10 Most Popular NFL Teams

You’re interested in finding out which NFL teams are the most popular. Are you feeling a bit insecure about your own favorite team and looking for some reassurance? Maybe you want to gather some points to use in debates with your friends. Or perhaps you’re just looking to pass the time and satisfy your curiosity. Whatever your reason, let’s dive into the world of NFL team popularity. We live in a time that would be unrecognizable to your grandparents. Today, loyalties are no longer tied to the region where you reside but are instead shaped by your favorite powerhouse team on Madden or the roster featuring your preferred players.

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Most Popular NFL Teams

Most Popular NFL Teams

The NFL consists of 32 teams from 23 different states across the U.S. To identify the most popular NFL teams, we analyzed follower counts on X, Google search trends, and each franchise’s overall relevance. Here’s our list of the 10 most popular NFL teams

1. Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys hold the title of the most popular NFL team, boasting the highest Google search volume and the largest fanbase in America. Since the late 1970s, they have been famously known as “America’s Team.” The Cowboys have been home to some of the most iconic players in football history, including Roger Staubach, Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, and Michael Irvin. Their games at AT&T Stadium, formerly at Texas Stadium, have consistently sold out since 2002, showcasing the immense support they receive. With a staggering fan following exceeding 4.4 million, Cowboys enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the team’s pursuit of further success, building on their impressive five Super Bowl championships.

2. New England Patriots

The Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era ushered in one of the most dominant sports dynasties in history for New England. The Patriots’ remarkable consistency during Brady’s tenure led to the acquisition of six Super Bowl championships, propelling Robert Kraft’s franchise to the status of the second most popular team in the NFL. Among the Patriots’ notable achievements are their record-tying six Super Bowl victories, matching the Steelers, and their impressive 11 appearances in the Super Bowl. With Tom Brady at the helm, the Patriots boasted an extraordinary win percentage of .768. Additionally, they hold the distinction of being the most followed NFL team on social media, with a massive fan base exceeding 4.6 million. A fascinating tidbit: Bill Belichick and Tom Brady combined forces to clinch six Super Bowl titles. However, following Brady’s departure in 2019, Belichick’s coaching prowess was put to the test, resulting in a less stellar record of 82-98 before their parting ways in 2024.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

Among the ranks of the Most Popular NFL Teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers stand out with their remarkable legacy. Despite not matching Lambeau Field’s consecutive sellout streak, the Steelers have filled their home stadium to capacity since 1972, a testament to their enduring popularity. This widespread support extends even to away games, where Steelers fans often outnumber the home crowd. The city’s transformation from the eighth largest in America in 1910 to the 68th by 2020, driven by shifts in the steel industry, scattered loyal fans across the nation, proudly brandishing their yellow “terrible towels” in stadiums nationwide. Today, the formidable “Steeler Nation” proudly boasts of their team’s record six Super Bowl victories, including the iconic “Steel Curtain” era of the 1970s, during which they clinched four championships in just six seasons, solidifying their status as football legends.

4. Philadelphia Eagles

In the realm of Most Popular NFL Teams, the Philadelphia Eagles hold a unique position, representing a city known for its passionate and sometimes unforgiving fan base, earning it the moniker “The City of Brotherly Love” with a touch of irony, as evidenced by recent sentiments towards Ben Simmons. Despite this reputation, Philadelphia fans are fiercely devoted to their teams, a loyalty that transcends generations like an enduring family tradition. The Eagles’ popularity surged following their historic Super Bowl victory in 2017, solidifying their place in the hearts of fans across the nation. With a fan base exceeding 3.8 million, the Eagles command a significant presence in the NFL landscape. Adding to their allure are legendary players such as Reggie White, Donovan McNabb, and Brian Dawkins, who have all donned the iconic midnight green, further enhancing the team’s appeal and contributing to their widespread popularity.

