5 most controversial NFL players of all-time 

Many players in the NFL have been considered controversial because of their off-field demeanors. While that has led to many players' NFL careers being cut short, which we have discussed before, we take a look at those players who managed to keep playing in the NFL despite numerous controversial moments, or for whom controversies seemingly engulfed them after their NFL careers.

Some might say that the following players' on-field accomplishments should be considered on their own merits. While others could argue that the players' controversial off-field behavior ought to have been more severely reprimanded by the league. Whatever your take may be, we list five of the most controversial NFL players of all time.

NFL players with controversial careers

#5 - Antonio Brown

Memphis Grizzlies v Brooklyn Nets

Antonio Brown was recently cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after his latest actions proved too much for the organization when he removed his playing gear and left mid-game against the New York Jets.

The wide receiver also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers while enjoying short stints with the Oakland Raiders and the New England Patriots. His time with the Buccaneers saw him win a Super Bowl. He has made it to the Pro Bowl seven times and was the receiving yards leader in 2014 and 2017.

Off the field, his controversial lifestyle has garnered significant attention, even resulting in brushes with the law. He once threw furniture out of his 14th storey flat, injuring a minor. He was fined for overspeeding in 2019. He settled a sexual misconduct case with his former trainer in 2019. He has had numerous domestic incidents and was charged with battering a truck driver.

He was also suspended from the league this season after it emerged that he had forged a vaccination certificate.

#4 - Lawrence Taylor

Indianapolis Colts v New York Giants

Lawrence Taylor is arguably the greatest defender to ever play in the NFL. His 1986 MVP award remains the last ever given to a defender. The former New York Giants linebacker won two Super Bowls and made it to 10 straight Pro Bowls from 1981 to 1990. He was the NFL sacks leader in 1986 and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1999.

But many of his accomplishments were darkened by the shadows of various controversial decisions he made off the field. Even during his playing days, Lawrence was embroiled in controversy, once being suspended by the league for drug abuse back in 1988.

After retiring, Lawrence was thrice arrested on drug-related charges and in 2010 was convicted of having inappropriate sexual contact with a minor.

Controversial careers of NFL players

#3 - Ray Lewis

Dallas Cowboys v Washington Redskins

Another linebacker who was swarmed by controversial actions over his career was Ray Lewis. The Baltimore Ravens linebacker was one of the greatest football players of his generation. He won the Super Bowl twice and was once named Super Bowl MVP.

He made it to 13 Pro Bowls, winning the defensive player of the year award on two occassions. He topped the league in tackles three times in his career. In 2018, he was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

But despite his many achievements, controversy seemed to be a constant companion of Ray Lewis. His most infamous off-field involvement was in the murder trial of two people in 2000 after a Super Bowl party.

There remains much mystery around the case and what exactly transpired. For example, the white suit Lewis wore at the time was never located or investigators finding the blood of one of the deceased in Lewis' limousine.

Although Lewis was indicted, he was never convicted. However, one would imagine that the magnitude of the situation weighed heavily on his shoulders. The charges against him were ultimately dropped in return for his testimony against two of the accused in the case.

#2 - Michael Vick

Super Bowl LIV - San Francisco 49ers v Kansas City Chiefs

When he was selected first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft, observers were united in their belief that he was going to be a superstar. And keeping aside the controversial actions that we will come to, he did not disappoint on the field.

He was one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks the league has ever seen and earned 4 Pro Bowl nods in his career. He played for the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.

But his life off the field was marred by the controversial decision to get involved in a dog fighting ring. He spent 21 months in federal prison following his conviction. While on bail during the proceedings, he also tested positive for marijuana.

He returned to the NFL in 2009 with the Philadelphia Eagles after openly admitting his wrongdoing with regards to his participation in the cruel practice. Vick went on to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2010.

#1 - OJ Simpson

O.J. Simpson Granted Parole At Hearing

No NFL player has lived a more controversial life than O.J. Simpson. He was a running back with the Buffalo Bills from 1969 to 1977 after being picked first overall in the 1969 NFL/AFL draft. He spent his final two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Simpson made it to five Pro Bowls, was the rushing yards leader four times and twice had the most rushing touchdowns in the league.

But the controversial nature of his life after his retirement is what he is most infamous for. He was tried for the murder of his ex-wife and her friend. He was acquitted in criminal court but was found guilty in a civil trial. The subsequent payout left him bankrupt.

This, though, was not the controversial action that finally got him in jail. He was found guilty of robbing a sports memorabilia dealer at gunpoint. He was sentenced to 33 years in prison with parole set at nine years, which he was granted in 2017.