The most popular NFL teams are more than just franchises — they are cultural icons with massive fan bases, legendary histories, and global recognition.
From the Dallas Cowboys’ unmatched popularity to the Kansas City Chiefs’ modern dominance, here’s a ranking of the 10 most popular NFL teams of all time.
The numbers highlight why these franchises are considered The 10 Most Popular NFL Teams worldwide.
Table of Contents
From the Dallas Cowboys’ unmatched 30 million fans to the Denver Broncos’ loyal nationwide support, each team has built a strong legacy and a passionate following that keeps growing every season.
The 10 Most Popular NFL Teams and Their Global Fan Bases
| Rank | Team | Estimated Fans (Worldwide) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas Cowboys | ~30 million+ |
| 2 | New England Patriots | ~20–25 million |
| 3 | Pittsburgh Steelers | ~15–20 million |
| 4 | Green Bay Packers | ~13–15 million |
| 5 | San Francisco 49ers | ~10–15 million |
| 6 | Kansas City Chiefs | ~10–12 million |
| 7 | Chicago Bears | ~8–10 million |
| 8 | New York Giants | ~8–9 million |
| 9 | Philadelphia Eagles | ~7–9 million |
| 10 | Denver Broncos | ~7–8 million |
1. Dallas Cowboys – America’s Team
The Dallas Cowboys are widely known as “America’s Team.” With more than 30 million fans, they are by far the most popular NFL team.
They lead TV ratings, merchandise sales, and are valued at over $9 billion, making them the richest sports franchise in the world.
2. New England Patriots – The Dynasty Era
The New England Patriots became one of the most popular NFL teams during the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick era. With six Super Bowl titles since 2001, they built a fan base of 20–25 million supporters and became a global brand.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers – The Loyal Terrible Towels
The Pittsburgh Steelers are famous for their passionate and loyal supporters waving the iconic “Terrible Towels.” With six Super Bowl victories, they attract 15–20 million fans nationwide, making them one of the most popular NFL teams.
4. Green Bay Packers – Community-Owned Tradition
The Green Bay Packers are unique as the only publicly owned franchise in the NFL. Despite being from one of the smallest markets, they have around 13–15 million fans.
Lambeau Field is always sold out, proving why they remain among the most popular NFL franchises.
5. San Francisco 49ers – A Golden Legacy
The San Francisco 49ers rose to fame during the Joe Montana and Jerry Rice era, winning five Super Bowls.
Their legacy and recent success keep them in the top tier of the most popular NFL teams, with 10–15 million devoted fans.
6. Kansas City Chiefs – Modern NFL Dominance
Led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs have become one of the fastest-growing fan bases.
With recent Super Bowl wins and a surge in popularity, they now boast over 10 million fans, cementing their spot among the 10 most popular NFL teams.
7. Chicago Bears – Historic NFL Giants
The Chicago Bears are one of the NFL’s founding franchises. With a deep history and loyal supporters, they remain among the most popular NFL teams, attracting fans far beyond Chicago.
8. New York Giants – Big Market, Big Fans
As one of the NFL’s most recognized franchises, the New York Giants combine a huge market with four Super Bowl wins.
They consistently rank high in attendance and TV viewership, securing their place in the list of most popular NFL teams.
9. Philadelphia Eagles – Passionate and Fierce Support
The Philadelphia Eagles are known for their passionate and sometimes intense fan base. After winning the Super Bowl in 2018, their popularity soared, placing them among the top most popular NFL teams in America.
10. Denver Broncos – Mile High Pride
The Denver Broncos have a nationwide following thanks to legends like John Elway and Peyton Manning. With three Super Bowl victories and millions of loyal fans, they round out the list of the most popular NFL teams of all time.
Final Thoughts on the Most Popular NFL Teams
From the Cowboys’ unmatched dominance to the Chiefs’ modern rise, the 10 most popular NFL teams showcase the rich history and passion that make the league one of the most followed in the world.
Whether through dynasties, legendary players, or massive fan bases, these 10 franchises stand out as the icons of American football.
