The NFL has never been short on talent, but sometimes, that talent comes with a side of chaos. From locker room drama to bizarre public behavior, these players went from stars to full-on wildcards in a blink.
Whether it was clashing with coaches or doing the weirdest things, these guys found a way to make headlines for all the wrong reasons. Here are NFL players who became total headcases.
19. Richie Incognito
Richie Incognito made headlines for bullying, retire-unretire chaos, and locker room meltdowns. His temper often overshadowed his talent on the line.
18. Terrell Owens
T.O. was a touchdown machine and a headline magnet. From driveway workouts to quarterback feuds, the drama followed him like a shadow.
17. Johnny Manziel
“Johnny Football” became “Johnny Trouble” faster than anyone could’ve guessed. His off-the-field antics completely derailed a once-promising career.
16. Martavis Bryant
Martavis Bryant could fly on the field but was constantly grounded by suspensions and team issues. He never quite found his footing between big plays and bigger problems.
15. Odell Beckham Jr.
From boat parties to sideline tantrums, OBJ often turned the spotlight into a circus. His talent was undeniable, but his antics were nonstop.
14. Josh Gordon
Josh Gordon’s career is a what-if story wrapped in off-field suspensions and endless comebacks. Every return came with hope and usually more heartbreak.
13. Randy Gregory
Randy Gregory flashed elite pass-rushing skills, but constant suspensions and off-field complications kept derailing his momentum. He never quite shook the cloud over his career.
12. Jameis Winston
Winston’s turnover-prone play was only part of the story. Between odd pressers and bizarre decisions, he constantly left fans and coaches scratching their heads.
11. Dez Bryant
Dez Bryant brought fire and flair, but also plenty of sideline shouting matches and media rants. His passion often turned into full-blown distractions.
10. Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler always had the arm, but his body language made people wonder if he cared at all. The shrugging, the sideline sulking, the general “whatever” vibe—he was a walking sigh.
9. Vontaze Burfict
Burfict had a knack for dirty hits and bad decisions. His reckless playstyle often hurt his team more than it helped.
8. Percy Harvin
Percy Harvin could electrify any play, but behind the scenes, he was constantly clashing with teammates and coaches. The tension followed him everywhere he went.
7. Albert Haynesworth
After signing a massive deal, Haynesworth checked out spectacularly. From conditioning flops to public beefs, it was a complete implosion.
6. Le’Veon Bell
Bell’s holdout, mixtape drops, and post-Pittsburgh tumble made his career feel more like a reality show. He never quite reclaimed his star form after betting on himself.
5. Brandon Marshall
Marshall could dominate a defense—and then dominate the headlines with locker room drama. Multiple teams got the same rollercoaster experience.
4. Baker Mayfield
Baker brought swagger and sparks, but also stirred plenty of chaos. Press conferences, subtle jabs, and inconsistent play made him a polarizing figure fast.
3. Cam Newton
Cam’s post-game interviews and larger-than-life personality often overshadowed his MVP-level talent. When the performance slipped, the distractions stood out even more.
Read more: 15 NFL Stars Who Burned Bridges Everywhere They Went
2. Aaron Hernandez
Hernandez went from promising tight end to true crime story. His off-field spiral shocked the league and remains one of the darkest tales in NFL history.
Read more: 20 NFL Stars Who Were All Vibes, No Accountability
1. Antonio Brown
AB went from All-Pro to all over the place. Helmet issues, bizarre exits, and viral outbursts made him a one-man soap opera.
Read more: 20 NFL Stars Who Brought Swagger—But Dodged Responsibility
