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Ranking the 10 Most Hated NFL Players of All Time

The most hated NFL players all have one thing in common – they were superstars in the league. From criminal convictions, diva behavior and unsportsmanlike conduct, these players actions and attitudes made them controversial to say the least.

10. Richard Sherman

Super Bowl XLVIII champion and Seattle Seahawks legend Richard Sherman is one of the greatest cornerbacks we’ve seen. Sherman is still dirty he didn’t have a second ring and although his trash-talking and confrontational nature was a key to putting opposition players off, he rubbed up every opposing fan the wrong way. 

9. Ndamukong Suh

Ndamukong Suh is up there with the greatest defensive tackles and his time at the Detroit Lions was polarizing. Suh was aggressive, which you’d expect for someone battling in the trenches at his position. Sometimes he took things too far and has a litany of fines and suspensions for unsportsmanlike conduct.

In 2011 Suh stomped on Green Bay offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith’s arm after pushing his head into the turf three times. A year later he kicked Matt Schaub in the groin and in 2014, he stepped on Aaron Rodgers calf.

8. Albert Haynesworth

Dominant defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was known for his time with the Tennessee Titans and Washington Redskins. As naturally talented as he was it was his work ethic and attitude that let him down.

Haynesworth was involved in several on-field incidents, including stomping on Andre Gurode head, and a well-publicized altercation with head coach Mike Shanahah. 

7. Bill Romanowski

Bill Romanowski was a fierce linebacker who is best remembered for winning four Super Bowls.  He earned the nickname “Romocop” which gives you an indication of just how hard he played the game. Unfortunately for Romanowski his on-field behavior went too far and was violent to say the least.

Romanowski drew widespread criticism after spitting in the face of J. J. Stokes. He also injured teammate Marcus Williams who was forced to retire, and was also known to often use racial slurs.

6. Michael Vick

Michael Vick was one of the most electric players we’ve ever seen especially the time he spent at the Falcons with his polarizing dual-threat play. As good as Vick was on the field, he immediately became one of the most hated NFL players for his role in a dogfighting ring.

Sentenced to 23 months in prison, Vick’s four Pro Bowl appearances and his transformation of the quarterback position with his rushing will forever be overshadowed by his involvement in animal cruelty.

5. Ray Rice

Drafted in 2008 Ray Rice became a star running back for the Baltimore Ravens, earning 37 rushing touchdowns and a Super Bowl. In 2014 his career took a turn for the worst after footage emerged of Rice assaulting his then-fiancée Janay Palmer in an elevator.

Rice immediately became one of the most hated NFL players but the league copped major criticism for an initial two-game ban, with much harsher punishments dished out for NFL players smoking weed. 

4. Rae Carruth

Rae Carruth was a first round draft pick in 1997 by the Carolina Panthers. The wide receiver scored four touchdowns and had 804 receiving yards in three seasons but in 1999 was involved in conspiring to murder his pregnant girlfriend Cherica Adams and their unborn child. 

After serving 18 years in prison he was released in 2018 and remains one of the most hated NFL players as a result of his involvement in the murder.

3. Tom Brady 

Patriots fans will regard Tom Brady as the greatest person on the planet but to everyone else he’s one of the most hated NFL players. Being the best quarterback of all time and guiding a Patriots dynasty that won six Super Bowls in 18 seasons will draw the ire of any rival fans. A small number of New England fans are still dirty that he went to the Buccaneers and won Super Bowl LV. 

2. Terrell Owens

You either loved Terrell Owens or you hated him. It also would’ve mattered whether you’re a fan of the 49ers, Eagles or the Cowboys. Owens got into conflicts with teammates and coaches.

While the argument could be made that he was extremely passionate, many viewed his antics as diva behavior. Who can forget when Owens ran to the Dallas Cowboys star at centre-field twice in one game when he scored for the 49ers? 

1. O.J. Simpson

Not only is O.J Simpson the most hated NFL player of all time, he’s also the most hated athlete in history. Simpson is one of the greatest running backs ever and was a popular figure during his 11-year career but his fall from grace and stellar career is overshadowed by his involvement in the murders of former wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman. 

Matt Ieriko

Matt Ieriko is a freelance writer who’s evolved his lifelong passion for sport into the creation of WolfgangSport.com in 2020 – an American sports blog covering the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS and more. As an Australian, he’s always been fascinated with the cultural differences and global significance of sports in America.

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