The 25 most eccentric NFL players of all time

The Hall-of-Fame defensive end ranks among the NFL's all-time leaders with 136 sacks and his 22 from 2011 are tied for third-most in a single season. However, Allen, who starred for both Kansas City and Minnesota during a 12-year career (2004-'15), was also quite the character. He was known for sporting a mullet and one of the great sack celebrations of all time, pretending to rope a calf after taking down the quarterback. According to Yahoo!, Allen cited the importance of the celebration as adding a little entertainment to the paying customer's football viewing experience.

Beckham has totaled more than 570 yards and 7,900 receiving yards during his 10 NFL seasons, and never had trouble drawing attention to himself. And, we're not just talking about his famed one-handed catch against the Dallas Cowboys during his 2014 rookie campaign with the New York Giants. Regardless of whether he plays in 2025, Beckham's flamboyance, complete with his long beard and multi-color hairstyles, will always make him one of the most notable characters of the game. 

Bosworth will go down as one of the most disappointing NFL players of all time. However, he's still among the more infamous figures to ever strap on shoulder pads and a helmet. Bosworth's cockiness and eccentricities began while he was starring at Oklahoma, with his unique hairstyles, free-wheeling nature, such as bringing a chair into the locker room shower, and bashing the NCAA. However, a steroid suspension essentially ended his collegiate career, and his time in the NFL with Seattle, where Bosworth's antics and arrogance mostly fell on deaf ears and were often mocked by the media and fans, lasted just three seasons (1987-'89).

A three-time Pro Bowl pick while playing offensive guard for the St. Louis Cardinals, Dobler was dubbed by Sports Illustrated as Pro Football's Dirtiest Player," during a 1977 article. Dobler, who played from 1972-'81, used any tactic to get an edge on his opponent across the line of scrimmage. Clawing, scratching, punching, stomping, kicking, spitting, eye-gouging, even biting. While those opponents and their hands hated Dobler, his teammates and coaches generally applauded his effort and energy. A motor, though twisted, perhaps, that never stopped churning in the trenches.

The good-natured, media-savvy Gronkowski was born to be a star -- both off and on the field. The four-time NFL All-Pro first-teamer ranks 10th in league history for receptions by a tight end (621) and sixth in that category with 9,286 receiving yards. He also won four Super Bowls, alongside buddy Tom Brady, during his 11-year career (2010-'21). And, "Gronk" hasn't met an endorsement deal he didn't like. He even had his own cereal -- "Gronk Flakes." In addition, Gronkowski dabbled in pro wrestling and has starred in TV and film. Pretty much if there is a camera in the area, Gronk will pop up and show off his likable antics. 

Perhaps it's not wise to give yourself a nickname, though that's apparently how Henderson got his. His brash personality, both on and off the field, played into the name, but more so for how he lived fast and free outside the game. He was one of the first defenders to draw attention to himself with some flashy play and brash persona (like dunking the football over the crossbar). Meanwhile, drug issues (like doing cocaine during Super Bowl XIII)  played a part in the linebacker's time with the Dallas Cowboys ending after five seasons in the late 1970s. Henderson was eventually able to get clean and turn his life around.

The Hall of Fame defensive end/linebacker earned his nickname "Mad Stork" while playing at the University of Miami, due to his tall (6-foot-7) but rather thin frame. That didn't stop Hendricks from making eight Pro Bowls during his NFL career (1969-'83) and winning four Super Bowls (with the Baltimore Colts and three as a Raider). In addition, Hendricks was quite a character, who once rode a horse onto the Raiders' practice field. He also sported a harlequin mask on the sidelines during a Monday Night Football telecast.

Johnson was a three-time Pro Bowler during the 1970s and the '80s, playing for the Houston Oilers and Atlanta. Apparently, Johnson dyed his shoes white on a dare while in high school, and the name stuck throughout his pro career. Johnson, who recorded 337 receptions and 4,211 receiving yards, was also known for his leg-wiggling touchdown dance celebration. 

