Deshaun Watson’s career has been overshadowed by allegations of misconduct, with over two dozen women accusing him of inappropriate behavior during massage sessions. These allegations led to lawsuits, a suspension, and a $5 million fine. Despite the controversy, the Cleveland Browns signed Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, sparking public outrage. The backlash included a surge in donations to the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, as many used their contributions to protest the signing.
It’s the kind of public image that fires up dislike: a top-tier talent with serious off-field baggage, and a club willing to spend big despite it. Many fans see the Browns’ gamble as tone-deaf, and Watson’s every appearance now carries whispers of “did we just do the right thing?” rather than pure admiration. Expecting hero worship? Not here—more like begrudging acceptance and loud boos.
The only thing more explosive than Michael Vick’s 40-yard dash was the scandal that followed him. At the peak of his career with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick was locked in for his electric arm and even more electric legs. Then it all came crashing down when he admitted his role in the infamous dog-fighting ring at “Bad Newz Kennels,” a scheme that involved horrifying cruelty and landed him 18 months in federal prison.
The comeback story? He returned to the NFL, signed new contracts, and earned accolades like the comeback-player award. Yet for many fans, nothing erased what he did. The Week noted that while hardcore football followers might root for him again, casual fans largely have not forgiven or forgotten his dog-fighting past.
The 14-time Pro Bowler, four-time MVP, and one-time Super Bowl champion long carried the image of the NFL’s golden boy until his personal quirks made many fans roll their eyes. Rodgers became almost as famous for his side pursuits—ayahuasca retreats, podcast commentary, cryptic “I’m not OK” quips—as for threading passes to Davante Adams. Once entrenched in Green Bay Packers lore, he later found himself a polarizing figure with the New York Jets.
It wasn’t just the highlight-reel touchdowns that made fans grumble—it was the controversies that rolled in. From confusing public comments about his vaccination status to off-field dramas and under-whelming seasons, Rodgers began to lose the “hero” tune in favor of a “diva” label. With every cryptic social-media post and each under-par performance, the question floating around the stands became: “Can we still root for him or are we just waiting for the next weird headline?”
For a great many fans, Tom Brady represents everything you love to hate—domination, endless success, and controversy baked into the legacy. For starters, Brady was at the center of the infamous Deflategate scandal, where he was accused of knowing footballs used in the 2015 AFC Championship game were under-inflated. On top of that, his long tenure with New England Patriots—which became the NFL’s model dynasty—meant countless other teams’ fans saw Brady and the “Patriot Way” as the system beating them.
Add in the fact that Brady’s smile seems engineered for the highlight reel, his Instagram feed screams luxury, and he picks up seven Super Bowls like they’re parking tickets—and it’s little wonder many fans aren’t just annoyed, they’re fed-up. As one article puts it: “jealousy is the number one reason” people say they dislike him. Even Brady himself acknowledges it, noting that part of the reason people dislike him is simply because they didn’t get to root for him, they got to root against him.
He wasn’t just a quarterback; he became a symbol. When Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem in 2016, he did more than skip a few seconds of broadcast—the move sparked fierce debate about patriotism, race and what it means to take a stand. Many viewed his protest as brave. Others saw it as disrespectful. This backlash was especially intense among people who place a high value on loyalty and sanctity—qualities stirred when someone challenges revered national rituals.
So what do fans see? On one side, a player using his platform for something bigger than himself. On the other, a high-profile athlete who trades game time for controversy, and arguably lost some of his leverage as his performance dipped. That combination has cemented his place on the “most disliked” list for many NFL watchers. The result: love him or loathe him, Kaepernick’s legacy is less about wins & losses and more about cultural tectonics.
When the Jay Cutler era in Chicago began, hopes were high—he had a cannon arm, big play potential, and arrived via a blockbuster trade. What followed, however, was a decade of mixed results, perceived lack of enthusiasm, and plenty of fodder for critics. From body language that looked “checked out” to a habit of rolling his eyes at coaching staff, Cutler quickly became the poster boy of the “doesn’t care” QB narrative.
And it wasn’t just talk: a Forbes-Nielsen poll from around 2013 named him among the least-liked athletes in America—right alongside the biggest villains in sports. Let’s be honest: when your team hands you two first-round picks (actually they did) and expectations skyrocket, the margin of error shrinks fast. Every turnover, every under-thrown pass, every sideline scowl added fuel to the fire.
The golden boy of the Kansas City Chiefs—three Super Bowl rings, multiple MVPs, highlight-reel throws through defenders’ helmets—but for a surprising number of fans, that’s exactly why he’s on this “most hated” list. Top athletes often bear the brunt of backlash simply for the dominance, but Mahomes adds nuance: his media presence is non-stop, his celebrity status looms large, and when things go off the rails—even a little—social media explodes. For instance: “It can be toxic … being on social media and seeing stuff,” he recently admitted after facing criticism.
Another critique? Perceived mistakes. One article called out his “late slides and fake slides” that drew penalties or big chunks for the other team. And here’s the kicker: when you’re that high up, the fall is steeper. Fans of other teams feel slighted he keeps winning, and even his own fan base sometimes grumbles when the offense looks less than majestic. So yes, Mahomes scores in the stat book, but also checks a lot of boxes for “why people root against you.”
Brett Favre was the NFL's golden boy—tough, record-breaking, and beloved by fans. But in 2022, his image took a hit when he was linked to a Mississippi welfare scandal. Texts revealed that Favre sought over $1 million in welfare funds for a volleyball facility at his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi, where his daughter played. While Favre repaid the money, the state auditor claims he still owes approximately $730,000 due to accrued interest.
