Most popular NFL teams are teams with the maximum number of fans, social media followers, television viewership and broadcast contracts.
We list out the top 10 popular NFL teams in the year 2023. The NFL is the number one sports league in the US with a TV viewership of 114.4 million since 2010. The popularity of any sports league depends on the quality of teams, players, competitiveness, physical challenges, mental challenges and demand for professionalism. American football is a sport that has all the ingredients that are enough to rush adrenaline into the bodies of viewers.
The popularity of football increases because leagues like the NFL and teams play the league. So check out popular teams that make American football popular.
Most Popular NFL Team 2023
There are 32 NFL teams from 22 states; some states have more than one team. Let’s know more about the most popular teams in the NFL in 2023.
#1 New England Patriots
The New England Patriots is the number one team according to popularity. The team has more than 4.6 million followers on Twitter. One of the reasons for the popularity of The Patriots is the team has been highly successful on the field, winning multiple Super Bowls over the years.
The Patriots is the most successful team that has won 6 Super Bowl titles in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, and 2018. The team appeared in 11 games in the past two decades.
NFL Greatest of All Time, including Tom Brady(QB), John Hanna (LB), and Rob Grownski (TE), are some of the players who played for the Patriots. Legendary Bill Belichick is one more key person for the success and popularity of the Patriots, and he has been with the team since 2000 as a head coach and general manager.
New England Patriots social media popularity:
- X(Twitter) followers – 4.6 Million
- Instagram followers – 5 Million
- Facebook followers – 6.3 Million
#2 Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys is the second team in our list. This team is also called “America’s Team”. It has 4.3 followers on X. Cowboys have won 5 Super Bowl championships, 10 Conference championships, and 24 Division championships.
Along with winning championships, the team gained popularity because they have had several high-profile players throughout their history, including legends like Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, and Emmitt Smith. These players’ success and star power have contributed to the team’s popularity.
Jerry Jones is another key figure who has contributed to the success and popularity of the Cowboys. Jones not only made Cowboys successful but also contributed to the NFL league’s business model and marketing strategies.
Jones also constructed one of the biggest NFL stadiums, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The Dallas Cowboys social media popularity:
- X(Twitter) followers – 4.3 M
- Instagram followers – 4.7 M
- Facebook followers – 8 M
#3 Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have a passionate and dedicated fan base known as the “Eagles Nation” Team popularity can be measured; Eagles is the only team that racked up 146m all-time views on YouTube. Eagles have sold out almost 100 percent of tickets at home games since 1999.
One more reason for the Eagles’ popularity is that they created history by winning Super Bowl LII in 2017, where they defeated the New England Patriots.
Eagles is the team of some iconic NFL players, including Chuck Bednarik, Reggie White, and, more recently, Brian Dawkins. The Eagles are actively involved in community outreach and charitable initiatives. The Eagles, like many NFL teams, have a cultural impact beyond sports. References to the team can be found in popular culture, including movies, TV shows, and music.
Philadelphia Eagles social media popularity:
- X(Twitter) followers – 3.8 Million
- Instagram followers – 3.1 Million
- Facebook followers – 3.6 Million
#4 Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers is the only team who shares the most Super Bowl wins with the New England Patriots. Steelers won 6 Super Bowl titles since the merger of AFL and NFL in 1970. Steelers is the first team to reach 450 victories.
The Steelers boast one of the most passionate and loyal fanbases in the league. Steelers fans are often referred to as the “Steeler Nation” The Steelers produced remarkable Hall of Fame players, including Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Joe Greene, and Troy Polamalu.
Pittsburgh Steelers social media popularity:
- X(Twitter) followers – 3.7m
- Instagram followers – 3.6m
- Facebook followers – 5.9
#5 Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers never won the Super Bowl, but the team reached the final two times, which made them popular among the fans. Panthers has 3 million followers on X. Some of the legendary players played for Carolina Panthers including Julius Peppers (DE), Steve Smith (WR), and Luke Kuechly (Linebacker).
