Top 10 Worst NFL Players of All Time

Now, we're not here to just sling mud at former professionals who, let's face it, achieved more in their careers than most of us ever will in our fantasy leagues. Oh no, this is more of a lighthearted exploration into some of the more eyebrow-raising careers in the history of the NFL. You've got to admit, there's something fascinating about a pro player who, for whatever reason, consistently struggled on the field.

These are players who, much to their chagrin, ended up infamous for their consistent inability to live up to expectations or, worse, made a habit of fumbling the ball at crucial moments. The very mention of their names conjures up images of missed field goals, botched snaps, and untimely interceptions. In some cases, you may even find players who were high draft picks, suggesting a wealth of potential that, sadly, just didn't materialize on the field.

You're invited to dive into this intriguing roster, handpicked and voted on by fans just like you, who have watched, debated, and lamented these performances over the years. This isn't a wall of shame, but rather a collective trip down memory lane, where we acknowledge that not every player can be a star, and hey, that's okay. That's part of the wonderful, unpredictable game that is football.

Vote for the players you feel truly embody the spirit of this list. Are they here due to consistently poor performances, or a single monumental blunder forever etched into NFL lore? Only you can decide their place in this unique pantheon. So, step up to the line of scrimmage, take a deep breath, and get ready to cast your vote for the worst NFL players of all time.

The Top Ten

  1. Jamarcus Russell

    JaMarcus Trenell Russell is a former American football quarterback. He played college football at LSU, where he finished 21-4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. Russell was drafted by the Oakland Raiders with the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.... read more

    Future Hall of Famer... Wait, who is this guy again? You just told me, but I forgot who he was again.

    The worst work ethic I have ever seen.

  2. Ryan Leaf

    Ryan David Leaf is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for four seasons. He was selected as the second overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, behind Peyton Manning. Leaf played for the San Diego Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, and Seattle Seahawks.... read more

    The granddaddy of all draft busts, he was bad on the field, and arguably even worse off of it.

    Chargers got a future Hall of Famer here... Oh wait, I'm mixed up, I think.

  3. Colin Kaepernick

    Colin Rand Kaepernick (born November 3, 1987) is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at the University of Nevada, where he was named the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Offensive Player of the Year twice. After graduating, he was selected by the... read more

    Very disrespectful player, but that's not even the reason why. He cannot throw the football. In one game, he threw 7/34 passes. Honestly, I do think he should be in the NFL to have another chance because I think he is a better man now.

  4. Rusty Lisch

    One touchdown versus 11 interceptions in his career.

  5. Charles Rogers

  6. Lawrence Phillips

    I get this dude mixed up with Lawrence Taylor for some reason. I don't know why.

    Why do I always get LT confused with this guy? Anyways, he sucked. And he also killed himself in 2016.

  7. Bob Timberlake

    He only made one of fifteen field goals in his sole season.

  8. Rae Carruth

  9. Johnny Manziel

    Jonathan Paul Manziel is an American football quarterback who played for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

    Manziel was a standout college player, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2012 while... read more

    It was obvious that he would flop in the NFL long before he was drafted. He had the talent, but he completely lacked the necessary intangibles to succeed at the NFL level. This should have been obvious to the Browns.

  10. Art Schlichter

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Zach Wilson

  12. ?

    Kadarius Toney

    13. The Contenders

  13. Kevin Allen

    Said former Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan: "He's a nice big ol' fat kid who could probably go somewhere where they want to stand around and kill the grass. But here, we're going to practice. He looks like a USFL reject."

  14. Akili Smith

  15. Vernon Gholston

    This #6 pick never recorded a sack in his short three-year career.

  16. Kim McQuilken

    He would later become executive vice president of Cartoon Network, long after throwing 4 touchdowns and 29 interceptions.

  17. Aaron Maybin

    A reporter in Buffalo called the former Bills player the worst player in the league because he couldn't even get on the field.

  18. Eli Manning

    Elisha Nelson "Eli" Manning, born January 3, 1981, is a former American football quarterback. He played his entire 16-season career for the New York Giants in the National Football League. Manning is also known as the younger brother of former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning.

  19. Cade McNown

  20. Brandon Weeden

  21. Eric Reid

    Eric Todd Reid is an American football safety who currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He is known for his strong defensive skills and vocal leadership on the field. Reid has been an important player for the 49ers since joining the team.

  22. Shante Carver

  23. Russell Erxleben

    Yeah, way to waste your first-round pick on a punter, New Orleans.

  24. Josh Rosen

    Never really got a chance after one not-great season. He needed a second chance to maybe revive his career.

  25. Heath Shuler

  26. Blair Walsh

    Blair Richard Walsh, born on January 8, 1990, is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. He played college football at the University of Georgia and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He has also played for the Seattle Seahawks. Walsh... read more

    You had one job: complication featuring Blair Walsh missed field goals and extra-point attempts.

  27. Antonio Brown

    Antonio Brown (born July 10, 1988) is a former NFL wide receiver who played nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before brief stints with the Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He earned seven Pro Bowl selections and led the league in receptions, receiving yards, and... read more

    This dude needs to chill with his anger issues.

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