The NFL isn’t just a game of X’s and O’s; it’s a game of egos and attitudes. When you’re winning, those quirks and diva moments can be overlooked.
As they say, winning cures everything!
Even if a quarterback’s ego is getting out of control or a star wide receiver won’t stop publicly begging for targets.
But when the losses start stacking, those same behaviors go from “passion” to “problem.” Suddenly, teammates aren’t so tolerant, and the locker room starts to crack.
If winning solves all, losing exposes all!
2024 is no different… We’ve got some big NFL names whose teammates are just plain sick of them.
Let’s take a look around the league and break down 10 of these big-name headaches!
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Which NFL players are secretly hated by their teammates?
Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Deebo Samuel has made his name in the league with his impressive versatility and is renowned for his intense playing style and fiery demeanor.
However, his passion recently crossed a line, causing friction within the team. During a Week 10 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, kicker Jake Moody missed his third field goal of the game—a 44-yard attempt late in the fourth quarter.
Frustrated, Samuel confronted Moody on the sideline. Long snapper Taybor Pepper intervened to de-escalate the situation, but Samuel reacted by striking Pepper in the throat.
This altercation was captured on camera and quickly went viral, sparking discussions about Samuel’s standing on the team.
Obviously, football is an intense and physical sport… but there is supposed to be a line, especially with your teammates—and there is no doubt that Samuel waltzed right past it.
To make matters worse, but the Niners and him are having a pretty abysmal NFL season to their standards, only heightening the frustration and making him more of a pariah in the locker room.
Diontae Johnson, WR, Baltimore Ravens – CUT… SURPRISING!
Diontae Johnson’s arrival in Baltimore was supposed to give the Ravens’ offense a jolt — a savvy route runner to complement Zay Flowers’s dynamic downfield ability and the two-headed monster of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry coming out of the backfield.
He has since been cut and now playing for the Texans.
George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
George Pickens is talented. When it comes to the former UGA standout, there is no debate about that. He has all of the speed and physicality needed to be a game-changing wide receiver—the guy can snatch footballs with the best of them, and his swagger is undeniable.
Lately, however, that same swagger has started to wear thin in the Steelers’ locker room.
Pickens isn’t shy about demanding the ball, even if it means creating a distraction for his teammates. His frustration often boils over on the sidelines, and while passion is great, the NFL isn’t the forum for tantrums.
Though things have been on the upswing of late, with the connection he’s developed with Russell Wilson since the veteran quarterback took over QB1 duties, there is definitely a sense that the patience in Pittsburgh might be dwindling.
Especially when you factor in the number of boneheaded penalties he incurs with his out-of-control on-field antics.
I’m sure they love that the wideout wants to compete, but there has to be a fear that he is going to pick a fight at the absolute worst time imaginable once the NFL playoffs roll around.
And for a Steelers organization that has long prided itself on a no-nonsense culture, this could be an issue… and if Pickens doesn’t reel it in, he could be on a collision course with the rest of that locker room.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers came to New York with more fanfare than a Broadway premiere. The four-time MVP, the future Hall of Famer, the savior who was going to turn the Jets from a punchline into a powerhouse.
But the thing about Rodgers is that while he can dazzle you with his throws, he can also drive his teammates absolutely insane with his attitude.
Yes, he has earned the right over his long, impressive NFL career to speak his mind, but more often than not it is falling on deaf ears at this point because it seems like the aging vet spends more time pointing fingers than taking accountability for his role in the Jets struggles.
It is very similar to what we saw play out during the end of his time in Green Bay, where Rodgers was starting to feel less like a team leader and more like a cranky professor who’s tired of his students.
Now, in New York, the same vibe is creeping in.
It’s a tough look in a locker room that’s full of young talent still learning the ropes. Instead of pulling them along, Rodgers can sometimes feel like he’s pulling away, frustrated by the growing pains.
At this point, it looks like his future in New York is very much in doubt—and the fact that he’s fallen out of favor with his teammates is no doubt part of the reason why.
Also Read: 10 NFL Players With The Most INSANE Beliefs That Will Shock You
Deshaun Watson, QB, Cleveland Browns
At this point… everyone knows that the Browns handed Watson a five-year, $230 million contract, fully guaranteed—and that is proving to be one of the worst NFL contracts we’ve ever seen.
People suspected it at the time it was doled out… I mean, that is a mind-boggling sum for a player carrying enough baggage to fill a cargo hold.
But somehow, it has been worse than anyone could’ve imagined.
After all the noise, the suspension, and the drama, what has Watson delivered? Nothing but a whole lot of frustration.
They were supportive, no doubt… basically out of necessity. But the locker room can only stay patient for so long.
The Achilles injury was likely the nail in the coffin for his time in Cleveland and probably the NFL, which has to be a massive relief for the Browns players who had to be growing sick and tired of seeing his face around the team facilities the following week after week of horrendous football.
