The National Football League is a global phenomenon, but the organization is never complacent when it comes to promotions. The NFL has always moved with the times and is quick to embrace new developments in the digital age.
A significant source of interest is driven by influencers: Experts who make a career out of social media provide advantages to the bodies that they promote, and the NFL has enjoyed huge benefits.
As one of the biggest leagues in the world, the NFL attracts many more influencers than most leagues, but who are the best of the bunch?
Promotion Opportunities
Influencers make their livings via engagement with fans. Social media channels pay them based on the number of views they attract, and they can also make money by selling goods and services via an affiliate program.
Customers naturally want to hear about their latest teams and players. Which franchises should you follow, and which of those players is most likely to convert on the latest NFL MVP odds?
There are so many promotional opportunities within the sport, but the best influencers are those who get behind the news. They need access to teams and players in order to go deeper than regular media channels and that’s why NFL players can do that much better than those outside of the sport.
Patrick Mahomes
Many of the top NFL influencers are already enjoying a career within the game. Even if you only have a passing interest in the sport, you’ll have likely heard of Patrick Mahomes, who is one of the biggest stars right now.
The starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, Mahomes has already won three Super Bowl titles and is targeting more silverware before his playing days are over.
A player at the top of his game will always attract more interest. Patrick Mahomes has almost seven million followers on Instagram, but he doesn’t rely on his reputation. He runs an active account that provides genuine insight on his training routines, and life with the Chiefs.
Isaac Rochell
As a former NFL player, Isaac Rochell can offer greater insight into the game than most influencers. A defensive end, he played his college football with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish before being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017.
Most recently, Rochell was on the roster at the Las Vegas Raiders, but he’s currently a free agent. While he waits for another chance to play at the highest level, he’s built up an impressive following on social media. Like many influencers, Isaac Rochell focuses on Tik Tok where he has over 2 million followers. His videos are funny, and down to earth, and they are often very personal takes on family life and the current state of the NFL.
Odell Beckham Jr.
His career path hasn’t always gone to plan, but Odell Beckham Jr’s high media profile makes him the biggest influencer in the NFL. A wide receiver, OBJ joined the Miami Dolphins in 2024 and is now on his fifth NFL franchise.
Beckham is, therefore, better placed to give insights into teams than others. Despite being a Super Bowl champion, there are fears he may never deliver on his full potential, but he could always begin a new career as an influencer.
With a busy account to keep his viewers entertained, Odell Beckham Jr currently has a staggering 18 million followers on Instagram.
JJ Watt
As a retired player, JJ Watt has more time to devote to his social media profiles. A defensive end, Watt played for the Houston Texans and the Arizona Cardinals, and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year on three occasions.
He was a popular character in his playing days, and a positive attitude has been carried through to his social media work. JJ Watt is active in his local community, and his accounts provide an interesting insight into life inside and outside of the NFL.
Travis Kelce
He’s a top performer in the NFL in his own right, but a high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift certainly won’t have harmed Travis Kelce’s social media presence. His accounts on Instagram and TikTok often refer to his family life, and Swift will feature in many of those reels.
There is, however, plenty for NFL fans to enjoy too, as Kelce gives news, updates and insights on his role in the game. A teammate of Patrick Mahomes at the Kansas City Chiefs, his three Super Bowl championships make Kelce one of the most decorated and respected players currently in the NFL.
The influencers here come from different backgrounds, but each shares a passion for the NFL. Their accounts provide genuinely useful content, and that’s why they’ve all built up a significant following.
There are many other options for social media users, but those starting out are recommended to hit the follow button on these accounts before any others.
