17 NFL Quarterbacks Who Let Fame Get to Their Heads

There’s nothing quite like being the starting quarterback in the NFL. The money, the endorsements, the magazine covers, the Super Bowl commercials—it’s a position built for spotlight chasers.

But sometimes, that spotlight starts to burn a little too bright. These 17 quarterbacks got a little too comfortable with the fame, the flash, and the fantasy of being a football star, and their play (or public image) suffered because of it.

17. Matt Leinart

Houston Texans quarterback Matt Leinart (11) prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium
Mitch Stringer / Imagn Images

Leinart was a college football icon before he ever took an NFL snap, and he carried himself like the star of a Hollywood movie. Unfortunately, the only thing he seemed to master in the pros was bottle service.

16. Jay Cutler

Dec 17, 2017; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a deep pass against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Jay Cutler always looked like he’d rather be somewhere else, unless he were lighting up a postgame press conference with a classic eye roll. He leaned into the anti-hero vibe a little too hard and became more meme than man.

15. Johnny Manziel

Sep 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-Imagn Images
Scott R. Galvin-Imagn Images

Johnny Football had charisma, swagger, and a national brand before even being drafted. Once he made it to the league, it seemed like the party never stopped—and neither did the headlines.

14. Baker Mayfield

Lake Travis quarterback Baker Mayfield (11) looks for an opening to pass the ball in the game against Westlake on Friday night at Chaparral Stadium in Austin, Tx. This was the first time these teams played at 5A teams on Nov. 2, 2012.
Laura Skelding / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

From planting flags to starring in commercials before winning a playoff game, Baker’s confidence often outpaced his resume. He loved the limelight, but it didn’t always love him back.

13. Robert Griffin III

Oct 4, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III (3) shakes hands with teammates on the bench prior to their game against the Washington Football Team at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

RGIII burst onto the scene like a superhero, complete with signature socks and trademark phrases. But as the fame rose, so did the drama, and his career fizzled just as fast as it started.

12. Jimmy Garoppolo

May 28, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks Stetson Bennett (13) Jimmy Garoppolo (11) and Matt Stafford (9) participate in offensive drills during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jimmy G had the looks, the charm, and the movie star comparisons from the moment he hit the field. But his play rarely matched the PR glow-up, and the hype eventually outshone the results.

11. Vince Young

Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young (10) scrambles to get away from Indianapolis colts defenders at LP field in Nashville
John Partipilo / Imagn Images

Young had an electric rookie year and quickly became a national sensation. But his focus seemed to drift off the field, and the pressure of stardom derailed what could’ve been a much longer career.

10. Cam Newton

Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) fights off New York Jets linebacker Neville Hewitt (46) on his way to a touchdown during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Cam brought a whole lot of style to the quarterback position, both in the huddle and on the runway. But at times, the attention on his outfits outpaced the attention on his accuracy.

9. Ryan Leaf

Oct 25, 1998; San Diego, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Diego Chargers quarterback Ryan Leaf (16) in action against the Seattle Seahawks at Jack Murphy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Leaf was supposed to be the next big thing, and he acted like it—even before earning a starting job. His arrogance and off-field antics became legendary for all the wrong reasons.

8. Zach Wilson

Oct 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson (4) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Wilson was handed the keys to New York with a top pick and movie-star looks. But the tabloid stories and confidence never quite matched the production on the field.

7. Sam Darnold

Jun 11, 2025; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes the ball during mini-camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Darnold arrived in the Big Apple with franchise-savior energy, but the pressure and fame seemed to short-circuit his development. The spotlight was hot, and he never quite figured out how to stay cool under it.

6. Joe Namath

Aug 1969; New Haven, CT, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath (12) on the sideline against the New York Giants during the 1969 pre-season at the Yale Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images

Broadway Joe was the original quarterback celebrity, rocking fur coats and guaranteeing wins on national TV. He walked the walk in his prime, but the fame never left—even when the wins did.

5. Colin Kaepernick

quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park
Kyle Terada / Imagn Images

Kaepernick became a household name for both his electrifying play and his outspoken activism. At a certain point, the off-field attention overwhelmed everything else, for better or worse.

4. Deshaun Watson

Oct 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) falls to the ground with a torn Achilles during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Watson went from rising superstar to tabloid fixture in record time. The fame turned to infamy, and the headlines became bigger than his play.

3. Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson, quarterback with the NY Giants, is shown during a practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center
Anne-Marie Caruso / magn Images

Mr. Unlimited went from lovable underdog to walking brand in the blink of an eye. Somewhere along the way, the carefully curated image began to feel like a distraction.

Read More: 20 Sports Stars Who Made Every Moment About Them

2. Brett Favre

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre is able to get off a pass despite being dragged by Detroit Lions Luther Ellis during the second quarter of their game on Dec. 10, 2000 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis
Dale Guldan / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Favre was a larger-than-life personality who kept coming back for more, long after he should’ve ridden off into the sunset. The constant attention seemed to become part of the addiction.

Read More: 20 NFL Stars Who Never Shied Away from the Spotlight

1. Tom Brady

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a touchdown pass over the Tennessee Titans defense at LP Field in Nashville on Sept. 9, 2012. The Titans lost their home and season opener 34-13
George Walker IV / USA TODAY NETWORK

Yes, he’s the GOAT—but he also fully embraced the celebrity lifestyle in his later years. From reality shows to high fashion to an endless retirement tour, Brady sometimes felt more Hollywood than in the huddle.

Read More: 20 NFL Stars Who Never Shied Away from the Spotlight

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