Football is a tough game of big, ego-driven men clashing on the field and off, so it makes sense that a number of players would find themselves among fans and peers most hated people in the NFL. When you're trying to win games, it doesn't necessarily help to be liked, and many of these players have found success despite being the dirtiest and meanest players in the NFL. While some players receive hate from fans for their poor play on the field, like Ezekiel Elliott or Kirk Cousins, others have serious off-the-field issues that have made them the kind of players fans love to hate, like Deshaun Watson and Tyreek Hill. Then, there are the dirty players like Ndamukong Suh, guys you just don't want to play against. So check out this list of the most hated players in the NFL, and vote up the players you can't stand, whether on the field or off it. Then head over and check out some of football's nice guys among the NFL's most likable players.
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Beginning in 2021, Watson has been sued by more than two dozen female massage therapists accusing him of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Watson has denied any wrongdoing despite settling 20 claims of sexual misconduct. Disagreements with the Texans' front office and multiple sexual-misconduct lawsuits kept Watson out for the entire 2021 season and led to his trade to Cleveland. Watson was suspended 11 games by the NFL for the 2022 season.
Travis Kelce is an exceptional athlete known for his on-field prowess as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. With his charismatic personality and impressive skills, Kelce has become a fan favorite, despite sometimes drawing ire for his competitive nature and off-field antics. His ability to dominate the field makes him a standout player in the NFL.
Aaron Rodgers is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, but with a prickly attitude and what people see as a huge ego, he seems to be loathed by many fans and players alike. Even former teammates have gone on record explaining their problems with Rodgers and his lack of leadership skills.
Tyreek Hill was kicked off the Oklahoma State football team after an arrest. Hill later pleaded guilty to the domestic assault of his girlfriend who was pregnant with his baby at the time of the assault. While in the NFL, he was investigated for child abuse following an incident that ended up with his son having his arm broken. Hill is stellar player on the field, but he seems to make horrible decisions off it.
Jalen Ramsey is a trash talker not unlike any other player NFL, but this talented player brings it to another level. Ramsey verbally attacked just about every quarterback in the league in just one GQ interview last year. His tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars was cut short due to his childish antics (stemming from a contract dispute) that overshadowed any play he made on the field.
Kareem Hunt had an amazing rookie year for the Kansas City Chiefs back in 2017. The 2018 season was shaping up to be just as fruitful until a video of Hunt assaulting a woman at a hotel was leaked. Following the video leak, the Chiefs released him (he is now signed with the Cleveland Browns) and he has just gotten off suspension to resume his career and try to win back any football fans willing to take him back.
Davante Adams, a top-tier wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, is revered for his remarkable route-running and reliable hands. His consistent performance over the years has made him one of the elite wideouts in the league, though he occasionally sparks controversy with his bold personality and confident demeanor.
Off-the-field issues involving crab legs and Uber drivers and erratic play on the field has made Jameis Winston hated among NFL fans. The turnover-prone quarterback has left Tampa Bay Buccaneer fans wondering if he's their franchise quarterback, and when it comes to the NFL, uncertainty breeds resentment and hatred.
Joe Mixon's off-the-field problems in college put him behind the eight-ball in terms of fan reception coming into the NFL, and his subpar play in his first few years in the league hasn't gotten many Bengals fans to rally around him. He isn't an awful player, but with no breakout season yet, he's still most known for collegiate legal problems.
