NFL

Top 20 NFL Fan Favorites of 2014

Top 20 NFL Fan Favorites

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos quarterback
Ron Chenoy - USA TODAY SPORTS

The NFL has drastically increased in popularity throughout the years, and players' popularity is one of the biggest reasons why. NFL veterans like Manning and Brady have helped the league gain viewers for years, while young guns like J.J. Watt and Colin Kaepernick have helped the league gain even more fans recently. This article will list the NFL's top 20 fan favorites, based on popularity, jersey sales and reputation.

20. Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions wide receiver
Andrew Weber - USA TODAY SPORTS

20. Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions wide receiver
Andrew Weber - USA TODAY SPORTS

"Megatron" has impressed fans with his ability to catch over defenders and to take big hits while he makes big catches. Calvin Johnson, although fairly reserved, has numerous fans in Detroit and across the country due to the fact that he is the NFL's best receiver. Fans respect his ability to burn corners and score touchdowns without having to back up his play with talk. Fans look forward to watching Johnson make big plays week after week.

19. Victor Cruz

Victor Cruz, New York Giants wide receiver
The Star-Ledger - USA TODAY SPORTS

19. Victor Cruz

Victor Cruz, New York Giants wide receiver
The Star-Ledger - USA TODAY SPORTS

Charismatic Victor Cruz makes this list at No. 19. Although he does not have quite the skill set of Calvin Johnson, Cruz is supported by a huge New York Giants fanbase. Cruz is also well-known around the league for salsa dancing after his touchdown catches. Many fans enjoy watching Cruz because of his sense of humor and his ability to entertain an audience.

18. Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Mark L. Baer - USA TODAY Sports

18. Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Mark L. Baer - USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has quickly become a top tier quarterback in the NFL, and with his instant success came numerous fans. Indianapolis fans love Luck simply because he is successful; after a 2-14 season in 2011, Colts fans quickly came to embrace Luck when he was selected No. 1 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. Simply put, Colts fans love that they only had to wait one year for a franchise quarterback after Manning left.

17. Troy Polamalu

Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers free safety
Mark Konezny - USA TODAY Sports

17. Troy Polamalu

Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers free safety
Mark Konezny - USA TODAY Sports

Troy Polamalu has been a league-wide fan favorite for over a decade. Polamalu had a large fanbase coming into the league from USC, and he gained even more fans when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fans adore Polamalu because of his loyalty to Pittsburgh and his charismatic personality. Although the Samoan free safety's play has regressed with time, NFL fans will always recognize Polamalu's long hair and aggressive play style.

16. Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots tight end
Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports

16. Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots tight end
Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports

Gronk took the league by storm, racking up 27 touchdowns in his first two seasons. He led the league in touchdown catches in 2011 as a tight end with 17. With this accomplishment, fans around the league came to embrace the player who seemed to revolutionize the tight end position just years after Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates had already done so. Gronk will have plenty of fans this year, whether he is able to play or not.

15. J.J. Watt

J.J. Watt, Houston Texans defensive end
Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports

15. J.J. Watt

J.J. Watt, Houston Texans defensive end
Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports

Defensive end J.J. Watt, the Texans' 11th overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, really came into his own in the 2011 Wild Card round of the playoffs when he sacked Andy Dalton, deflected one pass and recorded a pick-six in the Texans' playoff win against the Cincinnati Bengals. Since then, Watt has deflected 23 passes and taken down opposing quarterbacks 31 times, instilling fear in offensive linemen while giving hope to Texans fans.

14. Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins quarterback
Geoff Burke - USA TODAY Sports

14. Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins quarterback
Geoff Burke - USA TODAY Sports

Since being taken with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, Robert Griffin III has had his fair share of ups and downs. Better known as RGIII, the former Baylor quarterback led the Washington Redskins to the playoffs in only his first pro season. Although many people believe that the St. Louis Rams got the better end of the trade that sent Griffin to the capital, Redskins fans support RGIII, claiming that he is a true franchise QB.

13. Drew Brees

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints quarterback
Joe Camporeale - USA TODAY Sports

13. Drew Brees

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints quarterback
Joe Camporeale - USA TODAY Sports

Drew Brees is a truly charismatic player; after leaving the Chargers and winning Super Bowl XLIII with the New Orleans Saints, fans around the league have come to adore him. Brees helped the city of New Orleans turn around after being struck by disaster. Brees has a charismatic personality, so much so that it is almost impossible for anyone to dislike him; even Charger fans still love him to this day.

12. LeSean McCoy

Lesean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles running back
Howard Smith - USA TODAY Sports

12. LeSean McCoy

Lesean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles running back
Howard Smith - USA TODAY Sports

LeSean "Shady" McCoy has been an elite NFL running back for a couple of years now. Fantasy owners around the league love him, and Philadelphia Eagles fans do too. McCoy impresses audiences with his ability to make defenders miss. His play on the field captivates loyal Eagles fans and other NFL fans across the country as well. McCoy's calm and collected temperament accentuates how cool "Shady" is, and he makes everything he does look easy.

11. Cam Newton

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers quarterback
Jeremy Brevard - USA TODAY Sports

11. Cam Newton

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers quarterback
Jeremy Brevard - USA TODAY Sports

Cam Newton, or "Super Cam," has been a popular quarterback in the NFL since he was drafted by the Panthers with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2011 draft. Newton already had an established fanbase in the south, as he lead the Auburn Tigers to the BCS Championship before being drafted by Carolina. Now, fans around the NFL watch as the dual-threat quarterback leads the Panthers week in and week out, scoring touchdowns with his arm and his feet.

10. Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow, SEC Network Analyst
Matthew Emmons - USA TODAY Sports

10. Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow, SEC Network Analyst
Matthew Emmons - USA TODAY Sports

The former Heisman-winning quarterback from Florida has to be on this list somewhere. Although Tebow hasn't played a meaningful NFL game since his miracle playoff overtime win against Pittsburgh and the horrendous loss against the Patriots afterwards, NFL fans everywhere call for his return. Tebow might not be the best quarterback on the planet, but he certainly is one of the most popular.

9. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers quarterback
Mike Dinovo - USA TODAY Sports

9. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers quarterback
Mike Dinovo - USA TODAY Sports

With the departure of Brett Favre a few years back, Aaron Rodgers jumped at the opportunity to start. Since then, he has won a Super Bowl, won a Super Bowl MVP award and won the hearts of Packers fans across the nation. Rodgers impresses his fans with his precision, his ability to scramble when necessary and his knowledge of the game. He was still a top 10 jersey seller in the NFL despite being injured most of last year; that's impressive.

8. Tom Brady

Tom Brady, New England Patriots quarterback
Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports

8. Tom Brady

Tom Brady, New England Patriots quarterback
Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports

Tom Brady has been the face of the Patriots franchise since 2001. He has guided the Patriots to the first undefeated season since the institution of the 16-game schedule, won multiple MVP and Super Bowl MVP awards, guided the Patriots to an all-time record 11 division titles and has made nine Pro Bowls. Hate him or love him, Brady has been incredible; he is one of the main reasons why the NFL has become so popular in the 2000s.

7. Luke Kuechly

Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers middle linebacker
Bob Donnan - USA TODAY Sports

7. Luke Kuechly

Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers middle linebacker
Bob Donnan - USA TODAY Sports

Entering his third year in the league, reigning Defensive Player of the Year Luke Kuechly has gained significant popularity. Kuechly was instrumental in Ron Rivera's transformation of the Panthers defense. He has become the focal point of the Panthers D, recording 320 tackles and six interceptions in only two seasons. Fans love Kuechly's work ethic, intelligence, knowledge of the game, enthusiasm and his love and passion for the game of football.

6. Michael Sam

Michael Sam, St. Louis Rams defensive end
Scott Rovak - USA TODAY Sports

6. Michael Sam

Michael Sam, St. Louis Rams defensive end
Scott Rovak - USA TODAY Sports

Michael Sam enters the NFL as already one of the league's most popular players. The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year was drafted by Jeff Fisher and the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Sam gained a lot of his popularity by becoming the first openly gay player to join the NFL. Supported by the LGBT community and NFL fans around the world, Sam looks to make an impact in his rookie year by recording a few sacks.

5. Richard Sherman

Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Chris Humphreys - USA TODAY SPORTS

5. Richard Sherman

Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Chris Humphreys - USA TODAY SPORTS

Sherman has played like the best cornerback in football for the past three seasons. Although fans cringed at his post-NFC Championship rant, there is no mistaking Sherman's talent. Sherman plays an integral part in the Seahawks defense, shutting down the left side of the field with ease. Fans love Sherman's attitude and his sarcastic comments towards other players. The 12th man hopes Sherman can keep making big plays this year for the Seahawks.

4. Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Joe Nicholson - USA TODAY SPORTS

4. Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Joe Nicholson - USA TODAY SPORTS

Colin Kaepernick, the face of the 49ers franchise, has quickly gained popularity throughout the league after putting on a show in the 2012-13 NFC Divisional game against the Green Bay Packers, recording an NFL record 181 rushing yards (by quarterback). Since then, Kaepernick has been perhaps the most dominant dual-threat quarterback in the league. Kaepernick led the 49ers to their third consecutive NFC Championship in the 2013-14 NFL Playoffs.

3. Peyton Manning

Denver Broncos
Getty Images

3. Peyton Manning

Denver Broncos
Getty Images

Peyton Manning has been the face of the NFL since 1998, when he was selected with the No. 1 overall pick of the draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Since entering the league, Manning has won five MVP awards, made 13 Pro Bowl appearances, become a Super Bowl champion, MVP and even won a Comeback Player of the Year award. Manning has set numerous records, and he is a huge reason why so many people watch NFL football to this day.

2. Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Joe Nicholson - USA TODAY SPORTS

2. Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Joe Nicholson - USA TODAY SPORTS

Russell Wilson entered the NFL projected to back up new Seattle quarterback Matt Flynn, but Seattle's plans changed when Wilson clearly outperformed Flynn in the preseason. The rest of the story is history; Wilson has played historically well in his first two seasons as a pro. Wilson led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl, where Seattle beat the Denver Broncos 43-8 in an historic beatdown. The 12th man adores Wilson, as do fans everywhere.

1. Johnny Manziel

Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns quarterback
Andrew Weber - USA TODAY SPORTS

1. Johnny Manziel

Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns quarterback
Andrew Weber - USA TODAY SPORTS

"Johnny Football" is already the league's most popular player and leading jersey seller, despite the fact that he has never played in a regular season game. The Cleveland Browns quarterback impressed fans around the country with his running and passing abilities during his career at Texas A&M. Browns fans hope that Manziel is the franchise quarterback that Cleveland has been trying to find for the past 14 years.

Connor Howe is a Bengals writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @CHoweSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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