The NFL has seen a significant shift in how players connect with fans, with social media platforms becoming a crucial avenue for engagement. Several NFL stars have emerged as major social media influencers, leveraging their on-field success and personal charisma to build massive online followings. Here’s a look at some of the biggest NFL social media influencers.
The 3 Biggest NFL Social Media Influencers
Odell Beckham Jr. stands out as the undisputed king of NFL social media influence. With an astounding 17.3 million followers on Instagram alone, Beckham Jr. has the largest social media following of any NFL player. His recent move to the Miami Dolphins has only increased his reach, adding over 80,000 new followers. Beckham Jr.’s magnetic personality and flair for the dramatic, both on and off the field, have contributed to his immense popularity on social platforms.
Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, comes in as the second most followed NFL player on social media with 5.6 million followers across various platforms. Mahomes’ consistent high-level performance, including leading his team to three Super Bowl victories, has earned him admiration from fans worldwide. His ability to balance his professional excellence with a relatable online presence has solidified his status as a top social media influencer in the NFL.
Russell Wilson, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, ranks third among NFL players in social media following, boasting an impressive 5,520,500 followers across different platforms. Wilson’s journey from being overlooked early in his career to becoming one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks resonates deeply with his supporters. His move from the Seattle Seahawks to the Broncos in 2022 not only impacted the team’s on-field prospects but also significantly boosted their social media presence…but didn’t help the on-field play too much.
The NFL and Social Media
These NFL stars use their social media platforms to share various aspects of their lives, including their training regimens, game preparations, and personal interests. This level of access and insight into their daily lives helps create a stronger connection with fans, going beyond what’s seen on the field.
The NFL itself has recognized the power of social media influencers in reaching younger audiences. As part of its strategy to appeal to Gen Z viewers, the league has been partnering with popular content creators and influencers. For instance, the NFL collaborated with motivational influencer Zachery Dereniowski and TikTok stars Josh Richards and Scarlet May to create engaging content aimed at younger demographics.
This shift towards influencer marketing is part of the NFL’s broader strategy to adapt to changing viewing habits, especially among younger fans who are more likely to follow sports through streaming services and social media rather than traditional television. The league is positioning content creators as an integral part of the NFL viewing experience, recognizing that these influencers can help “refresh its aging fanbase”.
The NFL’s partnership with YouTube for the Sunday Ticket package is a prime example of this strategy in action. YouTube and the NFL have enlisted the help of popular influencers like Lisa Nguyen and Katie Feeney to promote the Sunday Ticket and create content around events like the NFL Draft. These influencers, with their millions of followers across platforms like YouTube and TikTok, provide the NFL with a direct line to younger audiences.
This approach reflects the growing importance of the influencer and content creator market, which is expected to reach $16.4 billion by the end of 2022. It’s particularly crucial for reaching Gen Z consumers, 65% of whom do not have a cable or satellite TV subscription.
As the landscape of sports viewership continues to evolve, NFL players and the league itself are adapting to maintain and grow their fan base. By leveraging the power of social media influencers – both star players and popular content creators – the NFL is ensuring it remains relevant and engaging to fans of all ages in the digital age.