5. Kansas City Chiefs

In the realm of the Most Popular NFL Teams, the Kansas City Chiefs have historically maintained a localized fan base, lacking the widespread support enjoyed by others. However, the narrative shifted dramatically with the emergence of superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, whose triumphant victories in the Super Bowls of 2020, 2023, and 2024 transformed the team’s fortunes. The Chiefs’ fandom soared to unprecedented heights with the involvement of Travis Kelce, particularly when he began dating Taylor Swift. This union reached its pinnacle on September 24, 2023, when Swift made her first appearance at a Chiefs game. The fusion of “Swifties” and Chiefs fans has propelled Kansas City into the echelon of the most popular NFL teams, marking a remarkable evolution in the team’s support base and cultural significance.

6. San Francisco 49ers

The adored San Francisco 49ers boast an impressive record of five Super Bowl victories, their relentless pursuit of excellence garnering a dedicated fanbase. Icons such as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young have played pivotal roles in propelling the franchise to widespread popularity, while 49ers fans are notably the most actively engaged on social media, according to sidelines.io. Though the team hasn’t replicated the dominance seen in the 1980s and 1990s, their consistent presence in the playoffs has ensured the continuity of fan support across generations.

7. Green Bay Packers

Despite hailing from the smallest market in American major sports, the Green Bay Packers stand tall as one of the most popular NFL teams. Remarkably, their sellout streak at Lambeau Field stretches back to the year Alaska and Hawaii joined the United States. The evidence supporting Green Bay’s popularity is undeniable: a staggering 84% of adults in Green Bay are devoted Packers fans, and Lambeau Field, with a seating capacity exceeding 81,000, regularly hosts packed crowds despite the city’s population hovering just over 100,000. Notably, the last non-sellout game at Lambeau Field dates back to November 22, 1959. With four Super Bowl championships under their belt and iconic quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre, the Packers have solidified their status as a beloved franchise. And let’s not forget their cheese-loving tradition, featuring varieties like Cheddar, American, Mozzarella, Brick, Muenster, and Limburger.

8. Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have achieved a remarkable feat, selling out every home game since 1973, coinciding with the United States’ exit from the Vietnam War. The presence of Pro Football Hall of Famers John Elway and Peyton Manning further solidified the team’s appeal, captivating audiences and winning over countless fans. This begs the question: Are the Broncos the true “America’s Team”? Denver’s on-field success, boasting three Super Bowl victories out of eight appearances, coupled with a passionate fan base, certainly makes a compelling case. In a 2014 poll, the Broncos even clinched the title of the most popular team, fueled by the star power of players like Emmanuel Sanders and Manning.

9. Seattle Seahawks

A true testament to their popularity, the Seattle Seahawks proudly hoist the “12th Man” flag and have retired the number 12 in tribute to their passionate fans. Affectionately known as the “12th Man,” Seahawks fans are widely regarded as some of the rowdiest in the NFL, further cementing the team’s widespread appeal. With three Super Bowl appearances and a championship victory to their name, the franchise boasts a devoted following, evident in their impressive social media presence with over 2.5 million followers. Undoubtedly, the Seahawks reign supreme as the unrivaled team of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

10. New York Giants

Despite enduring years of mediocrity, the New York Giants have secured the tenth spot on our list of the most popular NFL teams, largely due to their presence in the largest TV market in America, which has helped their valuation soar to over $7 billion. The Giants have a storied history with four Super Bowl victories in 1987, 1991, 2008, and 2012. The latter two wins were particularly significant as they triumphed as underdogs against the heavily favored and widely disliked New England Patriots, earning the franchise a legion of fans and solidifying their place among the most popular NFL teams.

Read More: NFL Team List: The 32 NFL Teams in Alphabetical Order

Conclusion

The landscape of NFL team popularity reflects a dynamic interplay between historical legacies, star power, and fervent fanbases. From the storied franchises like the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers, boasting rich traditions and vast followings, to rising contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks, whose recent successes and passionate fan engagement have propelled them to new heights, each team contributes to the vibrant tapestry of American football culture. Whether it’s the iconic venues, legendary players, or unique fan rituals, the NFL continues to captivate audiences nationwide, transcending regional boundaries and uniting fans in a shared celebration of the sport.