The Most Overrated NFL Player, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the player you think is the most overrated!

Updated on May 6, 2024 06:28

Debate often surrounds the performance of NFL players, with opinions differing widely on who truly deserves their acclaim and who might be benefiting more from hype than from actual on-field prowess. By establishing a ranking for the most overrated NFL players, this tool assists fans in expressing their views and seeing how their opinions stack up against others. This interactive process not only gives clarity but also sparks engaging discussions on player valuations. Through voting, users contribute to a transparent, constantly updated list that reflects the broader sentiment of the sports community. This ranking can serve as a fun and insightful resource, helping to shape perceptions about players whose public reputations might not fully align with their performance. It's an opportunity for fans to have their say, affirming or challenging the prevailing narratives in professional football.

What Is the Most Overrated NFL Player?

1

64
votes
All-Pro Reels · CC BY-SA 2.0

Tom Brady

While he is undoubtedly a talented quarterback, his success has been heavily attributed to the strong teams he has played on and the coaching of Bill Belichick. Additionally, his reputation as the "GOAT" has led to a cult-like following that often overlooks his mistakes and shortcomings.
Tom Brady is a highly accomplished and often celebrated NFL player. He is consistently regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. Brady's ability to lead his teams to numerous Super Bowl victories has cemented his status as a legend of the sport.

Super Bowl victories: 7

Most Super Bowl MVPs: 5

Regular-season MVP awards: 3

NFL records held: Multiple

Career passing touchdowns: 581
Tom Brady in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular NFL jersey
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous quarterback in the NFL
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Tom
- Position 4 of 10 in Most handsome athlete
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous person from the Bay Area
- Position 7 of 10 in Most talented NFL players of all time
2

40
votes
Jeffrey Beall · CC BY-SA 3.0

J.J. Watt

Justin James Watt

While he was dominant in his prime, injuries have slowed him down in recent years. Additionally, his reputation as a humanitarian has often overshadowed his on-field performance.
J.J. Watt is a former NFL defensive end known for his exceptional athleticism, strength, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He played for the Houston Texans from 2011 to 2020.

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 288 lbs

College: University of Wisconsin

Drafted: 11th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft

All-Pro Selections: 5
J.J. Watt in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular NFL jersey
3

30
votes
Keith Allison · CC BY-SA 2.0

Ezekiel Elliott

Jerry Jones

While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his off-field behavior and lack of consistency have led many to question his worth as a top-tier running back.
Ezekiel Elliott is a professional American football player who currently plays as a running back in the National Football League (NFL).

Position: Running back

Team: Dallas Cowboys

Height: 6'0" (183 cm)

Weight: 225 lbs (102 kg)

Drafted: 2016, Round 1, Pick 4
Ezekiel Elliott in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Dallas Cowboys jersey
4

28
votes
Erik Drost · CC BY 2.0

Odell Beckham Jr.

Various critics and NFL fans

Despite his incredible talent, his antics on and off the field have often overshadowed his contributions to his team. Additionally, his lack of team success has led some to question his impact as a player.
Odell Beckham Jr. is a professional American football player who gained significant attention and acclaim during his time in the NFL. He is widely regarded as one of the most overrated players in recent years due to various factors. Despite notable performances and highlights throughout his career, his overall impact and consistency have been questioned by many critics.

Position: Wide Receiver

Height: 5'11" (180 cm)

Weight: 198 lbs (90 kg)

Team(s): New York Giants (2014-2018), Cleveland Browns (2019-present)

Drafted: 1st round, 12th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft
Odell Beckham Jr. in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous LSU football player
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Manning
- Position 7 of 10 in Most handsome athlete
5

8
votes
Mdavis414 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Antonio Brown

While he was once considered one of the best receivers in the league, his behavior on and off the field has led to multiple team suspensions and a decline in his performance.
Antonio Brown is a former wide receiver in the NFL known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and impressive statistics. He rose to prominence during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the league for a significant period.

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 185 lbs

Years Played: 2010-2019

Career Receptions: 841

Career Receiving Yards: 11,263
6

18
votes
sportiqe · CC BY-SA 2.0

Cam Newton

While he has had some impressive seasons, his inconsistency and tendency to make mistakes have led many to question his worth as a franchise quarterback. Additionally, his recent injuries have raised concerns about his longevity in the league.
Cam Newton is a highly debated NFL player who gained significant attention during his career. He was a quarterback known for his athletic prowess and versatile playing style. Newton entered the league as the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft and played for the Carolina Panthers from 2011 to 2019. He later joined the New England Patriots in 2020. Throughout his career, Cam Newton demonstrated exceptional running abilities, size, and arm strength. However, his inconsistency in accuracy and decision-making has been subject to criticism, leading to divided opinions on his overall impact as a quarterback.

