Pittsburgh Steelers: The 5 Most Hated Players in the Eyes of Steelers Fans

Every team has their nemesis, both in terms of opposing teams and opposing players. For some, it's a dislike that has something to do with being unable to beat them. For others, the hate is due to vendettas both personal and team-related.

Some players just embody an entire team. Surely there are players on the Pittsburgh Steelers' roster that are hated by other teams' fans.

Here are five players who Steelers fans love to hate.

1. Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore Ravens

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Linebacker Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reads the play in 2011 AFC wild card playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/G

Why?

Steelers fans will probably celebrate the day when Lewis hangs up his cleats. For years, he's terrorized the Steelers' offensive personnel with spectacular defensive play. Hate him or not, it's hard to argue Lewis' skills as an NFL linebacker.

He also plays for a division rival. There's a certain amount of animosity that goes along with that.

The X-Factors

The showy factor is huge. No one else has had the audacity to claim himself "God's Linebacker" and no one else has a more universally hated sack dance.

Also, most non-Ravens fans hate Lewis because of his legal troubles. His escape from a double homicide conviction riled many who felt that he got preferential treatment as an athlete. Believe that or not, it's a huge reason why Lewis is hated.

2. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty

Why?

He seemingly can't lose in Pittsburgh. It riles fans and Steelers players alike that he always seems to find a way to beat this team. He's won two AFC Championship games at Heinz Field and has been nearly unbeatable in Pittsburgh's home stadium since he got his start in 2001.

He's not a division rival, but that doesn't seem to matter. For most Steelers fans, Brady is public enemy No. 1.

The X-Factors

He's a pretty boy. Talented or not, he's more Hollywood than gritty gridiron. He personally makes me sick, especially with his bad haircut. You have to respect his talent, but that's about as far as it goes. Even that is too far for some fans.

The other factor that Steelers fans hate is that Ben Roethlisberger is invariably compared to Brady. The comparisons are rarely favorable unless you're talking to a Steelers fan.

3. Kordell Stewart, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 15: Quarterback Kordell Stewart #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Heinz Field on December 15, 2002 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Panthers 30-14.

Why?

Face it, Steelers fans. We all love to hate players who fail in our colors. For most, Stewart represented all that was wrong before Ben Roethlisberger rescued the team from quarterback mediocrity.

He was rarely good enough and failed miserably in big spots (every start in the AFC Championship Game) and often made more mistakes than big plays. He had one really good season (2001), but capped it with a terrible performance against New England while playing for the right to go to the Super Bowl.

The X-Factors

The purported kiss with Bill Cowher, his prima donna attitude about playing only quarterback (when he could have won fans' hearts by playing his popular and successful slash role) and his big game failures all combined to make him a hated member of team history.

If you take out his rookie year and his 2001 regular season, there really wasn't much to smile about.

4. Neil ODonnell, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

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28 Jan 1996: Head Coach Bill Cowher (left) and quarterback Neil O'Donnell (right) of the Pittsburgh Steelers share a few words during the Steelers game versus the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The Steelers went

Why?

He had his big chance. If he'd have played well in Super Bowl XXX, he'd be lovingly remembered as the player who led the Steelers to their fifth trophy. Instead, he'll always be the goat.

The irony to his story? He holds the career record for lowest percentage of passes intercepted. Unfortunately, he's an object lesson in how statistics can be totally useless when evaluating a player and how one game can define a career.

The X-Factors

He could have returned to Pittsburgh in 1996 and redeemed himself, but he ran away to New York for big money. Also, the rumors that he purposely threw the Super Bowl will probably haunt him and his legacy in Pittsburgh forever.

He also wasn't the most approachable player, and his long-standing feud with the diva-like Bubby Brister grew old fast.

5. Ken Stabler, QB, Oakland Raiders

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9 Dec 1979: Quarterback Ken Stabler of the Oakland Raiders prepares to pass the ball during a game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /A

Why?

He wasn't much liked outside of Oakland, where he was revered. He was, like any member of the 1970s Oakland Raiders, an arch nemesis for Pittsburgh.

He was the quarterback for the Immaculate Reception game, so there's some redemption involved there. But all in all, he was like the Tom Brady of the 1970s for Pittsburgh, along with Roger Staubach.

The X-Factors

He wasn't called "the Snake" for nothing. He was universally considered sneaky and conniving. Those aren't necessarily bad traits, but for an opponent they were hated. He also had a particular skill for giving Pittsburgh problems.

For a great example of the hatred he generated, see the final scenes of "The Chief," the great film about the life of Art Rooney, Sr.