Ranking the 30 Most Unlikable NFL Wide Receivers of All Time

Wide receivers are some of the flashiest, loudest, and most opinionated players in football—and that’s exactly what makes them both captivating and, at times, incredibly unlikable. Whether it’s over-the-top celebrations, throwing teammates under the bus, or just nonstop drama, some wideouts have built a legacy more rooted in controversy than clutch catches.

This list doesn’t necessarily rank the worst or least talented receivers—some of these guys were incredible on the field. But personality clashes, off-field antics, and never-ending diva behavior pushed these names into the hall of all-time WR unlikability.

30. Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) runs with the ball past New York Jets cornerback Qwan'tez Stiggers (37), Sunday January 5, 2025, in East Rutherford
Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Electric on the field, but his off-field past continues to cloud his image. No matter how many touchdowns he scores, the controversy never fully disappears.

29. Ja’Marr Chase

Jan 4, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1), quarterback Joe Burrow (9) and wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) take the field as captains for the coin toss before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Sam Greene/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Undeniably talented but not exactly soft-spoken. Between trash talk and occasional shots at other teams, he’s already polarizing early in his career.

28. Plaxico Burress

New York Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) warms up before a game against the San Diego Chargers at MetLife Stadium.
Danny Wild / Imagn Images

A talented target who always seemed to bring baggage. That infamous self-inflicted gunshot didn’t exactly help his likability score.

27. Percy Harvin

Sep 20, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Percy Harvin (18) during the first half against the New England Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-Imagn Images
Kevin Hoffman-Imagn Images

Injuries and altercations followed Harvin wherever he went. His immense talent often came second to his locker-room blowups.

26. Josh Gordon

New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon (10) is helped off of the field during the first half against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium.
Paul Rutherford / Imagn Images

Everyone rooted for the comeback—until the cycle just kept repeating. Eventually, the sympathy wore off, and frustration took over.

25. Antonio Bryant

Dec, 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Bryant (89) with the ball at Bank of America Stadium. The Carolina Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 16-6. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Sideline meltdowns and team drama overshadowed flashes of potential. He never quite figured out how to get out of his way.

24. Terrelle Pryor

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) slips past Eastern Michigan cornerback Ryan Downard (10) for a touchdown during the first quarter of their NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on September 25, 2010. (The Columbus Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron) Osu 10 Emu Ncl 0538
NEAL C. LAURON / USA TODAY NETWORK

A quarterback turned receiver who was more talk than production. He brought a lot of confidence but not a lot of consistency.

23. Dorial Green-Beckham

Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) and wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (18) prior to action against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

It was a big build, big expectations, and a big letdown. His off-field decisions didn’t earn many fans either.

22. Steve Smith Sr.

Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-Imagn Images
Evan Habeeb-Imagn Images

He played angry and talked even louder. While some loved his fire, plenty thought he crossed the line too often.

21. Dwayne Bowe

Jul 30, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (80) works out during training camp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

At one point, he led the league in touchdowns, but apathy and attitude issues defined the rest of his career. Chiefs fans were more relieved than sad when he left.

20. Dez Bryant

Dec 27, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) strikes his familiar X pose prior to the game against the New York Giants at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Sideline’s theatrics, emotional outbursts, and a general sense of chaos followed him everywhere. Dez caught feelings more than footballs by the end.

19. Titus Young

Oct 28, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Titus Young (16) celebrates his game winning touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field. Detroit won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Tim Fuller-Imagn Images

An off-the-rails career that spiraled into bizarre behavior. His antics quickly went from odd to concerning.

18. Odell Beckham Jr.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs a route during training camp at the Cleveland Browns training facility.
Ken Blaze / Imagn Images

The one-handed catch turned him into a star—but his constant drama made him a headache. Every team got the full OBJ experience: flashy, loud, and occasionally exhausting.

17. JuJu Smith-Schuster

Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

TikToks and trash talk became his brand more than actual on-field production. Opposing defenses loved shutting him up more than shutting him down.

16. Michael Crabtree

Dec 9, 2018; Kansas City, MO, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) reacts to a call in the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Feisty and full of attitude, Crabtree’s mouth sometimes worked faster than his hands. The chain-snatching incident became his defining moment.

15. Rashaun Woods

Rashaun Woods
YouTube | Jenni Carlson

A first-round pick who never lived up to expectations—and wasn’t exactly humble about it. Fans lost patience fast.

14. Brandon Marshall

Aug 15, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Talented but turbulent, Marshall clashed with coaches, quarterbacks, and media throughout his career. It was always something.

13. Martavis Bryant

Nov 11, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

There is so much potential, but self-sabotage seems to be at every turn. He talked like a star but acted like a guy who never wanted the job.

12. Keyshawn Johnson

Oct 22, 2006; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver (19) Keyshawn Johnson during pregame warm ups against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-Imagn Images Copyright (c) Frank Victores
Frank Victores-Imagn Images

“Just give me the damn ball” became his career motto—and his curse. Johnson’s ego often overshadowed his contributions.

11. Henry Ruggs III

Sep 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) attempts to catch a pass in the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

A tragic, preventable off-field incident turned him into one of the league’s darkest cautionary tales. Unlikable doesn’t even begin to cover it.

10. Mike Wallace

Dec 23, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) in action against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-Imagn Images
Patrick McDermott-Imagn Images

Speed for days, but the effort was hit-or-miss. His attitude didn’t mesh well with coaches or quarterbacks—and it showed.

9. DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson
Wikipedia

Blazing speed couldn’t always outrun his ego. Jackson’s on-and-off-field arrogance didn’t win him many popularity contests.

8. DeAndre Baker

Dec 5, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Deandre Baker (30) celebrates after a play against the Denver Broncos during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Off-field legal issues and lackluster play made him hard to root for. The hype never met reality.

7. Chad Johnson (Ochocinco)

Dec 23, 2007; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson (85) runs in the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium.The Bengals beat the Browns 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Frank Victores- Imagn Images
Frank Victores-Imagn Images

Entertaining, yes. But for every touchdown celebration, there was an eye-roll-worthy quote or distraction.

6. Jerry Porter

Dec 9, 2007; Green Bay, WI, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Jerry Porter (84) during 38-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

They always seemed more focused on feuds than football. It’s a classic case of “too much bark, not enough bite.”

5. Randy Moss (in Oakland)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver (84) Randy Moss runs for a third quarter touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 24-3.
Mark J. Rebila / Imagn Images

Moss is an all-time talent, no doubt. However, his Oakland days were marked by apathy, poor body language, and an overall unlikability.

4. Freddie Mitchell

Freddie Mitchell
Wikipedia

Known more for self-promotion than stat lines. “FredEx” delivered quotes, not results.

3. Riley Cooper

Dec 13, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper (14) in a game against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

One ugly moment of off-field behavior tainted his entire career. The fallout was deserved—and lasting.

2. Terrell Owens

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Terrell Owens (81) looks to the bench after missing a pass during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Bengals 38-24.
David Butler II / Imagn Images

Maybe the most polarizing WR ever. Loved the spotlight, hated the consequences, and divided locker rooms like nobody else.

1. Antonio Brown

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) reacts in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Bob Donnan / Imagn Images

No list is complete without AB, whose spiral from elite to erratic was unforgettable. The exits got weirder, the antics louder, and the patience thinner.

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