Counting down the top 10 most popular NFL teams

The NFL isn't just about football games; it's a cultural powerhouse in the United States. With millions of fans across the country and beyond, it's no wonder the league dominates sports headlines year-round. But what really grabs people's attention is the battle for popularity among the teams.

Fans show their loyalty not only by filling stadiums but also by following their favorite teams on social media platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook. So, which is the most popular NFL team? In this blog, Way.com explores which teams have captured the nation's hearts and answer the question: Who's the most popular NFL team right now?

Dallas Cowboys

• Instagram – 4.9 million followers
• TikTok – 2.4 million followers
• Facebook – 8 million followers
• X – 4.4 million followers
• Total social media followers – 19.7 million followers

The Dallas Cowboys earn the title of "America's Team" for good reason. With nearly 19.7 million followers on social media, they've created a huge global fan base. Win or lose, the Cowboys have a special place in the hearts of many NFL fans. But it's not just about the love from fans; they also rank as the top NFL team in terms of revenue.

In 2024, the team was valued at an incredible $9 billion, making it the most valuable franchise in the NFL. This success comes from smart decisions by owner Jerry Jones, who has helped the team earn over $1.1 billion in revenue. Thanks to their loyal fans and strong brand, the Cowboys continue to dominate both on and off the field.

New England Patriots

• Instagram – 5 million followers
• TikTok – 1.4 million followers
• Facebook – 6.3 million followers
• X – 4.6 million followers
• Total social media followers – 17.3 million followers

The New England Patriots are among the most successful and well-known teams in the NFL. Their winning history has earned them fans from all over the world, including places like Mexico, South America, Europe, and Asia. The team started as the "Boston Patriots" in 1959 and was part of the old American Football League, or AFL, before joining the NFL in 1970.

They became the New England Patriots when they moved to Foxborough, Massachusetts, in 1971. Their success skyrocketed in 2001 when a young backup quarterback named Tom Brady led them to their first Super Bowl win. Since then, the Patriots have won six Super Bowl titles, making them one of the most popular and successful teams in NFL history.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Instagram – 3.7 million followers
• TikTok – 2.1 million followers
• Facebook – 5.9 million followers
• X – 3.7 million followers
• Total social media followers – 15.4 million followers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are easily one of the most popular football teams in the NFL, and for good reason. They've been around since 1933, and while the early years were rough, everything changed in the 1970s. That's when they became a force in the league, winning four Super Bowls in that decade alone.

With legends like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and Coach Mike Tomlin at the helm, the Steelers are still going strong, tying with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl wins, with six championships.

Philadelphia Eagles

• Instagram – 3.7 million followers
• TikTok – 3.2 million followers
• Facebook – 3.8 million followers
• X – 3.9 million followers
• Total social media followers – 14.6 million followers

One of the most popular NFL teams, the Philadelphia Eagles are known for their passionate fan base and memorable moments on the field. They won their first Super Bowl in 2018, beating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII.

Quarterback Nick Foles, who stepped in for the injured Carson Wentz, was named Super Bowl MVP. Before this, the Eagles had won four NFL championships in 1948, 1949, and 1960, and they pulled off a dramatic victory known as "The Miracle at the Meadowlands" in 1978.

Kansas City Chiefs

• Instagram – 4.3 million followers
• TikTok – 4.9 million followers
• Facebook – 2.8 million followers
• X – 2.6 million followers
• Total social media followers – 14.6 million followers

The Kansas City Chiefs have had quite a ride. They actually started out as the Dallas Texans back in the 60s, but in 1963, Lamar Hunt decided to move the team to Kansas City and gave them their new name. The Chiefs were on fire in the AFL, winning three championships and taking home their first Super Bowl trophy in 1970.

Fast forward to 2017, when they drafted Patrick Mahomes, and things really took off. They've since added three more Super Bowl titles, most recently in 2024. Also worth noting, is Arrowhead Stadium, where the fans were so loud they set a world record for the loudest crowd noise. If you're going to a game, definitely pack some earplugs.

San Francisco 49ers

• Instagram – 3.8 million followers
• TikTok – 2 million followers
• Facebook – 4 million followers
• X – 2.4 million followers
• Total social media followers – 12.2 million followers

The San Francisco 49ers are hands down one of the most popular NFL teams, and their fanbase spans the globe. They've been around since 1946, starting in the AFL before joining the NFL in 1950.

