In the world of professional sports, loyalty is often put to the test during losing seasons. For NFL fans, the highs and lows of a season can be dramatic, especially when their team is stuck in a rebuilding phase or simply struggling to win games.
But loyalty isn’t just about cheering when your team is at the top; it’s about sticking with them through the tough times. Here’s a look at the NFL fanbases, ranked from the most to the least loyal during losing seasons.
32. Carolina Panthers
Panthers fans are committed, but there have been many seasons of frustration. Loyalty is there, but there’s a noticeable difference between the intensity of support in winning versus losing seasons.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars fans are often criticized for a lack of consistency in support, but those who stick with the team during losing years show tremendous loyalty. Jacksonville’s fanbase is often smaller but fiercely dedicated, hoping for brighter days ahead.
30. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ fanbase is large and diverse, and while many fans are passionate, there are always those who jump on and off the bandwagon. Nevertheless, Dallas fans remain loyal during losing seasons, supporting the team even when they’re not at the top of their game.
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Despite their recent Super Bowl victory, the Buccaneers’ fanbase has had to endure many losing seasons. While loyal, the Bucs’ fanbase isn’t as consistent as some of the NFL’s top-tier franchises, often waiting for the next big success.
28. Los Angeles Chargers
Though their move to Los Angeles shifted their fanbase, Chargers fans still exhibit loyalty. However, the team’s inconsistent performance and lack of sustained success lead to less commitment during down years. The transience of the team’s location also impacts their fanbase’s stability.
27. Houston Texans
The Texans’ fanbase is still growing and developing, and while they have shown loyalty, they haven’t yet developed the same deep-rooted dedication seen in older franchises. That being said, the fanbase remains hopeful and passionate during tough seasons.
26. Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles fans are known for their passion, but during losing seasons, there’s often a lot of frustration that can dampen the overall loyalty. They have high expectations, which can lead to impatience during tough times.
25. Denver Broncos
Broncos fans are used to success, but in recent years, the team has struggled. While the fanbase remains largely loyal, there’s an undeniable sense of frustration that leads to less enthusiasm when the team isn’t performing well.
24. Las Vegas Raiders
Raiders fans are known for their passion, but when the team is struggling, they can be hard to find. The Raiders’ loyal supporters stick around, but the fanbase’s transient nature can sometimes make it feel less consistent during losing seasons.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers fans are incredibly passionate, but when the team is in a losing season, there is often a lot of frustration and complaints. While the fanbase remains loyal, there is an air of expectation that the team should be winning every year, which can lead to a tougher atmosphere during down years.
22. Baltimore Ravens
Ravens fans are known for their resilience and loyalty, and even during rebuilding years, they remain strong supporters. Baltimore has been relatively successful in recent years, but even when the team faces challenges, the fanbase continues to show up.
21. New Orleans Saints
Saints fans are passionate and loyal, and they’ve stuck by the team through difficult times, including the post-Katrina years. Even in seasons when the Saints struggle, their fans remain hopeful, keeping the Superdome packed and loud throughout the year.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Seahawks fans have shown incredible support for their team over the years. Despite occasional downturns, Seattle fans continue to support their team with vigor. Their loyal following helps create one of the loudest atmospheres in the NFL, making it clear that they stand behind the Seahawks, win or lose.
19. New York Jets
Despite years of frustration and underachievement, Jets fans remain dedicated to their team. The “Gang Green” faithful are known for their unwavering support, even in losing seasons. Their loyalty to a team that has struggled for many years is impressive, and they are always hopeful for the next great era.
18. New York Giants
The Giants’ fanbase remains loyal, even during seasons when the team struggles to find success. Despite years of inconsistency and underperformance, the New York Giants’ faithful continue to fill MetLife Stadium, hoping for a return to glory.
17. Indianapolis Colts
Colts fans have proven to be remarkably loyal through the years, especially considering that their team has been a contender for much of the past two decades. Even in seasons where the team has been in the midst of a rebuild, Indianapolis fans have remained hopeful and supportive.
16. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have faced challenges, especially after their move back to Los Angeles. While there are some fair-weather fans in LA, Rams fans have shown remarkable loyalty during tough seasons, and their support was rewarded with a Super Bowl victory not long ago.
15. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers’ fanbase remains strong, even during rebuilding years. With a rich history of success, 49ers fans know that their team will bounce back from tough seasons. While there may be frustration, their loyalty to the franchise remains steadfast.
14. Miami Dolphins
Dolphins fans have endured multiple losing seasons, yet they are always hopeful for the future. Their loyalty is built on the team’s rich history, and even through years of underachievement, Miami’s fanbase shows up, cheering for a return to dominance.
13. Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have had their ups and downs, but their fans continue to support the team through both winning and losing seasons. The loyalty of Arizona’s fanbase is notable, especially given the team’s struggles in previous decades. Fans remain optimistic and show up to games, hoping for a brighter future.
12. New England Patriots
Patriots fans, like their team, have a history of sustained success. Even during years of rebuilding or down periods, the Patriots’ fanbase remains loyal. Their loyalty runs deep, largely due to the team’s past dominance and the culture of winning that has been established.
11. Washington Commanders
Despite the controversies surrounding the team’s ownership and the inconsistent on-field performance, Commanders fans remain loyal. Washington’s fanbase has stuck with the team through thick and thin, even when things were rough, showing a deep connection to the franchise.
10. Tennessee Titans
Titans fans are known for their loyalty, and even in the most challenging seasons, they maintain a strong presence at Nissan Stadium. Their dedication to the team, even through inconsistent seasons, reflects their unwavering belief that success is just around the corner.
9. Atlanta Falcons
Falcons fans have had some rough seasons, but they consistently show up for their team, even during times of disappointment. The promise of a Super Bowl appearance in recent years keeps their loyalty intact, and despite the team’s struggles, Atlanta’s fanbase continues to support them.
8. Kansas City Chiefs
Before their recent success, the Chiefs had plenty of down years, but their fans were always behind them. The “Chiefs Kingdom” is one of the most passionate fanbases in the NFL, with supporters showing loyalty even when the team was far from championship contenders.
7. Detroit Lions
The Lions have a long history of struggle, but their fanbase is remarkably loyal. Detroit fans have endured the most winless seasons in NFL history, but their commitment to the team remains steadfast. The Lions’ faithful can be counted on to fill Ford Field, even when the team’s performance leaves much to be desired.
6. Cincinnati Bengals
Bengals fans, often overlooked in the past, have remained incredibly loyal despite many years of disappointment. Their unwavering support was rewarded as the team turned a corner in recent years, but even when the team struggled, Bengals fans filled Paycor Stadium. Their dedication is among the most passionate in the league.
5. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota fans have had their share of heartbreak, but the loyalty of the Vikings faithful is undeniable. Despite numerous losing seasons and missed playoff opportunities, fans continue to support the team with fervor. The “Skol” chant echoes through the stadium, a symbol of their enduring hope.
4. Cleveland Browns
Few fanbases have had to endure as much as Cleveland’s. With years of mediocrity and mismanagement, Browns fans have proven that they will support their team through thick and thin. Even in the darkest times, the Dawg Pound is there, showing unwavering support for a team that has often made it difficult to stay hopeful.
Read More: The 15 Most Optimistic Fanbases in the NFL, Ranked
3. Chicago Bears
The Bears have had their share of losing seasons, but their fanbase never wavers. The history of the team and the city’s love for football keeps the Bears among the most loyal. Even during rebuilding years, the fans show up to Soldier Field, never losing faith that better days are ahead.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Dedicated NFL Fanbases
2. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo fans are notorious for their diehard loyalty. Through decades of near-misses and years of mediocrity, the Bills’ faithful have remained some of the most passionate and resilient in the NFL. The “Bills Mafia” is known for rallying around the team during the most challenging seasons, offering support and encouragement even in the darkest moments.
Read More: Which NFL Team Has the Most Bandwagon Fans?
1. Green Bay Packers
The Packers have one of the most dedicated fan bases in all of sports. The team is owned by its fans, making their loyalty even more unique. Despite fluctuating seasons, Green Bay fans show up week after week, filling Lambeau Field regardless of the team’s performance. When the Packers are in a down period, their fans remain optimistic and passionate, showing loyalty like few others.
Read More: The 15 Most Loyal NFL Fan Bases