Favre has not been criminally charged and maintains he was unaware the funds were designated for welfare recipients. The fallout was swift. Favre lost endorsements and media roles, and his reputation as a hero was tarnished. Despite his denials, the scandal raised questions about the use of public funds and the accountability of public figures. The Mississippi Supreme Court recently ruled that Favre's defamation lawsuit against the state auditor will proceed, allowing the case to move forward.
Russell Wilson’s transition from Super Bowl champion to one of the NFL’s most polarizing figures is a tale of overexposure, underperformance, and a dash of tone-deafness. When the Denver Broncos traded for him in 2022, expectations were sky-high. Instead, the Broncos plummeted to a 5–12 record, with Wilson’s play often underwhelming. His performance was criticized for missing open receivers and holding onto the ball too long, leading to mounting frustration among fans and analysts alike.
Adding fuel to the fire was Wilson's off-field persona. His social media presence, filled with motivational posts and self-congratulatory content, was perceived as inauthentic and disconnected from the team's struggles. This "cringe factor," as some fans described it, made him an easy target for criticism. The culmination of unmet expectations and a perceived lack of self-awareness led to a significant decline in his popularity, even among his own fanbase.
Johnny Manziel's NFL career was a whirlwind of hype, talent, and controversy. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2014, he entered the league with immense potential and a Heisman Trophy under his belt. However, his time in the NFL was marred by off-field issues that overshadowed his on-field performance. Manziel's penchant for partying and substance abuse became well-known, leading to multiple fines and suspensions. In one notable incident, he was fined for being late to treatment sessions due to attending a party, and his absence led to teammate Josh Gordon's suspension for missing a team walk-through.
Despite his brief stint in the NFL, Manziel's legacy is often discussed in terms of what could have been. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of managing fame and responsibility at a young age. While he has since sought redemption and spoken openly about his struggles, the narrative of his NFL career remains a blend of unfulfilled promise and personal turmoil.
Ryan Leaf’s NFL career is a cautionary tale of immense talent squandered by poor decisions and a toxic attitude. Drafted second overall in the 1998 NFL Draft, Leaf was expected to be the future of the San Diego Chargers. However, his tenure was marked by erratic behavior, poor performance, and strained relationships with teammates and coaches. His immaturity and lack of accountability were evident both on and off the field, leading to a rapid decline in his career.
Off the field, Leaf's life took a darker turn. Struggling with substance abuse, he faced legal troubles, including felony burglary and drug possession charges. In 2012, he was sentenced to prison, and his journey through the justice system highlighted the depth of his personal issues. Despite these challenges, Leaf has worked towards redemption, becoming an advocate for mental health and substance abuse recovery.
JaMarcus Russell's NFL career is often cited as a cautionary tale of unrealized potential and squandered opportunities. Drafted first overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2007, Russell entered the league with high expectations. However, his tenure was marred by a series of missteps, both on and off the field, leading to his rapid decline.
One of the primary criticisms of Russell was his perceived lack of work ethic and commitment to the game. Reports indicated that he struggled with conditioning and preparation, which hindered his performance during his time with the Raiders.
Zach Wilson's NFL journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with more downs than ups. Drafted second overall by the New York Jets in 2021, Wilson was expected to be the franchise quarterback the team had longed for. However, his tenure with the Jets was marked by inconsistency and poor decision-making. Over three seasons, Wilson posted a 12–21 record as a starter, with a passer rating of 73.2, throwing 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. His struggles were evident in his inability to consistently lead the offense, often missing open receivers and making questionable throws under pressure.
The frustration among Jets fans was palpable. On forums like JetsAddicts, discussions about Wilson's performance were candid and critical. One user noted, "He missed open receivers all the time and took bad sacks," highlighting the recurring issues that plagued his gameplay. Another pointed out that despite the team's offensive struggles, Wilson's own performance was a significant factor in their ineptitude. "He was at the bottom of QBs starting in the league at 73.2 QB rating," they remarked.
Cade McNown’s tenure with the Chicago Bears was a cautionary tale of unfulfilled promise and off-field controversy. Drafted 12th overall in the 1999 NFL Draft, McNown was expected to be the franchise quarterback the Bears desperately needed. However, his time in Chicago was marked by poor performance and a series of off-field issues. Over two seasons, McNown started 15 games, winning just three, and posted a quarterback rating of 67.7.
His on-field struggles were compounded by a perceived lack of work ethic and maturity, leading to his rapid decline and eventual departure from the team. Off the field, McNown's actions further tarnished his reputation. Reports indicated that he was associated with and took gifts from the mob during his college years and was accused of point-shaving, though he was later cleared of the latter. Additionally, he illegally acquired a handicapped parking pass to use inappropriately.
Jeff George’s NFL career is a classic example of raw talent clashing with a combustible personality. Drafted first overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 1990, George possessed a cannon arm and impressive college credentials. However, his time with the Colts was marked by underachievement and tension. Over four seasons, he started 49 games, winning just 14, and was often criticized for his lack of leadership and poor relationships with coaches and teammates.
His tenure with the Colts ended after a tumultuous period, and he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 1994. Despite his early struggles, George continued his NFL journey with several teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Oakland Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings. While he had moments of success, such as leading the NFL in passing yards in 1997 with the Raiders, his career was never consistent.
