The most popular NFL teams according to recent fan polls

The NFL is no exception to the rule that there is always a more popular team in every sport - but which team is the most popular?

NFL teams are cultural phenomena that move people and shape the identity of entire cities.

Supporters show their loyalty in countless ways - filling stadiums every Sunday, traveling across states to follow the team, or keeping the conversation alive on social media long after the final whistle.

For the franchises, it’s no longer just about dominating the sporting side of things; popularity has become another measure of success.

But who are the most popular NFL teams? Let’s break it down.

Most popular NFL football teams

Defining the most popular NFL football team isn’t simple. Popularity can be measured by ticket sales, television ratings, merchandise, or the sheer size of a global fan base.

Different sources use different metrics, but the same names keep coming up at the top of the list.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have been called “America’s Team” for decades, a title that is both a reflection of their history and their cultural cachet.

They became a household name during the 1990s after capturing three Super Bowls in four years, and the star logo has since become an avatar of sport.

The cheerleaders themselves emerged as stars in the show, enhancing the team image.

Their off-field success is just as impressive.

Valued at around $9 billion and bringing in over $1.2 billion in revenue in 2024, the Cowboys are not only among the most popular NFL teams, but they’re also one of the most valuable NFL teams in the world.

New England Patriots

If the Cowboys carry America’s tag, the Patriots are perhaps the NFL’s first truly global franchise.

Their dynasty with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick gave them six Super Bowls and international recognition that few teams can match.

From Europe to Latin America, New England built a loyal following.

The Patriots also made smart moves off the field. In 2018, they became the first team to produce Mandarin-language content, with Brady himself introducing fans to training sessions, interviews, and even attempts at chopstick skills.

It was a clever step that helped push their brand into Asia.

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Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers’ popularity is rooted in tradition. Founded in 1933, the team has been part of family stories for generations.

Their golden era in the 1970s, when they won four Super Bowls, gave them a permanent place in the conversation of what the best NFL teams are.

With legends like Terry Bradshaw leading the way, the Steelers turned into more than a team - they became an institution.

Internationally, they’ve built especially strong ties in Mexico, where surveys suggest they have the biggest following of any NFL franchise.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have always had a loyal fan base, but the arrival of Patrick Mahomes turned the franchise into a modern powerhouse.

With three Super Bowl wins since 2017, Kansas City has become one of the league’s defining teams of the last decade.

Their supporters also made history in their own way. On September 29, 2014, Chiefs fans broke the world record for loudest stadium noise at 142.2 dB.

That combination of star power and passionate backing has made the Chiefs one of the most popular NFL teams worldwide.

Which NFL team has the loudest fans?

Popularity isn’t just about numbers - it’s also about presence. The Chiefs’ record-breaking noise at Arrowhead Stadium shows how a fanbase can intimidate opponents and give its team a home-field edge.

Few environments in sports feel as intense.

Which NFL team has the most followers on Instagram?

In today’s game, popularity also means social media. Instagram has become a key space for franchises to connect with supporters.

The New England Patriots top the list with five million followers, while the Cowboys are close behind with 4.9 million.

It’s another reminder that being the most popular NFL football team isn’t just about winning titles; it’s also about staying visible and relevant.

Popularity, value and the bigger picture

Today, the NFL is one of the most-watched sports in the world. The Super Bowl itself pulls in over 120 million viewers annually.

And popular teams don’t merely represent their cities; they affect merchandise sales, sponsorships, and even the conversations that are held around NFL future bets.

It’s easy to grow accustomed, as a fan of the Cowboys, Patriots, or Chiefs, for example, to seeing those big names on betting slips simply because they are always under the glare.

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