The NFL Players Association and its social media activation partner Opendorse have released the latest NFLPA Influencer Hot List for the 2021-22 season, which evaluates the social media activity of NFL players January 4-June 1, 2021 and ranks the top 10 players in three different categories: overall total engagement, growth rate, and most consistent activity across Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Through this list, which was established in July 2020, the NFLPA provides its business partners with insights into the social media influence of rookie and veteran NFL personalities and how these players can potentially impact brand campaigns. During the 2021 NFL Draft, for example, several rookies published 122 posts on behalf of three sponsors to their personal social channels, which generated 41.2M+ impressions and 4.7M+ engagements.

From viral photos, sharing inspiring personal stories and bringing followers into their daily lives, social media provides players an opportunity to develop authentic voices and deeper connections with fans. Among the 10 players with the fastest growing followings, eight are rookies in prominent football markets with stories that flooded social media and two are veteran players who captured the hearts of fans with surprising contributions on the field last season. Many say offensive linemen are the unsung heroes of team success – but with three offensive tackles ranked among the most active players on social media, they might soon be recognized as some of the most marketable to brands.

A look at the top 10 NFL players in each category:

Overall Total Engagement
This list reflects total overall engagements on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook:

1. Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2. Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
3. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks
4. J. Watt, DE, Arizona Cardinals
5. Rob Gronkowski, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
6. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Cleveland Browns
7. Cam Newton, QB, New England Patriots
8. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
9. DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks
10. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

Top Growth Rate (min. 100K followers)

This list reflects players with rapidly growing followers:

1. Trey Lance, QB, San Francisco 49ers
2. Zach Wilson, QB, New York Jets
3. Taylor Heinicke, QB, Washington Football Team
4. Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys
5. DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
6. Mac Jones, QB, New England Patriots
7. Scotty Miller, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos
9. Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers
10. Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets

Consistent Activity (min. 100K followers)
Consistent activity is a leading indicator for marketability on social. It keeps players engaged with their audience while providing marketers with actionable, predictable data with which to build effective campaigns. We rank the most active players who also met audience (top 50%) and engagement (+0.5%) thresholds.

1. Mike Davis, RB, Atlanta Falcons
2. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Baltimore Ravens
3. Patrick Queen, LB, Baltimore Ravens
4. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, DB, New Orleans Saints
5. Darius Slay, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
6. Trent Brown, OT, New England Patriots
7. Mekhi Becton, OT, New York Jets
8. Adrian Amos, DB, Green Bay Packers
9. Mack Wilson, LB, Cleveland Browns
10. Taylor Lewan, OT, Tennessee Titans