Scoreboard time! Do you know where NFL teams rank when it comes to fanbase size? While size doesn’t necessarily beat enthusiasm, it’s hard to deny the roar that’s made when the crowd numbers are huge. That’s why checking out the fan stats is so fascinating. Take a look at the 10 NFL teams with the biggest fanbases by number.
10. The New York Giants
Adored since 1925, the Giants have amassed an impressive following throughout the Northeast by being around for far longer than a New York minute. The franchise claims 3.8 million fans today. Fans have been emboldened to stay loyal with help from the teams four NFL Championships and 4 Super Bowl Championships. For New Yorkers, there’s nothing like piling into MetLife Stadium for a home game. While hitting #10 on the list may not be the same as winning, the Giants have managed to outdo the Jets in fan numbers.
9. Chicago Bears
The Bears are pretty bullish when it comes to amassing fan numbers. Founded in 1920, the franchise boasts 3.9 million loyal fans. The team has rewarded fans over the years with eight NFL Championships and one Super Bowl Championship.
8. Seattle Seahawks
Founded in 1974, the Seahawks have one Super Bowl Championship to their credit. The Seahawks fanbase is unique due to this team’s status as the only NFL team nestled into the Pacific Northwest. In addition to raking in fans from places like Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska, the team also attracts a decent amount of support from Canadian provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.
While the fanbase of the Seahawks nearly hits 4 million, true fans know that 12 is the only number that matters. That’s because Seahawks fans are affectionately known as the “12th Man.” Seahawks fans are on record for being the loudest fanbase. In 2012, Seahawks fans earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the noisiest crowd ever at a sporting event when they reached 136.6 decibels. Seahawks fans then beat their own record when registering at 137.6 decibels during a game against New Orleans Saints later that same year.
7. New Orleans Saints
The saints are trailed by 4 million fans when they come marching in. Established in 1966, the franchise claims one Super Bowl Championship. While excitement over the team peaked in 2009, fans have stayed loyal through hard droughts affecting the Big Easy team. Anyone visiting NOLA will discover that team pride is truly the talk of the town.
6. San Francisco 49ers
Established in 1944, the 49ers franchise has gifted fans with five Super Bowl Championships. Being a 49ers fan comes packed with some pretty impressive bragging rights. Fans pouring into Levi’s Stadium are chasing that high of following the team that has the most touchdowns in a Super Bowl, the most field goals in a season, and the most points scored during a single postseason.
5. Denver Broncos
Greats like John Elway, Terrell Davis, Drew Lock, and Peyton Manning have more than helped the Broncos to scoop up new fans since the franchise was established in 1959. Of course, those three Super Bowl Championships and eight AFC championships definitely didn’t hurt when it comes to amassing loyal followers in the stands. The team’s current fanbase is estimated at 4.1 million.
4. Green Bay Packers
Was anyone surprised to find the Packers in the top five? The Packers are also the first team on this list to top 5 million fans. The franchise claims 5.2 adoring Cheeseheads ready to cheer from the snowy, icy stands at Lambeau Field.
Green Bay is known for its enthusiastic fans with a penchant for hanging on no matter what. Founded in 1919, this is one of the oldest franchises fans can cling to today. A lot has been accomplished in the century since Green Bay started tossing pig skins. The team boasts an impressive 11 NFL Championships and four Super Bowl Championships. The star power of players like Brett Favre, Don Hutson, and Aaron Rodgers has helped the team to continually attract new fans over the years. Let’s not forget that the Vince Lombardi Trophy is actually named after the Green Bay head coach from 1959 to 1967.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Upping the ante with 6.3 million fans, the Steelers have been around since 1933. The one lesson learned in all these decades is to never underestimate the power of Steeler Nation. The team’s fanbase is fiercely loyal.
Considered one of the most successful NFL franchises of all time, Pittsburgh has managed to score six Super Bowl Championships. The Steelers are actually tied with the Patriots as the team with the most Super Bowl titles. The team also boasts the distinction of playing and hosting more conference championship games than any other NFL team. Iconic players like Ben Roethlisberger and Terry Bradshaw have kept fans glued to their seats over the years. Steelers fandom extends far beyond Pittsburg. The team claims fans in places like Europe, Mexico, and South America.
2. New England Patriots
Claiming a fanbase of 7 million, the Patriots are beloved around the world way beyond just Boston. There’s nothing like the energy of a home game at Gillette Stadium when you’re a Pats fan. What makes Patriots fandom especially interesting is that the team represents a region instead of a state or city. While most people rightly associate the Patriots with Boston, this team’s fanbase covers all of New England.
Founded in 1959, New England is tied with the Steelers for the record for most Super Bowl wins. The team also wins for the most Super Bowl appearances. Other records held by the team include the most playoff wins, the most consecutive winning seasons, and the longest regular-season winning streak. Of course, it’s the personalities of the players that have helped to keep New England in the spotlight season after season. This is the franchise of larger-than-life players and coaches like Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, John Hannah, Rob Gronkowski, and Andre Tippett.
1. Dallas Cowboys
Did you see this one coming? It takes more than a 10-gallon hat to contain the 8.5 million fans that call the Dallas Cowboys their team. In fact, the fanbase is so wide that the Cowboys are often simply referred to as “America’s Team.”
Founded in 1960, this franchise has managed to amass five Super Bowl Championships. One only has to feel the energy at a home game at AT&T Stadium to understand just how mighty the power of 8.5 million totally devoted fans can be! Players like Larry Allen, Darren Woodson, and Zack Martin have helped to solidify fan loyalty over the years.
The Dallas Cowboys haven’t just managed to gain the largest fan following in the NFL. This team is actually considered to be the most valuable sports team in the world. Yes, this team is valued at more than $5 billion. In addition, the team broke the record for the most revenue ever generated by a sports team in the United States when it crossed the threshold of $620 million.
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