One of the all-time great characters in all of sports. Johnson, who celebrated touchdowns by River Dancing in the end zone,really took that notion to the extreme with his name. What originally started as a nod to Hispanic Heritage Month during the 2006 season, Johnson had "Ocho Cinco" on the back of his game jersey to play off his No. 85. Johnson ended up legally changing his last name to Ochocinco, which caused further controversy. He eventually returned to Johnson in 2012, but his flamboyant, showboat behavior on and off the field was quite entertaining. 

The surname says it all. Sports Illustrated dubbed Looney, who played five NFL seasons with four teams (1964-'69), "The Greatest Player that Never Was." A running back full of talent, Looney was compared, by some coaches and scouts, to the likes of the great Jim Brown when he was drafted in the first round by the New York Giants, which lasted less than a month with the team before landing in Baltimore. However, Looney was an eccentric agitator. He hated practice and loved to get a rise out of coaches, even a legend like Don Shula. Looney was not a fan of conformity and hardly a "yes" man. He constantly complained that football pants were too tight, but also served in Vietnam. He once got into a political argument with a couple, then later that night broke into their home and attacked them. That was the range of Looney's antics and actions. 

The man known as "Beast Mode. "That nickname came from Lynch's bruising running style. Particularly, his ability to batter opposing tacklers and take over games by simply over- and through-defenders. Lynch, who has come in and out of retirement, rushed for more than 10,000 yards and a total of 85 touchdowns (2007-'19) - mostly with the Seattle Seahawks. He also enjoyed eating Skittles candy during games. Off the field, Lynch has publicly praised the culinary offerings at Applebee's, fancies the dental jewelry known as "grillz," made a boat-load in the legal cannabis industry and even earned praise as an actor.  

The brothers Manning sport a similar "aw-shucks," small-town demeanor that really didn't come out until the boys found stardom in the NFL. Peyton, perhaps more so than his brother, has never minded playing to the camera. Whether through commercials, Saturday Night Live sketches or the ESPN Monday Night Football show he hosts with Eli, who is underrated when it comes to his comedy and overall goofiness. At the end of the day, these Mannings, who each won two Super Bowls, and are among the most successful quarterbacks in the history of the game, are the perfect blend of great athletes and great, albeit quirky, entertainers.

The "Tooz" was a highly feared defensive lineman (1973-'81) and won two Super Bowls with the Oakland Raiders. However, he was quite the menace off the field, too. Matuszak, who began his pro football career under contract with the Houston Oilers and the Houston Texans of the WFL, causing much controversy and problems. However, substance abuse ultimately consumed Matuszak, who also competed in the World's Strongest Man  and enjoyed a decent acting career, notably as the lovably deformed Sloth in The Goonies (1985) and always good for a joke, died in 1989 at age 38, of an accidental prescription overdose, where an enlarged heart contributed. 

The man known as the "Punky QB." The talented quarterback didn't waste any time endearing himself to fans of the Chicago Bears after being drafted in 1982. He showed up to the team's headquarters shortly after the draft with a beer. The NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowler, McMahon spiked his hair, hung out with the offensive line, took jabs at the NFL with his colorfully-written headbands and even mooned media helicopters during practice for Super Bowl XX. A few days later, McMahon helped those 1985 Bears win the franchise's only Super Bowl title.

Hall of Famer McMichael was one of the more underrated defensive linemen in NFL history, playing from 1980 to 1994 -- all but one season with the Chicago Bears. But, one it's biggest personalities. Nicknamed "Mongo," from Blazing Saddles fame, hunted rattlesnakes in his native Texas, dabbled in professional wrestling, coached an indoor football team, ran for mayor of a Chicago suburb, was a longtime media personality and once threatened an MLB umpire while singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during a Chicago Cubs home game.

Namath was born in Pennsylvania and played college ball at Alabama, but he was a star made for the glitz and glamour of New York City. Thus earning the nickname "Broadway Joe." Namath, good-looking and brimming with confidence, was brash enough to guarantee a victory for his underdog New York Jets over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. That officially solidified his legacy. During and after his football career, Namath had no trouble living in the limelight, notably while turning to acting (he was on two episodes of The Love Boat), notably as a commercial staple.

