Quarterbacks are supposed to be the face of the franchise, the leader in the locker room, and the player everyone respects. But sometimes, a QB wins over his fanbase while everyone else is counting the days until he retires.
These are the guys who could do no wrong in their city, but somehow rubbed everyone else the wrong way. Whether it was their attitude, style of play, or just pure bad luck, they were polarizing from day one.
17. Baker Mayfield
Cleveland fans loved his swagger and fiery attitude, especially after years of losing. But to everyone else, it felt like a little too much barking for a guy who hadn’t won anything.
16. Philip Rivers
Chargers fans adored his competitive fire and refusal to ever back down. However, his constant trash talk and exaggerated throwing motion made him an easy target for opposing fan bases.
15. Cam Newton
Panthers fans will forever love him for his MVP season and Superman celebrations. But the rest of the league often saw him as too flashy and not severe enough.
14. Jay Cutler
Bears fans backed him way longer than they probably should have. Everyone else saw a guy who seemed to care. little
13. Tony Romo
Cowboys Nation defended him with their lives through every late-game interception. Meanwhile, the rest of the NFL just saw another overrated Dallas quarterback who couldn’t win when it mattered.
12. Jeff Garcia
49ers and Browns fans appreciated his grit and underdog story. However, his awkward style and lack of arm strength gave outsiders plenty to criticize.
11. Carson Wentz
Philly fans were all-in during his near-MVP campaign, and some never gave up hope. The rest of the league grew tired of the drama, injuries, and excuses.
10. Tim Tebow
Broncos fans treated him like a savior after that wild playoff win. But most people couldn’t understand the hype for a quarterback who couldn’t throw the ball.
9. Deshaun Watson
Texans fans used to see him as the franchise’s future. Now, thanks to off-field issues, he’s one of the most controversial figures in the league.
8. Colin Kaepernick
Niners fans saw a dynamic dual-threat who nearly won them a Super Bowl. Others saw someone who became more known for protests than for their accomplishments.
7. Matt Hasselbeck
Seattle loved him for his leadership and playoff toughness. But that “we want the ball and we’re gonna score” quote made him the butt of jokes everywhere else.
6. Mark Sanchez
Jets fans embraced the confidence and early success. Everyone else remembers him for one thing: the butt fumble.
5. Michael Vick
Falcons fans were mesmerized by his electric playmaking. However, his legal issues and style drew plenty of criticism from other fan bases.
4. Jameis Winston
Fans kept hoping he’d figure it out with all that talent. Meanwhile, his turnover-prone play and off-field drama made him easy to dislike.
3. Ben Roethlisberger
Steelers fans adored Big Ben for his toughness and two Super Bowls. But his off-field reputation and on-field smugness didn’t win him many fans outside Pittsburgh.
Read More: 15 Times a Quarterback Thought He Was the Entire Franchise
2. Aaron Rodgers
Packers fans worshipped him for years, and Jets fans tried to. However, the rest of the league grew tired of his cryptic interviews and vaccine debates quickly.
Read More: 10 Reasons the Aaron Rodgers + Pittsburgh Steelers Experiment Will Crash and Burn
1. Tom Brady
Patriots fans loved him like family, and Bucs fans enjoyed the brief ride. But if you weren’t cheering for his team, you were almost definitely rooting against him.
Read More: 15 Quarterbacks Who Got Way Too Into Their Own Legacy