Haason Reddick, DE, New York Jets
The New York Jets thought they were getting a relentless pass-rushing force that could elevate them come playoff time when they brought in Haason Reddick—a guy who could terrorize quarterbacks and give that already ferocious defense an even sharper edge.
But instead of fitting seamlessly into the Jets’ strong defense, Reddick has done nothing but bring the unit and the team down.
Reddick’s surprising holdout extended into the regular season, delaying his debut until Week 8. Since joining the lineup, his impact has been minimal, to say the least.
And though he did join the team, his strained relationship with the front office has been a continued distraction, one that has been only magnified by his and the teams horrible play.
The Reddick saga, of course, really only exemplifies the organization’s broader struggles to achieve base level competence, but still—he has to be wearing thin on his teammates in what has already been an insanely frustration season.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson was supposed to be the future in Indy. Coming out of Florida, there was no question about his physical tools… They were and are off the charts, giving the young quarterback all the potential in the world.
Colts fans were ready to ride with their young quarterback through the growing pains, but it is clear that the sentiment in Indianapolis is starting to change… Both for the fans and the players that are suiting up with him on Sundays.
But sometimes, it’s not just about potential — it’s about the attitude you bring to the table. After the infamous “too tired” incident in Week 8, Richardson’s teammates seemed like they were starting to wonder if he had the mentality to match the talent.
Which… is understandable. After all, Richardson reportedly asked to sit out because he was “too tired.” Not injured. Not battling through some nagging issue. Just… exhausted. In the NFL, where guys are literally playing through torn ligaments and cracked ribs, that excuse doesn’t just fall flat — it detonates like a bomb in the locker room. Especially when it comes from a quarterback—and a 22-year-old one at that.
How does he think that the 300-pounders working their tails off in the trenches for him feel about that kind of comment?!
Richardson has the talent to be special with the right development and players around him, but if he doesn’t fix his mindset and prove he can be a leader, his teammates’ patience is going to evaporate.
Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Chicago Bears
If you want a lesson on how one player can torpedo a season, just look at Tyrique Stevenson’s Week 7 disaster against the Washington Commanders.
Heading into that game, Stevenson was quietly building a reputation as one of the most promising young corners in the league. Physical, instinctive, and confident — he was starting to look like a steal for the Bears. But confidence can be a double-edged sword, and on that fateful day, Stevenson’s swagger veered into straight-up recklessness.
And the Bears were actually playing good football! Good enough to remain competitive in the gauntlet that is the NFC North this year.
But his antics on the final play of the game, which resulted in Jayden Daniels connecting for a devastating Hail Mary, were something you’d hardly expect from a high school player, let alone an NFL pro!
It wasn’t just a bad play — it was a betrayal of all the hard work that his teammates put in weekly… and to make matters worse, the Bears season has completely fallen apart since then.
That said, Stevenson is talented, and his teammates have shown him some support, but man, he is walking on a tightrope now.
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
This is a tricky one… because Tua Tagovailoa is one of the most well-liked guys in the Miami Dolphins locker room. He’s humble, he works hard, and his teammates genuinely respect him as a person. But here’s the problem: respect doesn’t win championships, and Tua’s inability to protect himself is starting to wear thin on the guys who count on him to be available when it matters most.
The NFL is a results-driven league, and without him on the field, the reality is that the Dolphins are a complete shell of themselves.
Last season’s concussions were supposed to be a wake-up call — for him and the franchise. But here we are in 2024, and Tua’s still playing like a guy who thinks he’s indestructible.
His teammates will always have his back because of the kind of person he is, but in private, the continued cycle has to be wearing thin—even if it isn’t voiced.
Teammates are tired of seeing their leader get peeled off the turf while they hold their breath, wondering if this is the hit that ends the season. If he doesn’t figure out how to keep himself out of harm’s way, he risks losing more than games. He risks losing the trust of a locker room that believes they can win it all… But only if their quarterback is still standing.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Brandon Aiyuk’s journey with the San Francisco 49ers has been a rollercoaster of expectations, contract disputes, and, ultimately, disappointment. Once viewed as a cornerstone of the 49ers’ receiving corps, Aiyuk’s relationship with the team and its fanbase has soured considerably.
In the offseason, Aiyuk made headlines by requesting a trade due to stalled contract negotiations. Despite his desire to move on, the 49ers stood firm, recognizing his value to the team’s offensive scheme. The impasse was eventually resolved when Aiyuk agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension, tying him for the fifth-highest annual salary among NFL receivers.
The only problem? He came into the season looking woefully unprepared to play… and after a few uninspiring weeks, he then went down with a season ending injury.
No one is going to hate the guy for trying to get his money… or for getting hurt… but there is definitely a sense coming out of San Francisco that his teammates were frustrated with a guy that they viewed as a leader, who was supposed to be a big contributor for them this season.
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