Top 20 Bad Boys in NFL History

By K.J. Momberg

Top 20 Bad Boys In NFL History

Bill Romanowski Oakland Raiders — The phrase "bad boy" is starting to take on a whole new meaning in today's NFL, but before these recent events, being coined a "bad boy" in the NFL was carried like a badge of honor. Whether it was for their on-field actions or off-field antics, these are the players that everybody loves to hate. With that in mind, here are the top 20 bad boys in the history of the league.

20. Chad Johnson, WR

Chad Johnson Bengals

20. Chad Johnson, WR

Chad Johnson Bengals — One of the original diva wide receivers, Chad Johnson was known for his outlandish antics and off-the-wall touchdown celebrations. The former Cincinnati WR's NFL career came to an abrupt end following his arrest for domestic violence. He can now be found showing off his talents in the Canadian Football League.

19. Adam 'Pacman' Jones, CB

Pacman Jones

19. Adam 'Pacman' Jones, CB

Pacman Jones — After being drafted in the first round in 2005, Adam 'Pacman' Jones has been suspended numerous times throughout his career for his off-field conduct. His arrests have ranged from public intoxication to altercations with exotic dancers. Since being signed by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010, Jones has somewhat salvaged his once promising career.

18. Cortland Finnegan, CB

Cortland Finnegan Rams

18. Cortland Finnegan, CB

Cortland Finnegan Rams — As a seventh-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, cornerback Cortland Finnegan came into the league with a chip on his shoulder and has not let anybody forget about it ever since. Finnegan seems to spend much of his time on the field trying to get under his opponent's skin and is often mentioned as one of the dirtiest players in the league.

17. Terrell Owens, WR

Terrell Owens

17. Terrell Owens, WR

Terrell Owens — Simply known by his initials, T.O., Terrell Owens was cut from the same cloth as Chad Johnson. Owens was known for his flashy touchdown celebrations as much as his talent on the field. He was at the center of controversy for almost every team he played for throughout his career.

16. Nate Newton, G

Nate Newton

16. Nate Newton, G

Nate Newton — A six-time Pro Bowler, Nate Newton was one of the best guards in the league for the better part of a decade. However, following the end of his playing days, Newton was arrested after he was found to have 213 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of his car. Then, just weeks after his first arrest, Newton was caught again with 175 pounds of marijuana in his vehicle. He spent 30 months in federal prison.

15. Michael Irvin, WR

Michael Irvin

15. Michael Irvin, WR

Michael Irvin — Michael Irvin was the 'diva' wide receiver before there was such a thing as a 'diva' wide receiver. Whether it was on the field or off of it, Irvin always seemed to find himself involved in some type of controversy, but the Hall-of-Famer never let it hamper his production on the field.

14. Jim McMahon, QB

Jim McMahon

14. Jim McMahon, QB

Jim McMahon — With his headbands and mullet, Jim McMahon definitely did not have the stereotypical look of an NFL quarterback. The face of the Chicago Bears' offense in the 1980s, McMahon set the tone for his bad boy image from the start. At his first public function as Chicago's quarterback, McMahon walked in with a cold beer in his hand.

13. Ndamukong Suh, DT

Ndamukong Suh

13. Ndamukong Suh, DT

Ndamukong Suh — The youngest player on this list, Ndamukong Suh has quickly developed a reputation as one of the bad boys of the modern NFL. In fact, his peers have already twice voted Suh as the "dirtiest player in the league."

12. Richie Incognito, G

Richie Incognito Dolphins

12. Richie Incognito, G

Richie Incognito Dolphins — Whether it was on the field or in the locker room, Richie Incognito was a lightning rod for controversy wherever he played. Currently a free agent, Incognito was most recently suspended by the league for alleged misconduct related to the treatment of former teammate Jonathan Martin. He has since been reinstated.

11. Albert Haynesworth, DT

Albert Haynesworth

11. Albert Haynesworth, DT

Albert Haynesworth — One of, if not the most overpaid players in the history of the NFL, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth had issues both on and off the field during his career. The most notable incident came in 2006 when Haynesworth stomped on the helmet-less head of Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode, who needed 30 stitches. Haynesworth was suspended five games for his behavior.

10. Joe Greene, DT

Joe Greene

10. Joe Greene, DT

Joe Greene — 'Mean Joe' Greene, as he was called, was a part of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 'Steel Curtain' defense of the 1970s. Greene often expressed his displeasure on the field, including one time in which he spat in the face of Dick Butkus, who is also considered one of the nastiest players to ever play in the league.

9. Ronnie Lott, S

Ronnie Lott

9. Ronnie Lott, S

Ronnie Lott — During his 14-year career, safety Ronnie Lott developed a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the history of the league. Lott's toughness could never be called into question. Once, he even went as far as to have part of his finger amputated in order to get back on the field faster.

8. Ray Lewis, LB

Ray Lewis

8. Ray Lewis, LB

Ray Lewis — Widely regarded as one of the best middle linebackers the league has ever seen, Ray Lewis played with a tenacity and passion that was unmatched by any. However, following a Super Bowl party in 2000, Lewis and two of his companions were indicted on murder charges. The charges against Lewis were dismissed just two weeks later.

7. Deion Sanders, CB

Deion Sanders

7. Deion Sanders, CB

Deion Sanders — There weren't many players quite like Deion Sanders. Affectionately known as 'Primetime,' Sanders never missed an opportunity to high step into the endzone following one of his dynamic interception or punt returns for a touchdown.

6. Bill Romanowski, LB

Bill Romanowski

6. Bill Romanowski, LB

Bill Romanowski — Linebacker Bill Romanowski was a hard hitter that never showed any remorse for his actions. During his career, Romanowski was responsible for breaking quarterback Kerry Collins' jaw, which he has described as the best hit of his career, and ending the career of his Oakland Raiders' teammate Marcus Williams after punching him in the face during practice, crushing his eye socket.

5. Jack Lambert, LB

Jack Lambert

5. Jack Lambert, LB

Jack Lambert — The second member of the historic 'Steel Curtain' defense to make this list, Jack Lambert was the premier linebacker of his era. Missing his four front teeth, Lambert was known for his toothless snarl, which he would use to intimidate his opponents.

4. Joe Namath, QB

Joe Namath Rams

4. Joe Namath, QB

Joe Namath Rams — 'Broadway Joe' was a decent quarterback on the field, but often made headlines for his flamboyant lifestyle off the field. Namath also famously guaranteed a Jets' victory over the Colts in Super Bowl III, and made good on his prediction, leading the Jets to a 16-7 win.

3. Dick Butkus, LB

Dick Butkus

3. Dick Butkus, LB

Dick Butkus — A Hall-of-Famer who played nine seasons for the Chicago Bears, Dick Butkus is widely considered the meanest, nastiest and most feared linebacker to ever play the game.

2. Lawrence Taylor, LB

Lawrence Taylor

2. Lawrence Taylor, LB

Lawrence Taylor — Lawrence Taylor, considered one of the best defenders in league history, revolutionized the way defense was played in the NFL. Since his playing days have ended, Taylor has often been at the center of controversy, from substance abuse to most recently pleading guilty to sexual misconduct with a minor.

1. Deacon Jones, DE

Deacon Jones Rams

1. Deacon Jones, DE

Deacon Jones Rams — A member of the Rams' Fearsome Foursome, and arguably the best defensive lineman of all-time, Deacon Jones is credited with phrasing the term 'sacking the quarterback.' The Hall-of-Famer was credited with 173.5 sacks during his 14-year career, all unofficially of course.

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