Ranking the 30 Most Unlikable NFL Quarterbacks of All Time

Being an NFL quarterback comes with glory and fame, and—if you’re not careful—many people rooting for your downfall. Whether it’s for their on-field antics, off-field drama, or just a general air of smugness, some quarterbacks have become magnets for boos, memes, and grudges.

From controversial personalities to consistent trash talkers, this list dives into the most unlikely signal-callers ever to take a snap. Some rubbed fans the wrong way, some alienated teammates, and others just had a face you didn’t want to see celebrating. Let’s count down the 30 most unlikeable quarterbacks in NFL history.

30. Tony Romo

Some people never overcame that infamous botched snap, and Romo became an easy target. He smiled a little too much after soul-crushing losses, which didn’t exactly scream accountability.

29. Blake Bortles

The Bortles hype machine got out of control for a hot second and rubbed people incorrectly. He became more meme than quarterback and never quite lived up to anything.

28. Deshaun Watson

Once viewed as a rising star, Watson’s off-field scandals permanently shifted public perception. The boos now follow him louder than any cheers ever did.

27. Carson Wentz

Wentz’s leadership was often questioned, and he seemed to wear out his welcome everywhere he went. He gave off big “it’s everyone else’s fault” energy.

26. Mark Sanchez

The butt fumble became a legacy, and his confidence never quite matched the results. He played in a vast market but delivered way more cringe than clutch.

25. Jay Cutler

Cutler always looked like he wanted to be anywhere else but on a football field. His apathy wasn’t just visible—it became a brand.

24. Boomer Esiason

Boomer had a cannon arm and a mouth to match. His trash talk and constant complaining made him hard to root for unless he was on your team.

23. Kerry Collins

He had a long career, but controversy and inconsistency followed him throughout. He had moments of brilliance but even more moments of being wildly unlikable.

22. Mitch Trubisky

It’s not his fault he was drafted over Mahomes and Watson, but that didn’t stop fans from holding it against him. He was the face of Chicago’s quarterback misery for years.

21. Philip Rivers

Rivers never shut up on the field, and not in a fun way. His nonstop yapping and whiny antics drove opposing fans crazy.

20. Jeff George

Arm talent? Yes. Team player? Not even close. George’s me-first attitude and coach clashes made him tough to root for.

19. Cam Newton

Cam was electric when winning, but his attitude when losing sparked criticism. His celebrations were loud, but his postgame sulking was louder.

18. Baker Mayfield

Baker entered the league ready to fight everyone, including teammates, the media, and the opposing mascot. His chip-on-the-shoulder mentality often crossed into arrogance.

17. Colin Kaepernick

Whether you supported him or not, Kaepernick became one of the most polarizing figures in NFL history. His presence sparked debates that went far beyond football.

16. Sam Darnold

Fans didn’t necessarily hate Darnold; they just got tired of watching him make the same mistakes. His “seeing ghosts” moment didn’t help his likability either.

15. Daunte Culpepper

Culpepper had a few great years but carried himself like a perennial MVP. The swagger never really matched the production once Randy Moss left.

14. Eli Manning

Yes, he won two Super Bowls, but Eli’s dopey expressions and turnover-prone style wore thin with many fans. He was somehow both overhyped and underrated, depending on who you asked.

13. Jameis Winston

Winston always brought drama, on and off the field. His “YOLO ball” tendencies and off-field behavior made him hard to embrace.

12. Matt Leinart

Leinart’s Hollywood attitude didn’t translate to NFL success. He came in cocky and left quietly.

11. Ryan Leaf

One of the biggest busts in NFL history, Leaf’s attitude problems were legendary. He alienated teammates, fans, and just about everyone else.

10. Mac Jones

Jones has already managed to rub people incorrectly with sideline outbursts and finger-pointing. The tantrums piled up faster than the touchdowns.

9. Vince Young

Young came in with high expectations and an even higher ego. His refusal to take criticism and the behind-the-scenes drama made him a frustrating figure.

8. Jim McMahon

McMahon was the ultimate rebel without a cause. His cocky, in-your-face personality didn’t sit well with traditionalists, even if he backed it up.

7. Johnny Manziel

Manziel partied more than he practiced, and it showed. He burned every bridge possible.

6. Ben Roethlisberger

Big Ben’s off-field issues and aloof personality made him hard to cheer for. His locker room leadership was also frequently questioned.

5. Russell Wilson

Russ started as the league’s golden boy, but the overly polished persona began to feel fake. The “Mr. Unlimited” video lives in fans’ heads for all the wrong reasons.

4. Tim Tebow

Tebowmania was exhausting. He was lDuring his brief NFL stay, hes of a quarterback, more of a movement, and the nonstop coverage wore people down quickly.

3. Patrick Mahomes

Mahomes is undeniably talented, but the overexposure has been relentless. Between the commercials, sideline dramatics, and constant comparisons, some fans are just plain over it.

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2. Tom Brady

Yes, he’s the GOAT—but he’s also the guy who whines to refs, breaks tablets, and leans into the villain role. Everyone outside New England (and later Tampa) had had enough of his dominance.

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1. Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers is brilliant but deeply divisive. The constant need to prove he’s the most intelligent person in the room gets old fast.

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