Position: Quarterback

Draft Year: 2011

Teams: Carolina Panthers (2011-2019), New England Patriots (2020)

Height: 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters)

Weight: 245 pounds (111 kg)
Cam Newton in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous college football player
7

4
votes
Jeffrey Beall · CC BY-SA 3.0

Richard Sherman

Richard Sherman

While he was once considered one of the league's top cornerbacks, his declining performance in recent years has led many to question his value to his team. Additionally, his outspoken nature and controversial statements have often overshadowed his on-field performance.
Richard Sherman is a highly acclaimed American football player who currently plays as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He is widely recognized for his exceptional skills on the field.

Position: Cornerback

Team: Currently a free agent, previously played for the San Francisco 49ers

Height: 6'3" (190 cm)

Weight: 195 lbs (88 kg)

College: Stanford University
Richard Sherman in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Seahawks players
8

8
votes
All-Pro Reels · CC BY-SA 2.0

Kirk Cousins

NFL

While he has put up impressive numbers, his lack of success in big games and inability to lead his team to the playoffs have led many to question his value as a franchise quarterback.
Kirk Cousins is a professional NFL player who has been subject to debate and varying opinions regarding his performance and overall value. Some consider him to be overrated, while others believe he is a capable quarterback.

Position: Quarterback

Team: Minnesota Vikings

Height: 6 feet 3 inches

Weight: 202 pounds

College: Michigan State University
9

7
votes
All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Khalil Mack

Khalil Mack

While he is undoubtedly a talented pass rusher, his lack of consistency and tendency to disappear in big games have led some to question his worth as a top-tier player. Additionally, his high salary has put pressure on him to perform at an elite level every game.
Khalil Mack is an American professional football player who is widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in the National Football League (NFL). A linebacker and edge rusher, Mack is known for his exceptional athleticism, strength, speed, and ability to disrupt offensive plays.

Position: Linebacker/Edge Rusher

Height: 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters)

Weight: 252 pounds (114 kilograms)

College: University at Buffalo

NFL Team: Chicago Bears
10

3
votes
I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby publish it under the following license: · CC BY-SA 3.0

Le'Veon Bell

Le'Veon Bell

While he was once considered one of the best running backs in the league, his holdout and subsequent lackluster performance with the Jets have led many to question his worth as a top-tier player. Additionally, his off-field behavior and suspensions have raised concerns about his maturity and commitment to the game.
Le'Veon Bell is a highly regarded NFL player who played as a running back. He is known for his patient running style and exceptional versatility. Bell has been a controversial figure throughout his career, with his contract disputes, holdouts, and off-field issues often making headlines. Despite the media attention, Bell has had successful seasons, showcasing his agility, power, and receiving skills.

Position: Running Back

Running Style: Patient

Versatility: Exceptional

Controversies: Contract disputes, holdouts, off-field issues

Skills: Agility, power, receiving

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Ranking factors for overrated player

Performance

Compare the player's on-field performance, including statistics, win-loss records, and individual achievements, to other players in the same position or league. This will help to identify if the player is undeservingly receiving more credit or attention than his performance warrants.
Awards and Accolades

Evaluate whether or not the player has received unwarranted recognition in the form of awards or selection to all-star games, especially when compared to other players with similar or better accomplishments.
Media Coverage

Analyze the volume and tone of media coverage the player receives. Overrated players often receive more attention and praise from the media, despite having similar or lesser accomplishments than their peers.
Public Perception

Consider the general public's perception of the player and whether or not their reputation and recognition align with their actual performance. Overrated players may have a strong public or fan following that is disproportionate to their on-field contributions.
Contract Value

Examine the player's contract and salary compared to other players in the league, particularly those in similar roles or positions. Overrated players may be overpaid for their actual value and contribution to their team.
Consistency

Consider the player's consistency in performance and ability to maintain a high level of play over time. Overrated players may have a few standout moments or seasons, but fail to maintain success consistently.
Impact on Team Success

Assess the player's overall impact on their team's success, including their leadership qualities and ability to help their team win games. Overrated players may have limited impact on team success despite being touted as key contributors.
Career Longevity

Consider the player's career longevity and the ability to adapt and excel in different stages of their career. Overrated players may have a brief period of success that is not sustainable over a longer period.
Level of Competition

Analyze the level of competition the player has faced throughout their career and whether or not their accomplishments stand up against other top-tier players and teams.
Historical Comparison

Compare the player to similar players from NFL history to determine whether or not they measure up to the standards set by previous greats in their position or league.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most overrated NFL player. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or player is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2116 views
205 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each player once every 24 hours. The rank of each player is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most overrated nfl player

When it comes to the NFL, there are always players who are hyped up beyond belief, only to fall short of expectations. These players are often labeled as overrated, and they can be a point of contention among fans and analysts alike. Whether it's because of their inflated salaries, lackluster performances, or a combination of both, overrated NFL players can quickly become the subject of heated debates. In this article, we take a closer look at some of the most overrated NFL players of all time, and explore why they failed to live up to the hype.