The NFL Rookie of the Year in 2002 with Denver and a two-time Pro Bowler during his nine-year NFL career (2002-'10), Portis ran for 9,923 yards. However, the casual NFL fan of that time likely forgets the quirky personas that Portis donned during his pro career. "Southeast "Jerome," "Sheriff Gonna Getcha," "Kid Bro Sweets," "Inspector Two-Two" and "Dolemite Jenkins" were just some of Portis' more memorable characters. Complete with flashy costumes, jewelry and colorful wigs. 

One of the greatest undrafted players in NFL history, Randle ranks among the all-time leaders with 137 1/2 sacks earned during his Hall-of-Fame career (1990-2003), mostly spent with Minnesota. Considered one of the game's hardest workers, the undersized Randle got that ethic growing up, where he picked watermelons, worked in an oil field and dreamed of being a garbage man. On the field, Randle would paint his face and was well-versed in the art of trash-talking. 

Intensity might be a polite word to describe the famed linebacker, who earned his iconic nickname in 1969 while playing football at Tennessee. Upset after a loss, Reynolds took a hacksaw to an abandoned 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air, and created a trailer for his Jeep. On the pro level, Reynolds, who won two Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers during his career (1970-'84), was known to attend team breakfasts in full pads and eye black. 

During Riggins' early years of his NFL career (1971-'85) with the New York Jets, he sported a mohawk hairstyle. Then in the early 1980s, Riggins retired from football, doing so by riding his motorcycle off Washington's practice field. Later in his career, Riggins was MVP of Super Bowl XVII where rushed for 166 yards and scored a touchdown. Well into his 30s, Riggins, who had a quick wit but uncouth at times, ran for nearly 2,600 combined yards on 1983 and '84. 

For years, Rodgers was the best quarterback in football and is headed to the Hall of Fame. However, his personality is like a tightrope walker, free-spirited, and prone to conspiracy theories. He's expressed belief in alternative medicine, is a proponent of psychedelic drugs, and reportedly is not a fan of vaccines -- especially when it comes to COVID-19. Over the years, Rodgers' off-field beliefs, whether entirely true or not, have overshadowed his excellence on the football field. 

Not a household name, Rossovich played linebacker in the NFL from 1968-'76, and actually made a Pro Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in his second season of 1969. However, those familiar with Rossovich, whose more famous brother Rick is a successful actor, remembered him for his quirkiness. Tim Rossovich, who enjoyed a solid career as a tough-guy character actor, was a roommate of NFL Films president Steve Sabol. Rossovich would set his bushy hair on fire as a gag, chewed glass, ate spiders, and even dove naked into a birthday cake. 

"Prime Time" might be the most polarizing player in NFL history. Now, his famed nickname reportedly was born of his style and flair playing night-time, pick-up basketball games with friends. Of course, Sanders, who also went by "Neon Deion," which was all about drawing attention on the field. From his look, big-play reaction and dances into the end zone, Sanders was not only one of the game's great defensive backs and return men, but its most significant character, as well. That parlayed well onto his analyst gigs and as a college head coach.

A three-time, first-team NFL All-Pro, Suh recorded 71 1/5 sacks during his stellar career (2010-'22), most notably with Detroit, Miami and Tampa Bay. On the field, Suh was a beast, often pushing the boundaries between playing hard and spitting in the face of sportsmanship. Off the gridiron, the well-spoken Suh has had no trouble voicing his opinion on various topics and also appeared on the Fox dating game show The Choice and ABC's reality competition Splash. 

Perhaps free spirit is a better way to describe Williams, the Heisman Trophy-winning running back who ran for more than 10,000 yards during a career that spanned parts of 11 NFL season. He likes to smoke pot, is a yoga instructor and a vegetarian. One of the most hyped players in the history of the league, Mike Ditka and the New Orleans Saints gave up an entire year's worth of draft picks to secure Williams with the fifth overall selection in 1999. He's dealt with and become an advocate for mental health as his career became more public.