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Who is the Current Fan Favorite NFL Player?

Will Brown by Will Brown, March 29, 2025

Walter Payton Playing for Chicago Bears

Historically speaking, the favorite NFL player among fans has usually been the player who tends to be a staggering on-field talent, with the ability to both produce wins and amp up audiences. Now, in the age of podcasts and social media, many fan favorites tend to be embraced for their online presence in addition to their on-field prowess. In this guide, we’ve explored the most popular players currently playing in the NFL, from Patrick Mahomes to Joe Burrow.

Who Are the Most Popular NFL Players?

Before we launch into our list of the most popular NFL players currently playing, we have explored the modern phenomenon of fame in the league. This is because the cultural landscape of football has changed dramatically over the past 10 years, resulting in entirely new relationships between fans and athletes.

From there, we’ve provided a list of seven current NFL players that are ranked according to their popularity among fans. These include Patrick Mahomes, Odell Beckham Jr. Travis Kelce, Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson, Russel Wilson, and Joe Burrow.

What Makes Favorite NFL Players So Popular?

The role of the NFL player has come a long way since the league’s early days. In the beginning of the NFL, players were paid meager wages, with many forced to work other jobs to substitute their income. As the league grew in popularity, so too did the wages, and the NFL was able to attract a more competitive talent pool.

With the rise of the internet, global audiences have been attracted to the league through streaming and social media, with the advent of US wagering on NFL games creating an even deeper connection to the sport. It has also helped to further narratives within the league, keeping players hooked right up until the Super Bowl.

Some of the most popular NFL players of all time are playing today due to their social media and ubiquitous cultural presence. This has also been aided by lucrative brand partnerships and cross-media appearances in web series and television. The following players have proven masterful not just for their on-field success but their global appeal.

Patrick Mahomes: The Most Popular NFL Player Right Now

At 29 years old, Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the most popular NFL player right now. His success on the field has been key to his popularity, and the star is already considered to be one of the greatest all-time quarterbacks. Mahomes has won three Super Bowl championships and is a multiple Super Bowl MVP-winner.

According to a recent YouGov survey, 61 percent of football fans reported a positive view of Mahomes. He is known for his humble and likable personality, with a natural charm that comes across in interviews. A family man, his personal life is also of interest to fans, and he is not bogged down by off-field controversies.

The athlete has over seven million followers on Instagram and over two million followers on X (Twitter). His profile has also been bolstered by valuable partnerships with brands such as Oakley and State Farm, and his collaborations with Adidas have seen the star release several sneaker and clothing lines.

Odell Beckham Jr.

Odell Beckham Jr. is one of the most like NFL players competing today. He became a legend in his first season of play due to his iconic one-handed catch in 2014, which is often called the greatest catch in the sport’s history. He was also instrumental in the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory and is a three-time Pro Bowler.

Another key ingredient to his success is his personality, with his bold fashion, high-profile relationships, outspoken views, and infectious energy drawing attention. His reach has also likely benefited from the fact he has played for some of the NFL’s most valuable teams, including the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and recently, the Miami Dolphins.

Odell Becham Jr. remains the most popular NFL player on Instagram, with 17.5 million followers far exceeding the second-highest followed athlete Patrick Mahomes. His endorsement deals with major partners such as Nike, EA Sports, and Beats by Dre have also helped cement his place in the cultural zeitgeist.

Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is not just a dominant force on the field. Since his public relationship with pop star Taylor Swift was revealed in 2023, he has become a cultural phenomenon with an appeal that reaches far beyond the sport. That’s not to say his status as fans’ favorite NFL player hasn’t been earned on the field, though.

The athlete has won three Super Bowl championships, earned multiple All-Pro selections, and is considered to be one of the best tight ends in the sport’s history. His relationship and on-field chemistry with top-ranked player Patrick Mahomes is also endearing to fans, as well as his ability to produce clutch performances.

Helping to boost his public appeal has been his podcast, “New Heights”, which alongside his brother Jason Kelce has turned the athlete into the most popular NFL player right now in podcasting. Beloved for his charismatic and humorous personality, the star has over 7 million Instagram followers. He also has lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, Bud Light, and Pfizer.

Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers has long been one of the most popular NFL players despite slipping in the rankings in recent years. The 41-year-old quarterback for the New York Jets holds a Super Bowl championship and is a four-time MVP, and his deep knowledge of the game has earned him considerable respect.

Rodgers began his career with an 18-season run with the Green Bay Packers before moving to the Jets. Here, he honed his skills to extend plays and deliver precision throws under pressure. His public persona is also defined by his outspoken attitudes toward individual freedoms and personal responsibility.

Although some of his previous public comments have sparked controversy, his authenticity has helped to earn him a fiercely loyal following among fans. He has more than two million followers on Instagram and makes regular appearances on some of the world’s biggest podcasts. His endorsement deals with Adidas, Bose, and State Farm have also bolstered his public image.

Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is a favorite NFL player for many fans due to his electrifying on-field performance, with his speed, elusive running, and strong arm making him a compelling watch. The two-time MVP winner is considered one of the best running quarterbacks of all time due to his abilities as both a runner and passer.

Off the field, Jackson’s humble and low-key personality has earned him a legion of fans. He has over four million Instagram followers and his clothing line, Era 8 Apparel, has earned a splash with streetwear influencers. Other major endorsements with Oakley, Nike, and PlayStation have also expanded his appeal.

Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has also long been one of the most popular NFL players. After 10 years with the Seattle Seahawks, with which he won a Super Bowl, and two years with the Denver Broncos, Wilson has earned a reputation for being an elite quarterback talent.

Wilson’s private life is also a fascination to fans, with his positive outlook and marriage to pop star Ciara earning him potential outside of the football sphere. He has over six million Instagram followers despite his rockier recent seasons, and deals with Nike, Bose, and Alaska Airlines have helped to amass him a fortune.

Joe Burrow

Since his debut in 2021, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has established himself as one of the NFL’s biggest stars. In his inaugural year, the Heisman Trophy winner led the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance in 30 years. This resulted in him signing the largest contract in NFL history in 2023.

Burrow’s cool demeanor on and off the field has earned him the nickname “Joe Cool”, drawing comparisons to legendary quarterbacks of the past. He has over four million followers on Instagram, who flock to him for his fashionable posts and insights into the NFL.

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