9 Biggest Cult Heroes in NFL History

Having a cult-like following the NFL must be quite the feeling for a player. Just imagine tens of thousands of fans screaming your name, wearing your jersey, privately stealing lockets of your hair and.... wait, maybe being a cult hero isn't all that great of a thing.

From old-school cult heroes like Joe Namath and Bo Jackson to the new-age heroes like Tim Tebow, here are the nine biggest cult heroes in NFL history. 

9. Steve Gleason

Often times, one single play can bring you followers by the thousands. That is exactly what happened to Steve Gleason during the 2006 season.

After nearly two years away from their home because of Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans Saints had their first home game against the Atlanta Falcons in the Superdome.

During the first quarter, Gleason blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown. That touchdown marked the first points scored in the Superdome in over 21 months.

That play made Gleason immortal in the eyes of New Orleans and made him an instant cult hero.

8. Gilbert Brown

While Gilbert Brown's cult status was never as big as his pant size (I'm kidding), "The Gravedigger" is still one of the biggest cult heroes in NFL history.

The biggest reason for this was because of the way Brown moved. For a man that tipped the scales at a Twinkie shy of 300 pounds, he was surprisingly nimble. Plus, who could forget the graves that Brown dug after each great play he made.

There is no doubt that Brown is the largest cult hero in NFL history, and yes, I'm still talking about his actual largeness. 

7. Bo Jackson

The main reason that Bo Jackson is a cult hero is because of Tecmo Super Bowl. That's right, a video game made someone a cult hero.

For those of you deprived individuals who never had the chance to experience "Tecmo Bo," it was a thing of beauty. He is, by far, the most dominant video-game athlete of all time.

You could literally run around the field for an entire quarter without getting tackled. Stories have been told of rushing for 600 or 700 yards in a single game of Tecmo with Jackson. 

It's not often that a player is better known for his video-game dominance than actual dominance on the field. However, "Tecmo Bo" has become a cult hero because of a video game, and I'm sure he isn't complaining.

6. William "The Fridge" Perry

What do you get when you combine a giant individual with a giant personality? You get William "The Fridge" Perry and one of the biggest (literally) cult heroes in NFL history.

Perry had the makings of a cult hero during his football career, but it wasn't until he retired that he really started to get a following. From participating in WrestleMania 2 to making numerous appearances on television and in movies, Perry's off-field cult status continues to grow to this day.

In fact, I'm still waiting for Perry to participate in another hot dog eating contest. I know he can last more than five minutes.

5. Doug Flutie

Doug Flutie is the smallest (I promise this is my last joke about size) cult hero in the NFL history. In fact, it is Flutie's size that makes him such a beloved player.

For Flutie, his cult status started in college where he won the Heisman Trophy after completing a play that has become known simply as the "Hail Flutie."

While his NFL career never reached the absolute stardom that his college career had, that one play forever cemented his status as a cult hero.

4. Joe Namath

Sure, it may be true that Joe Namath is only a cult hero to individuals of the female sex, but he is a cult hero nonetheless. All you have to do is ask Suzy Kolber.

Namath became a legend when he predicted a Super Bowl victory over Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts. While his play was never really truly spectacular, his media status was one that the world never saw. He became so big that his nickname of "Broadway Joe" still stands today.

From fur coats to commercials with beautiful women, Namath probably has the best cult lifestyle in NFL history.

3. Tim Tebow

How is it possible that a player this young is already a cult hero? Well, all you need to do is look at Yahoo! Sports, ESPN.com or CBSSports.com to figure it out.

Tim Tebow is everywhere.

You can't look at a sports website without seeing Tebow. Heck, you can't even walk into a Barnes & Noble without seeing something about Tebow. In fact, I was reading The Da Vinci Code last night and there was a reference to Tebow. It's become that crazy that quick.

There is no doubt that within a few years, Tebow will be the NFL's biggest cult hero in NFL history. No doubt at all.

2. Steve Tasker

There is no doubt in my mind that Steve Tasker is the least-known player on this list. However, he is also the second-biggest cult hero in NFL history.

Standing three inches shy of six feet, Tasker is widely known as the greatest special teams player to ever play the game. He made seven Pro Bowls, including six straight, during his career and he was even named the MVP of the 1993 Pro Bowl.

Never before had a special teamer who didn't actually return kicks become so popular. While he may only be the second-biggest cult hero ever, he is definitely the most lovable cult hero in NFL history.

1. Brett Favre

Whenever a player is capable of completely backstabbing a franchise by leaving and playing for an arch rival, you know that player has one huge cult following.

Ladies and gentlemen, the biggest cult hero in NFL history is none other than Brett Favre. The man, the legend and the traitor.

When you watch Favre play, you can't help but love him. His improvisation is second to none and the way he jumps for joy like a little schoolgirl after each touchdown throw is intoxicating. It's hard to believe that he is finally gone for good (I think).

Even though his career began to spiral at the end, there are still plenty of grown men out there who would give away their firstborn child and wife to meet Favre. If that is not a cult hero, then I don't know what is.