Who is the Favorite NFL Player Among Football Fans?

By Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 15 March 2023

Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief

Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.

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Favorite NFL Player Among Football Fans

• Favorite NFL Player
• Who is the Most Liked Player?
• Walter Payton
• Joe Greene
• John Elway
• Joe Namath
• Rob Gronkowski
• Frequently Asked Questions

The NFL has produced countless legendary players over the years, each with their own unique skills and accomplishments. From agile quarterbacks to big-hitting linebackers, there’s no shortage of talented athletes who have captured the hearts of football fans worldwide.

As the league evolves and new talent emerges, it’s natural for fans to have their favorites. It could be a champion of the game, or a favorite when wagering on NFL games , there are many names that can come into contention by fans. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most beloved NFL players of all time and what makes them stand out on the field.

Favorite NFL Players

Of course, the favorite NFL player will differ depending on who you ask. However, there are some names that crop up time and time again. On this page, we’ve compiled a list of the top five, all players who have shaped the football world.

Who Is The Most Liked Player?

According to many polls, the favorite NFL player among fans is Walter Payton. You may think you’d see a name like Tom Brady up there, but you’ve got to remember that the NFL is a lot older than Brady, and many Americans will have grown up with a completely different set of NFL heroes than the ones you may be used to watching. Let’s look at the top five most popular NFL player names.

Walter Payton

Walter Payton, also known as “Sweetness,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. He played for the Chicago Bears from 1975 to 1987 and his legacy continues to inspire fans and players alike. What made Payton stand out was his exceptional skill and unwavering determination on the field. He was an all-purpose running back who could run, catch, block, and even throw the ball.

But what truly made Payton a beloved figure was his humility and generosity off the field. He was known for his charitable work and for being a genuinely kind and caring person. Payton was a role model to many, especially children, and he used his platform to make a positive impact on the world.

Payton’s record-breaking career and selfless character earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. Even after his untimely death in 1999, his legacy lived on through the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes players for their charitable contributions and community service.

Joe Greene

Joe Greene, also known as “Mean Joe,” is another beloved NFL player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive linemen in the history of the league. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1969 to 1981, and his tenacious play and leadership helped power the team to four Super Bowl victories.

What made Greene stand out on the field was his ferociousness as a defensive tackle. He was known for his ability to disrupt plays, his strength at the point of attack, and his ability to penetrate the opposing team’s offensive line. He was a force to be reckoned with and a nightmare for quarterbacks.

Off the field, Greene was also a well-respected figure. He was known for his work ethic, leadership, and dedication to his team and his community. He was a role model to many young players, and his toughness and determination inspired his teammates and fans alike.

Greene’s excellence on the field and his admirable character off the field earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. He is remembered as one of the all-time greats and continues to be an inspiration to football players and fans everywhere.

John Elway

John Elway is one of the most iconic names in Denver, and he played for a total of 16 years in the Rocky Mountain state. During his career, he managed to score more than 300 touchdowns, made over 3,400 yards rushing, and achieved a staggering 52,000 total yards.

While it’s hard to pinpoint the most preferred NFL player in history, Elway is definitely up there. Many fans will remember him for his last-minute game-winning scores. He also led his team to two Super Bowls, and despite losing Super Bowl XXII, Elway later went on to make history when he became the first quarterback to successfully receive a pass while playing against the Washington Redskins.

In 2004, Elway was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and his work – both on and off the pitch – means his legacy as one of the best quarterbacks ever continues to live on.

Joe Namath

When you think about the most popular NFL players, Joe Namath immediately springs to mind. This iconic quarterback captured the hearts of millions of Jets fans, and his career was anything but boring.

One of the first times Namath came into the spotlight was back in 1973 when he appeared in a pantyhose commercial. At the time, the commercial was considered lewd – scandalous, according to many media reports – and he did face sizable criticism for the appearance.

However, when Namath wasn’t wearing women’s underwear on TV commercials, he was an absolute monster on the field. He was famous for scrambling behind the line of scrimmage, and possessed a unique ability to avoid sacks, while consistently delivering the ball to his teammates further downfield.

Namath is well-known for breaking the passing record (at the time he was playing), and he was seen as something of a womanizer. Females from all over the US would come to watch him play.

Off the pitch, Namath was a beloved name among fans. He briefly owned a New York City nightclub, and he’s also widely credited with helping to popularize the NFL and bring it to a wider audience. He was also a philanthropist who worked to raise awareness about alcoholism and addiction.

Rob Gronkowski

Ask any Patriots fan who their favorite NFL player is, and their answer is very likely to be Rob Gronkowski. This iconic tight end was one of the team’s true stars, and more popular than Tom Brady with many. When he announced his retirement after almost a decade of playing for the team, everyone – including his teammates, fans, and broadcasters – announced their sadness.

Rob Gronkowski racked up an extremely impressive number of records and achievements during his time playing with the Patriots, as well as with the Buccaneers, and many are predicting that he’ll soon be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, although no details have been announced thus far.

Rob Gronkowski was a true natural with fans. He would frequently pose for pictures and selfies with anyone who asked for one, and he’d always make time to wave to the crowd after a game, regardless of the result. His happy-go-lucky and cheerful demeanor helped cement him as one of the most liked NFL players in the world. Check out some other beloved NFL players below.