Football is arguably the most popular sport in the U.S. Fans show their passion and excitement during every game and at every single level, from high school to the NCAA and obviously, in the National Football League.
But in the last few years, the NFL's popularity started to go beyond the United States. That's why the league has taken regular season games to Mexico, England, and Germany. But, have you ever wondered which are the teams with the most fans?
While it's an interesting question, it's also hard to answer. But here, we'll take a look at the 25 teams with most social media followers to try and answer this question. So, without further introduction, sit down and look at the 25 NFL teams with most fans on Instagram.
25. Arizona Cardinals
Founded in 1898, the Arizona Cardinals are one of the oldest teams in NFL history. Even though they forged a reputation for being nomads by playing in six different cities, their 1.1 million fans on Instagram reflect the loyalty of their fanbase.
24. Atlanta Falcons
The two-time NFC champions are still waiting for an elusive Super Bowl. The Falcons infamously blew that opportunity in 2017, when they failed to keep a 25-point lead against the Patriots. Even so, they have a strong following of 1.3 million fans on Instagram and play in one of the best stadiums in the world. Can they finally make it?
23. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings may have one of the most faithful fanbases on Earth. While their lack of Super Bowl success is a reason of mockery by other fanbases, Vikings fans will always stand by their team regardless of their championship drought. They may have 1.3 million followers, but the number is just a detail when you see that the entire city of Minnesota is rooting for them. Few cities are so identified with their team like Minnesota is with the Vikings.
22. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are one of the few teams who have never won the Super Bowl, but that hasn't driven their fans away. With 1.4 million followers on Instagram, the team can take pride in having a loyal fanbase who endures the difficult times.
21. Cleveland Browns
The legendary Browns have been a mainstay in the NFL since 1944, having won eight championships before the Super Bowl era. But since then, they struggled to succeed, especially since they moved to Cleveland in 1999. 1.4 million fans on Instagram hope to see them get back to glory days at some point.
20. Denver Broncos
It's been a while since the three-time Super Bowl champions gave their fans something to brag about, but the Bronco Country has never turned its back on its beloved team. 1.4 million fans keep an eye on every move they make on Instagram.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers may no longer have Tom Brady, but his time with the team was enough to increase their popularity. The Brady effect has lifted the team’s exposure and social media engagement, reflected on their 1.4 million fans on Instagram.
18. Chicago Bears
The famed Chicago Bears, winner of a legendary 1985 Super Bowl, have 1.5 million followers on Instagram and are looking to get back to the spotlight after years of misery. It's been a while since the team gave its supporters something to cheer about, but the Bears fans' loyalty has always been unquestionable.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow has completely turned the Cincinnati Bengals around, leading them to an unlikely Super Bowl appearance in 2022. A team that used to give a lot to be desired in the league, Joey Franchise made the Bengals competitive and increased their popularity around the world. Their 1.5 million followers show up for it.
16. Buffalo Bills
With 1.6 million followers on Instagram, the Bills are one of the biggest niche teams in the NFL. The Bills have the infamous story of making it to four straight Super Bowls from 1990-1993, losing each of them. Despite that they have a rabid fanbase that bear the cold and has been with the team through thick and thin. Even during the painful times, including those four heartbreaking defeats in the 90s.
15. Los Angeles Rams
The 1.6 million followers of the Rams have been through a lot; the team moved from Saint Louis in 2015 to return to Los Angeles, having left the city in 1994. The move resulted in better results, with a memorable Super Bowl triumph at SoFi Stadium in 2022, but it took a toll on their attendance.
14. Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins had to go through a lot in their first years after their founding in 1965. But things changed with Don Shula, the legendary coach who led the franchise to its two Super Bowl championships. One of them was the historic perfect season in 1972, the only unbeaten campaign in the Super Bowl era. Their 1.6 million followers on Instagram also prove they continue to have a solid fanbase despite their lack of success this century.
13. Baltimore Ravens
The fans in Baltimore love the NFL, and they had to overcome the Colts leaving the city. Luckily, the Ravens have picked up the mantle, winning the Super Bowl on two occasions. The team has a healthy 1.8 million followers on Instagram.
12. Carolina Panthers
While they may not be the biggest name in the league, Carolina Panthers fans are some of the loudest in the NFL and they make up 1.9 million on Instagram. Cam Newton almost led them to the ultimate glory back in the day, but the ring continues to be elusive for the franchise.
11. New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees put the New Orleans Saints on the map by taking the franchise to its first ever Super Bowl win in 2010. The legendary quarterback is no longer active but he still helped the team reach 2 million followers on Instagram.
10. Las Vegas Raiders
Once a major team in the NFL, the Raiders' jackets were once one of the highest selling in the 1990s. Since 2020 the Las Vegas Raiders have been in Sin City and have 2.2 million followers. Despite the relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas, their fans have always been there for their team.
9. Green Bay Packers
One of the most emblematic teams in the league, the Green Bay Packers boast four Super Bowl titles. Lambeau Field is one of the most iconic stadiums in the NFL and the likes of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers contributed to the franchise's reputation. With 2.6 million followers on Instagram, the Packers' popularity is also a thing on social media.
8. New York Giants
Big Blue is one of the most popular teams in New York, and on Instagram the New York Giants have 2.7 million followers on Instagram. The four-time champions miss the good old glory days, but their crest still imposes tradition and history.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
One of the most passionate fans in the league, the Philadelphia Eagles' stadium Lincoln Financial Field is a must-see if you want to live the experience of attending an NFL game. That rabid fanbase is 2.9 million on Instagram.
6. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are at 3 million followers on the gram, and Patrick Mahomes may have a lot to do with it since he's arguably the best quarterback in the league. Arrowhead Stadium definitely has one of the most special atmospheres in the country, as their fans always make sure to deliver. With yet another deep playoff runt that saw them make the 2024 Super Bowl, the Chiefs continued to give reasons to be followed on social media.
5. San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have a history of success with five Super Bowl victories and legendary players such as Joe Montana and Steve Young. The team's popularity and recognition is reflected by its 3 million followers. And now that they've taken the spotlight by reaching Super Bowl LVIII, their number of fans has grown even more.
4. Seattle Seahawks
With 3.2 million followers on Instagram and a rabid fan base, the Seattle Seahawks are a great ticket to see an NFL game. Lumen Field is always packed as the city feels deeply connected with this franchise, regardless of its results.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Apart from being one of the most successful franchises with six Super Bowl wins, the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the best supported teams in the entire NFL. With over 3.5 million fans on Instagram, the Steelers fans are all over the place when you take to social media.
2. Dallas Cowboys
America’s team, the five-time champions are considered the most popular team in the whole league, although on Instagram they rank second. 4.6 million fans follow the Dallas Cowboys despite their lack of Super Bowl glory since 1995.
1. New England Patriots
The team of the social media age, winning six Super Bowls with Tom Brady under center. With 5 million followers, the New England Patriots are the most popular NFL team on Instagram.
