NFL wide receivers are known for their jaw-dropping catches, game-changing speed, and, sometimes, for acting like the biggest babies on the field. Whether it’s sideline tantrums, dramatic contract disputes, or simply refusing to play nice with coaches and teammates, these pass-catchers have made headlines for reasons far beyond their stats.
From legendary divas to modern-day drama magnets, here’s a countdown of 20 NFL wide receivers who always acted like big babies.
20. George Pickens
Pickens has shown flashes of brilliance, but his immaturity has been just as noticeable, especially with his social media outbursts and sideline sulking when things don’t go his way.
19. Brandon Aiyuk
Aiyuk’s practice tantrums and public contract squabbles have made it clear he’s not always thrilled when things don’t go his way, even if it’s just about the color of his shorts.
18. Martavis Bryant
Bryant’s career has been marked by suspensions and public complaints about his role, making him a poster child for wide receiver mood swings.
17. Plaxico Burress
Burress made headlines for his off-field drama, but his moodiness and inability to handle criticism often overshadowed his talent on the field.
16. Victor Cruz
Cruz wasn’t always the quiet professional—he admitted his infamous Miami boat trip was a distraction and wasn’t shy about voicing his frustrations when things didn’t go his way.
15. Brandon Marshall
Marshall’s sideline blowups and locker room disputes were legendary, and he rarely missed an opportunity to let everyone know when he was unhappy.
14. Michael Crabtree
Crabtree’s infamous on-field scuffles and tendency to complain about calls made him a regular on the “diva” radar.
13. Andre Rison
Rison’s cocky attitude, off-field troubles, and constant need for attention made him a classic example of a wide receiver who couldn’t keep his emotions in check.
12. Stefon Diggs
Diggs has never been shy about expressing his displeasure, whether it’s with coaches, quarterbacks, or play-calling, leading to plenty of sideline drama and trade rumors.
11. Michael Irvin
Irvin was a Hall of Famer on the field and a drama, with his fiery personality and penchant for making everything about himself.
10. Keyshawn Johnson
Johnson wrote the book on complaining—Just Give Me the Damn Ball—and made a career out of letting everyone know when he wasn’t happy.
9. Dez Bryant
Bryant’s sideline tirades, shouting matches with coaches and teammates, and emotional outbursts were as much a part of his game as his acrobatic catches.
8. Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham’s sideline antics, including his infamous fight with a kicking net, made him a meme legend and a constant source of drama for his teams.
7. Chad Johnson (Ochocinco)
From changing his name to elaborate touchdown celebrations, Johnson never missed a chance to draw attention to himself—and complain when he wasn’t the star.
6. Antonio Brown
Brown’s endless off-field drama, locker room feuds, and public meltdowns have overshadowed his talent more than anyone can count.
5. Santonio Holmes
Holmes was known for his big plays, sulking when he didn’t get the ball, and clashing with teammates and coaches.
4. Percy Harvin
Harvin’s mood swings and frequent disputes with coaches and teammates made him a headache for every team he played for.
3. Brandon Lloyd
Lloyd’s difficult reputation and tendency to pout when things didn’t go his way earned him a spot on any diva list.
Read More: 15 NFL Wide Receivers Who Could Start a Feud With a Brick Wall
2. Randy Moss
Moss’s “I play when I want to play” attitude, sideline sulks, and public criticism of coaches made him one of the most talented—and temperamental—receivers ever.
Read More: 15 Former NFL WRs Who Would Thrive in the Modern Game
1. Terrell Owens
Owens is the gold standard for wide receiver drama. His legendary sideline meltdowns, public feuds, and celebrations always made him the center of attention, whether his team liked it.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Greatest Wide Receivers Ever
