations and sideline tantrums were either iconic or obnoxious, depending on who you asked.
Read More: The 15 Biggest NFL Trash-Talkers You Secretly Love
