​​15 NFL Stars Who Burned Bridges Everywhere They Went

Some NFL stars leave every locker room with a thank-you note and a highlight reel. Others leave behind scorched earth, angry teammates, and a trail of front office headaches.

Whether it was ego, off-field drama, or just a knack for clashing with authority, these players made a habit of exiting with fireworks. From locker room dust-ups to social media meltdowns, these are the guys who couldn’t seem to keep things cool no matter the jersey.

15. 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

He had all the physical tools, but never quite figured out the off-field part. Between suspensions and inconsistency, every team that gave him a shot eventually walked away shaking their heads.

14. Ndamukong Suh

Feb 4, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Ndamukong Suh (93) against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Suh could dominate a game and rub everyone the wrong way while doing it. He played like a villain, and teammates and opponents alike often felt the brunt of it.

13. 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

Ramsey talks a big game, and usually backs it up, but his exits from Jacksonville and LA didn’t come with warm farewells. He’s elite, but he tends to wear out his welcome faster than you’d expect.

12. 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 bounced around the league like a pinball machine with elite ball skills and plenty of attitude. His blunt personality and off-field distractions didn’t help him stick anywhere for too long.

11. Albert Haynesworth

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (92) pressures New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington (10) at LP Field in Nashville on Sep. 10, 2006. The Titans lost their home and season opener 23-16
George Walker IV / Imagn Images

After cashing in with Washington, his effort and attitude evaporated overnight. Coaches, teammates, and fans were all left wondering what happened to the guy they paid for.

10. 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

OBJ made spectacular catches and headlines in equal measure. His departure from New York was messy, and things didn’t exactly smooth out in Cleveland either.

9. 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

Dez brought passion and production, but also a fair amount of sideline theatrics. His intensity could inspire or divide, depending on the day and the coach.

8. 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

Cutler’s rocket arm came with a permanent scowl and a vibe that screamed “I’m over this.” He wasn’t known for rallying the troops—more like quietly walking away from them.

7. 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. was a generational talent with a Hall of Fame ego. From feuding with quarterbacks to driveway workouts, he was a one-man soap opera wherever he went.

6. 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

Gordon had Hall of Fame-level ability and off-the-field issues that followed him everywhere. Teams kept giving him chances, but the drama always resurfaced.

5. Carson Wentz

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz (11) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Wentz went from franchise savior to locker room pariah in record time. Between leadership questions and finger-pointing, every team eventually decided he wasn’t worth the drama.

4. Richie Incognito

Aug 15, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders center Richie Incognito (64) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Raiders defeated the Cardinals 33-26. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Few players brought more locker room baggage than Incognito. From bullying scandals to volatile behavior, he was the definition of a walking red flag.

3. Randy Moss

Sep 17, 2006; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss (18) warms up against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
Lou Capozzola-Imagn Images

Even Moss admits he didn’t always give his best effort, and some teams learned that the hard way. His talent kept doors open, but his attitude often slammed them shut.

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

2. Baker Mayfield

Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6), running back Bucky Irving (7) and team mates take the field against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Baker came in hot and confident, but rubbed plenty of people the wrong way. Between calling out coaches and not backing it up on the field, he left town with more critics than fans.

Read More: 15 NFL Players Who Burned Bridges With Their Former Teams

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

AB went from All-Pro to all-problem in the blink of an eye. He turned exits into spectacles and made headlines for all the wrong reasons at every stop.

Read More: 15 NFL Players Who Destroyed Their Reputations

Related Articles
Ray Lewis
13 NFL Defensive Players Who Played With a Mean-Streak
Whether it was their snarling presence or bone-rattling hits, these defenders brought an edge that couldn’t...
Read More
Sep 19, 1999; Baltimore, MD, USA; FILE PHOTO; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Scott Mitchell (19) in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at PSINet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
13 NFL Defenses That Bullied Their Way Into History
Here are 13 NFL defenses that made history by simply being meaner, tougher, and nastier than everyone...
Read More
Sep 9, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels during warm ups before the start of the game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
14 Quarterbacks Who Hated Their Head Coach
From icy stares on the sidelines to full-on public meltdowns, here are quarterbacks who clearly couldn’t...
Read More
February 8, 2019; Pebble Beach, CA, USA; Ho-sung Choi hits his tee shot on the 14th hole during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
15 Golfers With Swings That Defied Physics
From homemade swings to unexplainable body motion, these 15 golfers made you pause and ask, How is that...
Read More
Apr 23, 2022; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) is unable to stop a shot from Ottawa Senators center Josh Norris (not pictured) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
The 13 Most Overrated NHL Goalies of All Time
Some goalies were propped up by strong teams, while others lived off a reputation that never quite matched...
Read More
Apr 20, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) reacts during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
25 MLB Players Who Had That Unbothered Aura
Whether it was style, swagger, or just pure chill, these 25 guys always gave off that effortlessly unfazed...
Read More

As an Amazon Associate, The Quick Report earns from qualifying purchases.

Part of the Castaway Studios media network.