Panthers play home games in Bank of America stadium located in Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the biggest and most dynamic stadiums.
Carolina Panthers social media popularity:
- X(Twitter) followers – 3m
- Instagram followers – 1.9m
- Facebook followers – 2.1m
#6 Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos is one of the teams that won 2 Super Bowl championships in consecutive years in 1997 and 1998. The team has 3 Super Bowl titles. Along with 3 Super Bowl titles, the Broncos won 8 Conference championships and 15 Division championships.
Broncos also gained popularity with their presence in The animated television show South Park, set in Park County. Broncos fans, also called Broncos Country a passionate and dedicated fanbase that extends beyond the state of Colorado. The Broncos have intense rivalries, particularly with divisional opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Broncos produced legendary Hall of Famers, including Floyd Little, John Elway, and Gary Zimmerman.
Denver Broncos social media popularity:
- X(Twitter) followers – 2.7m
- Instagram followers – 1.4m
- Facebook followers – 3.7m
#7 Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have been successful in recent years, making multiple playoff appearances in 2005, 2013, and 2014. Out of the 3 times, the Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII in the 2013 season. The Seahawks’ defense, particularly the “Legion of Boom” era, featuring stars like Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Brandon Browner, Walter Thurmond Byron Maxwell, and Kam Chancellor, gained a reputation for being one of the most formidable defensive units in the league.
The Seahawks fan base, also called “12th Man,” is known for having one of the loudest and most energetic crowds in the NFL.
Russell Wilson (currently playing), star quarterback, has been one of the key factors in their success and popularity.
Seattle Seahawks social media popularity:
- X(Twitter) followers – 2.5m
- Instagram followers – 3.2m
- Facebook followers – 3.5m
#8 Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs is the team that recently gained popularity with its recent Super Bowl wins in 2019 and 2022. The Chiefs have 3 Super Bowl Trophies. One more reason behind the popularity of the Chiefs is star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is widely regarded as one of the most talented and exciting players in the league. His incredible arm strength, accuracy, and ability to make plays outside the pocket have captured the attention of football fans.
Kansas City serves as a significant sports market, and the Chiefs have a strong regional influence. The team’s popularity extends beyond the city limits, reaching fans in surrounding areas and contributing to its widespread appeal.
Kansas City Chiefs social media popularity:
- X(Twitter) followers – 2.4m
- Instagram followers – 3.1m
- Facebook followers – 2.2m
#9 San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers got popular with its outstanding team performances and Super Bowl wins. The 49ers won 5 Super Bowl championships, all before 2000. Recently, after NFL 2023 started, Dan Hanzus, a famous sports commentator and writer for the NFL official website, said that the San Francisco 49ers are the best team in football right now.
The team was most successful in the 1980s and 1990s under the leadership of Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh and legendary quarterback Joe Montana.
Also became popular in “The Montana and Rice Era” in which the quarterback-receiver duo of Joe Montana and Jerry Rice is considered one of the greatest in NFL history played for the team.
San Francisco 49ers social media popularity:
- X(Twitter) followers – 2.4m
- Instagram followers – 3m
- Facebook followers – 3.9m
#10 Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers don’t need any other reason to become one of the most popular teams. This team has won 13 league championships, the most in NFL history, with nine pre-Super Bowl NFL titles and four Super Bowl championships.
The Green Bay Packers is the only community-owned team in the NFL. The team is owned by shareholders who are fans and supporters of the team, creating a unique connection between the franchise and its community.
The team owned Lambeau Field stadium, 2nd biggest stadium with a seating capacity of around 81,441.
Green Bay Packers social media popularity
- X(Twitter) followers – 2.4 M followers
- Instagram followers – 2.6M followers
- Facebook followers – 4.8M followers
American football is a showcase of physical strength, speed, and mental toughness. Each play is packed with bone-crushing tackles and awe-inspiring displays of athleticism. Beyond the brawn, there’s a strategic brilliance that keeps fans on the edge of their seats, navigating the uncertainty of the game and making the game so popular.