The 49ers really hit their stride in the 1980s under coach Bill Walsh, winning three Super Bowls with legendary players like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Ronnie Lott. Even after that golden era, the success kept rolling, with Steve Young leading them to two more championships in the '90s. Now playing at Levi's Stadium, the 49ers still have a huge following and continue to attract new fans.

Green Bay Packers

• Instagram – 2.7 million followers
• TikTok – 1 million followers
• Facebook – 4.8 million followers
• X – 2.6 million followers
• Total social media followers – 11.1 million followers

The Green Bay Packers are more than just a football team; they're a cherished part of American culture with fans spanning the globe. What makes them truly unique is that they're the only community-owned, non-profit professional sports team in the U.S. Their rich history and deep-rooted connections to the community set them apart and create a special bond with their supporters.

Founded in 1919 by Earl "Curly" Lambeau with help from the Indian Packing Company, the Packers joined the NFL in 1921. They are one of the oldest teams in the league and are known for their success, especially under legendary coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960s. The Packers won the first two Super Bowls and have remained a strong and competitive team ever since.

Seattle Seahawks

• Instagram – 3.3 million followers
• TikTok – 1.3 million followers
• Facebook – 3.5 million followers
• X – 2.5 million followers
• Total social media followers – 10.6 million followers

Seattle is a city that wears its sports passion on its sleeve, and the Seahawks are at the heart of it all. Known as one of the most popular NFLteams, the Seahawks have a fan base that could make ears ring—literally—in a 2010 game, a roar from the crowd was so deafening during Marshawn Lynch's unforgettable "Beast Quake" run that it was actually recorded by a seismograph. The Seahawks kicked off their NFL journey in 1976 under head coach Jack Patera, who led them to their first winning season just two years later.

They took a detour to the American Football Conference, or AFC, from 1978 to 2001 before returning to the National Football Conference, or NFC. In 1983, Chuck Knox steered the team to the AFC Championship game in his debut season.

They finally snagged their first NFC Championship in 2005 and made it to the Super Bowl in 2006, only to be bested by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the setbacks, Seattle's Seahawks remain a beloved and energetic symbol of football fervor.

New York Giants

• Instagram – 2.7 million followers
• TikTok – 1.3 million followers
• Facebook – 3.5 million followers
• X – 2 million followers
• Total social media followers – 9.5 million followers

The New York Giants are one of the most popular football teams in the NFL, with a history that stretches back nearly 100 years. The team was founded in 1925 by Tim Mara, and remarkably, it's still owned by the same family today. Over the years, the Giants have earned eight NFL championships, with four of those being Super Bowl titles.

One of their most memorable moments was when they ended the New England Patriots' perfect season in Super Bowl XLII. With iconic games like the 1958 NFL Championship and a long legacy of success, the Giants are truly one of the NFL's most storied franchises.

Denver Broncos

• Instagram – 1.4 million followers
• TikTok – 995.7 million followers
• Facebook – 3.7 million followers
• X – 2.7 million followers
• Total social media followers – 8.8 million followers

The Denver Broncos have certainly made a name for themselves in NFL history. The thin air of the Mile High City has played a significant role in that reputation. In fact, three of the five longest field goals ever kicked in the league happened right in Denver.

The Broncos kicked off their journey in 1960 with the American Football League before merging into the NFL. In 1968, the city purchased its stadium and rebranded it to Denver Mile High Stadium. 

Between 1977 and 1991, the Broncos weren't just playing; they were racking up titles—seven AFC Western Division titles and four AFC Championships. Moreover, who could forget their epic back-to-back Super Bowl wins in 1998 and 1999?

Fast forward to 2015, and they made history again by reaching Super Bowl 50, where they took down the Carolina Panthers. 

Wrapping Up

The NFL has a rich history, ignites passion, and features teams that have earned loyal followings. But when it comes to determining the most popular NFL team right now, it's hard to ignore the undeniable presence of the Dallas Cowboys.

Their massive social media following, financial success, and ability to stay relevant in both wins and losses make them stand out from the rest. The Cowboys have literally built a brand that transcends football, solidifying their spot as the most popular NFL team today. Even in the playoffs, they attracted the most viewers during their Wild Card matchup, with 40.16 million tuning in. This remarkable ability to draw in such a large audience underscores their unique place in the league and their enduring appeal to fans across the nation.