Terrell Owens and the 5 Most Misunderstood Players in NFL History

There have always been players in the NFL that, for some reason, rub people the wrong way.

Sometimes it's because of their off-the-field activities, and other times it's more focused on the way they behave on the gridiron.

Whatever the reason, they are simply disliked.

But is this animosity rightly warranted? In some cases, the answer may be no.

Here are five of the most misunderstood, and often hated, players in NFL history.

Get your popcorn ready!

5. Jim McMahon

Jim McMahon was an interesting character.

Unlike the others on this list, there is a general feeling of less displeasure towards McMahon, although he wasn't the most-liked guy either.

He was known for his awkward personality both on and off the field.

McMahon became known for his headbands that often got him in trouble with the league, and his styling dark glasses that he wore for medical purposes.

There have also been recent problems that have popped up for McMahon that can be attributed to drinking.

He just didn't really fit in with the general crowd.

Despite this, he was still a two time Super Bowl champion.

4. Bill Romanowski

Bill Romanowski may be one of the most controversial players in the history of the NFL.

Romanowski was known as one of the craziest, meanest and dirtiest players to ever step onto a football field.

Off the field, he had a very poor reputation. In his book, Bill admits to the use of performance enhancing drugs and a ridiculous fascination in supplements.

He says that roughly $200,000 dollars were spent annually on vitamins and other supplements.

His antics have made him one of the most hated people in the history of the league, but how fair is it to judge him?

Romo had an obvious passion for the game, and had a strong fear of failure. It was a fear that drove him to act the way he did, and caused him many later regrets.

How much can you really hate a man for not wanting to fail?

3. Brett Favre

I don't think Brett Favre really even truly understands Brett Favre.

First he retires, then he comes back. Then he retires again, then he comes back. Then he decides that's it, then he comes back.

Well, for about the 50th time in his career, Favre has decided to retire.

I'm fairly certain that it's for sure this time, but you really never know with this guy.

Favre's flip-flopping back and forth between retirement over the last few seasons has really damaged his reputation.

Instead of one of the greatest players of all-time, he is now viewed by many as an egotistical, self-centered guy who thirsts for the spotlight.

This may be true, but go back and watch all 50 of his retirements. There is great emotion each time that he walks away from the game.

Favre simply loves football. It has been extremely tough for him to let the game go. The last few seasons should damage a career worth of highlights.

2. Chad Ochocinco

Chad Ochocinco has probably the most personality of any player in the history of the NFL.

That personality has generated strong feelings from the audience. Many love him, and just as many hate him.

Ochocinco is known for his antics both on and off the field.

He is always starting drama on the field. He talks trash to opponents and celebrates when he makes them look bad.

Off the field he is on Twitter, changing his last name, doing reality shows, playing in the MLS and riding bulls. That's just naming a few.

I don't quite understand the hate towards Ochocinco.

This is a guy who loves what he does for a living, and appreciates the opportunity he has. He is enjoying his life and having fun every single day.

For some reason, he still has a lot of haters. He is fine with that, since every young boy needs to eat his vegetables. (Only Ochocinco fans will get that one)

Child please.

1. Terrell Owens

There many not be a player in all of sports who is hated as much as Terrell Owens.

Get your popcorn ready, it's time for the T.O. show! No, I'm not talking about Owens' awful reality show on MTV.

Owens is one of the best receivers in the history of the NFL. He will likely be in the NFL Hall of Fame very shortly.

However, he will never have a team retire his jersey. He will never make a team's Hall of Fame. The reason is all the fans from his past teams now hate him.

Owens is known for calling out his teammates and coaches. He has been in the midst of controversy during his time with the 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys and Bengals.

The only time he wasn't surrounded by drama was during his time in Buffalo, but that's mainly because the team was so bad.

But is Owens really that bad of a guy? Sure, he calls out his teammates and coaches when he feels they have made mistakes.

This isn't because he wants drama, it's because he wants to win. Owens has a passion for football, and a desire to be the best. At 37 years old, he is still one of the better receivers in the league.

He has a drive to be perfect, and he calls others out when they fall short of expectations.