18 NFL Players Who Never Missed a Chance to Stir the Pot

The NFL has always had its fair share of pot-stirrers—those players who thrived not just on the field, but in the headlines, the locker room, and the group chats. Whether it was with a sly quote, a sideline outburst, or a celebration that went just a little too far, these guys made sure you were talking about them.

Some did it with their mouths, others with their antics, and a few couldn’t help but find themselves at the center of chaos. Love them or hate them, these 18 players had a knack for keeping things spicy, and the league was rarely boring because of it.

18. Eli Apple

Jan 7, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Eli Apple (33) celebrates after intercepting the football against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Eli Apple was never afraid to talk, even when his play didn’t always back it up. He became a Twitter villain with trash talk that often aged like milk.

17. Antonio Brown

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

Before things got wild, AB was already making waves with sideline drama and cryptic tweets. He was a magnet for controversy and always seemed one step away from another viral moment.

16. Richard Sherman

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) reacts during Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images

Sherman’s fiery postgame interviews and elite-level trash talk made him a lightning rod in his prime. He didn’t just play the game—he made sure you knew exactly how good he was.

15. Cam Newton

Dec 6, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass the ball against the New Orleans Saints in the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-Imagn Images
Crystal LoGiudice-Imagn Images

Cam didn’t just stir the pot—he danced in it. From fashion statements to dab celebrations, he had a flair for getting people talking.

14. Jalen Ramsey

Sep 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) runs onto the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Jalen Ramsey could start a war of words with a parking cone. He came into the league talking trash and never really stopped.

13. Johnny Manziel

Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Scott R. Galvin / Imagn Images

Johnny Football brought chaos with him everywhere he went. Whether it was college antics spilling into the NFL or social media explosions, he kept things messy.

12. Ndamukong Suh

Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (74) against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Suh’s aggressive style of play always toed the line between tough and dirty. He didn’t mind being the villain and even seemed to enjoy it.

11. JuJu Smith-Schuster

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) celebrate with fans after a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first half in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

From TikTok’s on opposing team logos to social media beefs, JuJu loved playing the internet game. He stirred the pot with a smile—and a phone in hand.

10. Aaron Rodgers

Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during minicamp at their South Side facility. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images
Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

Rodgers isn’t loud, but he’s calculated with his words, and when he talks, it usually stirs something up. Whether it’s shade at the Packers or vaccine talk, he knows how to dominate a news cycle.

9. 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

From sideline blowups to yacht parties before playoff games, OBJ never really escaped the spotlight. He played with emotion and often let that emotion do the talking.

8. Terrell Suggs

Feb 2, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Terrell Suggs (94) celebrates after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Suggs relished his role as the villain, especially when it came to rival quarterbacks. He never backed down from a feud, and usually made sure it got personal.

7. Chad Johnson

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

Ochocinco made headlines for everything from bribing referees with dollar bills to sending Pepto-Bismol to defenders. He was a showman through and through, and never afraid to poke the bear.

6. Baker Mayfield

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) heads to the huddle with running back Kareem Hunt (27) and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Matt Blewett / Imagn Images

Baker always had a chip on his shoulder and made sure everyone knew it. Whether planting flags or clapping back at media critics, he brought drama everywhere he went.

5. Steve Smith Sr.

Sep 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) waves to fans prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-Imagn Images
Evan Habeeb-Imagn Images

Steve Smith didn’t just talk trash—he turned it into an art form. He’d fight teammates, opponents, or anyone who dared to doubt him.

4. Deion Sanders

Sep 11, 1997; Irving, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO: Dallas Cowboys defensive back Deion Sanders (21) celebrating as he scores a touchdown on an interception against the Chicago Bears at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James D. Smith-Imagn Images
James D. Smith-Imagn Images

Prime Time was flash, flair, and feuds all rolled into one. He knew how to get under opponents’ skin—and looked good doing it.

3. Antonio Cromartie

Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive back Antonio Cromartie (31) looks on against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Lions won 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Cromartie never shied away from a spicy comment or a social media hot take. His off-field drama often rivaled his on-field play.

Read More: Ranking the 30 Best Quarterbacks of All Time

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

T.O. lived for the spotlight, whether it was celebrating on the Cowboys’ star or holding bizarre driveway press conferences. He was a walking headline machine.

Read More: The 10 Most Boring MLB Fanbases, Ranked

1. Aaron Hernandez

2013: Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks with tight end Aaron Hernandez during practice.
Bob Breidenbach / USA TODAY NETWORK

Before things took a tragic and dark turn, Hernandez was already known for being volatile and reckless. His presence in the NFL was chaotic, unpredictable, and ultimately disturbing.

Read More: 10 Former NFL Cornerbacks Who Could Still Play in Today’s Game

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