The NFL has never been short on excitement, drama, and—of course—teams that people love to hate. In 2024, five teams have stood out as the prime targets of fan animosity. Whether it’s due to their past dominance, controversial players, or larger-than-life fanbases, these teams always seem to find themselves in the crosshairs. Love them or hate them, there’s no denying that they’re the most talked-about squads in the league this season. Let’s break down why the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Kansas City Chiefs are rubbing so many fans the wrong way.
Dallas Cowboys: “America’s Team” or “America’s Most Hated”?
The Dallas Cowboys have always been a lightning rod for criticism, and 2024 is no different. Sure, their legacy is undeniable, but these days, they seem to attract more haters than admirers. Part of this stems from their high-profile owner, Jerry Jones, who is never far from the spotlight, nor is he afraid to speak his mind. Add the constant media frenzy that surrounds “America’s Team,” and it’s no wonder people are tired of hearing about them.
This season, the Cowboys’ performances have been inconsistent, frustrating both their fanbase and their critics. They’ve also been involved in several controversial calls that have only added fuel to the fire. Love them or hate them, it’s hard to ignore them—especially with a fanbase that’s as vocal and loyal as theirs.
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New England Patriots: Dynasty’s Shadow Still Looms Large
Despite Tom Brady’s departure and some tough seasons, fans across the league continue to widely hate the Patriots. For two decades, New England dominated the NFL, leaving an indelible mark with their six Super Bowl championships. But let’s not forget the numerous controversies that came with their reign. “Spygate” and “Deflategate” are two words no Patriots fan can escape, and for good reason—those scandals turned many neutral fans into lifelong haters.
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In 2024, the team is in a rebuilding phase, but their reputation lingers like a bad hangover. Their fanbase continues to reminisce about the glory days, and to many, they still come off as overly arrogant. For most football fans, New England’s struggles are a source of schadenfreude, and their residual hatred for the franchise remains strong.
Philadelphia Eagles: Grit, Aggression, and Fanbase
The Eagles have always embraced their tough-guy image, both on the field and in the stands. This season, Philly has doubled down on that reputation. Their physical, aggressive play style makes them a feared opponent, but it also draws plenty of criticism. The NFC East always features heated rivalries, and the Eagles’ relentless approach often fuels those tensions.
Of course, much of the animosity towards the Eagles comes from their fanbase. Philly fans are known for being rowdy, passionate, and—depending on who you ask—over-the-top. From throwing snowballs at Santa Claus to their unapologetic behavior at games, Eagles fans have earned their place as one of the most disliked fanbases in the league. But that only seems to fuel their passion even more, as they proudly embrace the “no one likes us, and we don’t care” mantra.
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San Francisco 49ers: Cockiness Meets Success
The 49ers are back on top in 2024, and with that success has come a fair share of criticism. San Francisco has always been a storied franchise, but their recent resurgence has painted them in a different light. This season, they’ve dominated opponents with a mix of a high-powered offense and a lockdown defense, and while their on-field performance is impressive, their perceived arrogance is a major turnoff for many fans.
It doesn’t help that 49ers fans are quick to remind anyone who will listen about their team’s legacy, from Joe Montana to their recent Super Bowl runs. Their confidence sometimes crosses into cockiness, making them one of the most hated NFL teams. Success breeds haters, and San Francisco is thriving both on the field and as one of the league’s most loathed teams.
Kansas City Chiefs: Dominance Breeds Fatigue
The Chiefs have been at the top of the NFL food chain for several years now, but with great success comes great backslash. Kansas City, led by the electric Patrick Mahomes, has consistently been one of the best teams in the league, winning Super Bowls and staying in playoff contention year after year. However, many fans outside of Kansas City have grown tired of their constant winning, likening them to the Patriots’ previous dynasty.
There’s also a growing belief that the Chiefs benefit from favorable officiating and an ever-positive media narrative. Fans nearly universally respect Mahomes, but they target the rest of the team and head coach Andy Reid with envy and disdain. It’s a classic case of fans growing weary of the same team always being in the mix, and in 2024, the Chiefs have joined the ranks of the most hated NFL team.
The Price of Success in the NFL
In the world of the NFL, being hated is often just a side effect of being good. Each of these teams—whether it’s because of their storied histories, controversial players, or insufferable fanbases—has carved out a place in the league’s culture. The more they win, the more people will love to hate them. And in the NFL, as in life, sometimes that’s the best compliment you can get.
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