Confidence is essential in the NFL. You’ve got to believe you’re the best to survive, let alone thrive. But sometimes, that confidence turns into something a little more… theatrical. Whether it’s constant trash talk, wild predictions, or an unwavering belief in their greatness, some players had no shortage of swagger—even if their play didn’t always match the hype.
From legendary self-promoters to guys who never met a mirror they didn’t like, this list comprises personalities who let the world know how great they thought they were. Some backed it up, some didn’t, but all of them had the kind of over-the-top confidence you can’t help but remember. Here are the 20 most overconfident NFL stars of all time.
20. Jay Cutler
Cutler always looked like he was two steps ahead of everyone else—even when he wasn’t. He gave off major “I got this” energy while throwing into triple coverage.
19. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football thought he could dominate the NFL just like college. Spoiler alert: he couldn’t, but he sure acted like he could.
18. Cam Newton
Cam has never lacked confidence, from fashion to end zone celebrations. Even during down years, he always carried himself like the main character.
17. Odell Beckham Jr.
OBJ’s one-handed catch turned into a full-blown brand. He played like a superstar and carried himself like a global icon—even when the production dipped.
16. Joey Porter
Porter talked trash to anyone and everyone, including players, coaches, and fans. He brought the heat on the field and the smack off it.
15. Eli Apple
Apple has chirped like a shutdown corner while sometimes playing more like a liability. The confidence is off the charts. The consistency? Not so much.
14. Antonio Brown
AB was one of the best football receivers, and he ensured everyone knew it. As his career unraveled, his self-belief stayed sky-high, no matter what was happening off the field.
13. Richard Sherman
Sherman’s legendary postgame rants and unfiltered opinions made him a lightning rod. He had the talent to back it up, but always made sure you heard about it, too.
12. Chad Johnson
Ochocinco built a whole persona around being unguardable. From custom Hall of Fame jackets to mid-game celebrations, his confidence never had an off day.
11. Philip Rivers
Rivers was never shy about letting a defender know when he messed up. He didn’t curse, but his trash talk was elite—and he always believed he could win any shootout.
10. Rex Ryan (Yes, He Counts!)
Technically a coach, but Rex carried himself like an all-pro linebacker. He discussed the Super Bowl every preseason, even when his teams weren’t close.
9. Baker Mayfield
Baker has always played with a chip on his shoulder the size of a linebacker. Even when things got rocky, he never dialed back the swagger.
8. Steve Smith Sr.
Smith played like he was 6’5″, not 5’9″. He talked the talk, walked the walk, and never once doubted himself, no matter who lined up across from him.
7. Dez Bryant
Dez wore his heart and his ego on his sleeve. He never hesitated to let you know he was the best weapon on the field—even if the stat sheet didn’t always agree.
6. Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey will let you know your quarterback is trash and your wide receiver is overrated—before kickoff. He talks with elite confidence and plays with enough skill to keep it interesting.
5. Brett Favre
Favre always believed he could make that throw, no matter how impossible it looked. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it was a back-breaking pick, but the belief never wavered.
4. Shannon Sharpe
Sharpe was a walking soundbite who could back it all up. His confidence wasn’t just loud—it was relentless.
3. Deion Sanders
Prime Time was more than a nickname—it was a lifestyle. Between the high steps, the gold chains, and the shutdown corner play, he redefined what it meant to be flashy.
Read More: These NFL Stars Bring Unstoppable Swagger To The Field
2. Terrell Owens
T.O. loved him some T.O., and he let you know it every time he scored. His confidence bordered on performance art, and he never saw a mirror he didn’t admire.
Read More: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams Based on Who Has the Most Swagger
1. Joe Namath
Namath guaranteed a Super Bowl win and delivered. He walked around like a rockstar, dressed like one, and built an entire legend on over-the-top self-belief.
Read More: The Origins of NFL Swagger: From Spikes to High-Steps
