In a surprising, yet perhaps not entirely shocking development, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been voted the most annoying player in football, according to a new poll of over 3,000 fans. While some might find it hard to believe that a future Hall of Famer would be the subject of such disdain, those familiar with Rodgers’ off-field antics and outspoken nature may not be surprised at all.
Sports commentator Colin Cowherd, never shy about his opinions on Rodgers, believes this title fits the quarterback perfectly. Discussing the poll results on his show, Cowherd addressed the long-standing perception of Rodgers as a polarizing figure, saying, “I’ve always had this thing with Aaron Rodgers, and fans are like, ‘Colin, it’s just you and an Aaron Rodgers thing.’ And officially today, it’s not.”
Cowherd emphasized that it’s not just his personal opinion but a sentiment shared by many. “It’s never been a me and Aaron thing. He’s exhausting to everybody,” he said, echoing the feelings of fans who have grown weary of the quarterback’s public persona in recent years.
According to Cowherd, Rodgers wasn’t always seen this way. Reflecting on Rodgers’ early career, Cowherd explained that the quarterback was once viewed as “cool” and “fun,” especially when he first replaced Green Bay Packers legend Brett Favre. “Aaron did not used to be like this. Aaron was not annoying when he came into the league. That was not who Aaron was,” Cowherd continued. “He was kinda cocky, but in a fun way. And then Brady and Manning pull away, he becomes stats obsessed.”
Cowherd pointed to a turning point in Rodgers’ public perception, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a major shift in the quarterback’s attitude and public behavior. “And then COVID hits four years ago,” Cowherd added. “And as Brady and Manning start moving into broadcasting and corporate America… Aaron has to be different.” Cowherd accused Rodgers of deliberately setting himself apart from the pack, noting how the quarterback adopted an anti-media stance and engaged with conspiracy theories. “He creates a new measuring stick: ‘I’m not a shill, I’m not corporate, I’m anti-media, I believe in conspiracy theories,’” Cowherd said, summarizing Rodgers’ behavior in recent years.
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The poll results were decisive, with Rodgers receiving 27 percent of the vote, far ahead of the runner-up, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who garnered 17 percent. Other notable names in the top five included Odell Beckham Jr. at 10 percent, Patrick Mahomes with 8 percent, and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott at 5 percent.
On a state-by-state basis, Rodgers was overwhelmingly voted the most annoying player in the NFL, taking the top spot in 23 of the 32 NFL fanbases polled. Interestingly, Rodgers tied with Kelce for the most annoying player among Los Angeles Chargers fans, a minor consolation for the two-time MVP.
This isn’t the first time Rodgers has found himself on the receiving end of fan ire. In 2022, a study by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram ranked him as the most hated person in the NFL, even surpassing controversial figures like Antonio Brown, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, and others known for their divisive actions.
For many fans, Rodgers’ brash attitude and reluctance to shy away from hot-button topics like vaccination status and media criticism have made him a constant source of irritation. His outspoken nature has turned what was once admiration for his on-field prowess into frustration with his off-field comments.
The poll, conducted by Action, didn’t just focus on annoying players. It also delved into other fan behavior, such as which teams have the most obnoxious visiting fans and what actions fans find most irritating while attending NFL games.
As Rodgers continues his career with the New York Jets, this recent poll underscores how his off-field behavior continues to shape his legacy as much as his accomplishments on the gridiron.
While he remains one of the most talented quarterbacks of his generation, it’s clear that his polarizing personality is leaving a lasting impression—whether he likes it or not.
