All-Social Media Team: Offensive players with the best online presence
Social media provides fans with unprecedented access to players, a luxury and a curse that wasn't available in previous decades.
Many of the NFL's best players are happy to engage with their fans and show a different side of their personality that otherwise wouldn't be captured on the field.
Below, we rank the best social media star at each position:
OFFENSE | DEFENSE
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Twitter followers: 3.41 million
Instagram followers: 150,000
A lot of quarterbacks are averse to showing their real personalities on social media, carefully cultivating an image of what an ideal leader should be. Rodgers is arguably the best quarterback in the league and doesn't have to worry about his job security or his legacy, so he's afforded more leeway than others.
Rodgers is quite active on Twitter and is happy to indulge his followers about the life of a modern superstar. The two-time MVP enjoys going to concerts, showing off the ATVs he purchases for his teammates, and engages his fans with witty banter. Rodgers is unflappable on and off the field and he gets the nod here over Tom Brady.
Running back
Le'Veon Bell, Steelers
Twitter followers: 846,000
Instagram followers: 1.1 million
Bell may appear to be soft spoken, but his Twitter persona is the intersection where sports and rap collide. The two-time Pro Bowler often tries to promote his own album and recently offered to collaborate alongside Playboi Carti.
let's work @playboicarti ...🔥🔥🔥
— Le'Veon Bell (@L_Bell26) June 4, 2017
Bell is perpetually plugged into social media and uses the platform to promote his brand and products while offering insight into football and basketball games. He'll happily engage with teammates and fans alike and celebrity hasn't affected his ability to relate to the common person. For those reasons, Bell gets the nod.
Wide receiver
Odell Beckham Jr., Giants
Twitter followers: 2.41 million
Instagram followers: 2.1 million
Arguably the NFL's biggest rock star, Beckham's social media presence is both a tribute to his opulent lifestyle and fanatical workout regimen. Beckham isn't afraid to flaunt his friendships with Drake, Young Thug, and countless NBA stars, making his Instagram page a must-watch for all pop culture consumers. The Giants' star became a superstar as soon as he entered the professional ranks, and his social media presence is certainly reflective of one of the sport's most mesmerizing, ascending talents.
Dez Bryant, Cowboys
Twitter followers: 2.92 million
Instagram followers: 8.5 million
Bryant's passion for life knows no bounds, extending well beyond the football field. The three-time Pro Bowler is quick to respond to anyone who challenges him, and offers live commentary on numerous sports, including the National Spelling Bee.
#NiharJanga you just made my whole day buddy.. Congrats on winning the #spellingbee champ.. Some how some way I have to get you to a game #x
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) May 27, 2016
Bryant will often entertain guests he's met through social media, drawn to their compelling stories. There's never a dull moment while following him.
Tight end
Martellus Bennett, Packers
Twitter followers: 293,000
Instagram followers: 269,000
Educational entrepreneur, political activist, creative director, food critic, media critic. There are no limits to the labels that could describe Bennett's enthralling Twitter account, where he engages and speaks candidly on whatever comes to mind. Bennett's Instagram page largely showcases his very good dog and the many ventures he's working on. He's arguably the NFL's most entertaining player off the field and is a must follow on both mediums.
Offensive tackle
Mitchell Schwartz, Chiefs
Twitter followers: 10,800
Instagram followers: 2,776
Mitchell and his brother Geoff have cultivated a following due to their intelligent takes on numerous issues surrounding the NFL community at large. The Schwartz brothers refuse to let group-think dictate their way of life, and Mitchell often acts as the voice of reason for players around the league. Plus, he's not afraid to show off some delicious meals.
This is why the Green Egg is the best multitasker around. Pizzas at 800+ today, brisket at 250 for 10 hrs yesterday. pic.twitter.com/Q8GXxuSpxI
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz72) June 4, 2017
Guard
Kyle Long, Bears
Twitter followers: 257,000
Instagram followers: 114,000
Long is a near-permanent presence on Twitter, with his feed operating as a stream of consciousness. The Bears' standout is acutely aware of the perception of his team, providing commentary on numerous articles from the football community. Long shows off a great sense of humor and is incisive about issues that pertain to the league, and appears to be getting the most out of life.
Center
Ryan Kalil, Panthers
Twitter followers: 75,100
Instagram followers: 2,728
Kalil recently joined Instagram and though he tweets less often than most players on this list, his love of Star Wars and his relentless support of his teammates make him a good follow.
#MayTheFourthBeWithYou pic.twitter.com/wTaZEI3hoN
— Ryan Kalil (@ryankalil) May 4, 2017
Admittedly, there aren't a lot of centers revealing their personalities on social media, but Kalil seems like a happy, upbeat guy with a good sense of humor, and for that, he makes our list.
Kicker
Connor Barth, Bears
Twitter followers: 8,187
Instagram followers: 14,200
Barth is the clear standout in a barren field and is having as much fun as any professional athlete possibly can. The kicker made headlines when he tweeted that he was still available during the 2015 season, and received a contract from the Buccaneers days later.
I'm just saying I am available for the right price😉😉... #freeagent @nfl
— Connor Barth (@contbarth) October 4, 2015
Barth's Instagram feed is replete with photos celebrating at Cubs games, barbecues, golf courses, and other extravagances. Welcome to the good life.
Punter
Marquette King, Raiders
Twitter followers: 157,000
Instagram followers: 273,000
Aye! @StephenCurry30 this is the next step! 👌🏽 #KickSquad #Splash 💦 pic.twitter.com/5KVFBsFczL
— Marquette King (@MarquetteKing) June 7, 2017
King is almost defined by his social media presence and leveraged his fame better than almost any player in the league last season. The Raiders' punter gained national attention for his dance moves against the Broncos on Sunday Night Football and continued to jam throughout the year.
Now that he's established his brand, King tweets voraciously about current events, celebrities, basketball, and buying suits among other topics. Punters are people too, and few are as vibrant as King.