Top 10 most hated NFL players in 2023: Russell Wilson tops the list

Every good story needs a villain. NFL fans have no problem creating their own villains these days, do they? There have always been “hated” NFL players. For the longest time, Tom Brady was arguably the king of this hill because he was beating everyone’s favorite teams. Peyton Manning once held this title for similar reasons.

Not every great player in the NFL is hated but a lot of the time, that is what will do it for certain fan bases, at least. You win too much, people start to hate you for it. But there are a variety of reasons why NFL fans hate certain players. Maybe they feel they are overpaid. Maybe they’ve gotten into trouble off the field. Maybe they are “corny”.

Whatever the reason(s), I think we can safely say these next 10 players we’re going to discuss are among the most hated in the NFL. And there is certainly room for debate here, or for more players to be in consideration.

10 most hated NFL players in 2023

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 08: Baker Mayfield #17 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 08, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

10. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

10

Baker Mayfield

Buccaneers

Although Baker Mayfield is getting picked on a little too much these days, it’s indisputable that he is still one of the most hated players in the NFL. People have loved to hate on Baker Mayfield dating back to his time at Oklahoma when he certainly made a lot of enemies by grabbing himself on the sideline, talking trash demonstratively, and stabbing the middle of the field with the OU flag.

As an NFL player, he hasn’t done much to further the hatred from fans other than playing poorly. Mayfield is actually an exceptional actor, as we have seen in his previous commercial work. He’s quite funny and likable, but he’s one of everyone’s favorite players to pick on. We’ll see how he can do in his first year as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

9. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

9

Dak Prescott

Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are “America’s Team”, right? Well, to some, they are “America’s most hated team”. There are not many stuck between loving or hating the Dallas Cowboys. They are either beloved or hated by the vast majority of football fans. Therefore, Dak Prescott is either beloved or hated by the vast majority of NFL fans.

As the starting QB of the Dallas Cowboys, he receives a ton of hype, much of which fans believe is undue. There was plenty of rejoicing last season when Prescott struggled, throwing 15 interceptions in 12 games. There are plenty of NFL fans out there who take odd joy in watching Prescott and the Cowboys depart from the playoffs. There are plenty of people who think Prescott is overpaid.

No doubt, he is one of the NFL’s most hated players, justified or not.