But the end-all for each and every account is (or should be) fan engagement. How better to get people to care about your team than connecting players to fans? In that endeavor, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook are some of the best tools for a team to use.
And, speaking as a social media manager myself, it’s easier to make team content when the team itself is on board. When you’re looking for content that engages fans, you want engaging players.
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So that led me to some questions: Who would I want on my team if I managed an NFL social account? Which players really shine online?
I’m doing it. I’m now the general manager, scout — all of it — and I’m creating a team based solely on how engaging a player is on social media.
So with that: my picks for the NFL’s social media all-engagement team.
No. 1 — Cam Newton, Panthers
Who else would start this list, other than the player who inspired it? I attended the Panthers’ Fan Fest on Aug. 2 and watched firsthand as the veteran quarterback started the wave, danced in front of cameras, smiled and waved at fans. He makes the team’s connection to its fans so easy.
A Fan Fest tradition tells all you need to know: Cam Newton is like this all the time.
Playful content? Can’t beat it.
You can’t prove to me that #FlexFriday wasn’t 100 percent Newton’s idea.
A post shared by Carolina Panthers (@panthers) on May 17, 2019 at 10:12am PDT
Your starting quarterback, on a scooter, in a creative outfit and toasting his coffee. You can’t ask for more.
A post shared by Carolina Panthers (@panthers) on Jun 11, 2019 at 4:54am PDT
No. 2 — Baker Mayfield, Browns
The reigning NFL Rookie of the Year took the league by storm in 2018. And we’ve known from his Oklahoma days that Mayfield is not shy. He has a knack for talking off the cuff, exhibiting humor and, sometimes, acting downright wild.
Mayfield debuted a new bit for the start of this season: a mustache he knows you’re interested in, but will tell you nothing about.
I sense more mustache content coming, by Baker’s request.
Viral moments from postgame news conferences? Baker does it all.
Mayfield is so engaging, he creates content for other Cleveland teams. Also, he BIT into that can to shotgun that beer. I just wanted to make sure everyone noticed that.
No. 3 — Odell Beckham Jr., Browns
The Browns may have temporarily taken over the internet with the recent acquisition of the former Giants receiver. OBJ is known to sing and dance and, like Mayfield, you can tell he doesn’t lack confidence. Flashy players like to shine, and OBJ shines on social for his teams.
The subtlety of this is perfection. It’s very, “Hey camera, I see you. Here’s a little something for the kids at home.”
A post shared by Cleveland Browns (@clevelandbrowns) on Jul 31, 2019 at 9:35am PDT
At an away stadium, taking time to greet some kids and making a flying entrance at the same time. OBJ, giving the people what they want.
A post shared by New York Giants (@nygiants) on Nov 25, 2018 at 8:47am PST
A man of the people, wherever he goes. The social media manager must stay ready on that sideline pregame.
A post shared by New York Giants (@nygiants) on Nov 12, 2018 at 4:03pm PST
OBJ is settling into his new home very nicely. This is everything Browns fans want to see.
A post shared by Cleveland Browns (@clevelandbrowns) on Aug 3, 2019 at 2:32pm PDT
No. 4 — Travis Kelce, Chiefs
The Chiefs tight end has never missed the camera. On the field, coming into the stadium, volunteering and everywhere in between, Kelce is walking engagement for Chiefs fans.
Kelce is known for dancing in the end zone and in commercials, so no surprise his moves make the timeline.
This summer, Kelce invited himself to a Chiefs fan’s wedding, because WHY NOT?
You know that player who just always gives you a genuine reaction? Kelce is that player.
Style pregame. Ease in front of the camera. A social content go-to: Travis Kelce.
No. 5 — J.J. Watt, Texans
Defensive players don’t tend to make much of a splash, but there’s almost nothing not to like about Texans defensive end J.J. Watt. He’s a fan favorite, always seems ready to volunteer in the community and, even though he’s an enormous athlete, comes off as approachable. He’s also beloved for his Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
The Texans know that anything Watt-related will play well on social.
Have you ever held your child over a railing to get them to Watt? Well, this man has.
A post shared by Houston Texans (@houstontexans) on May 11, 2019 at 11:18am PDT
Man of the freaking people!
Even when he’s taunting, he’s extremely likable. How?
Big man. Little bike. Always plays well. Always.
No. 6 — Keenan Allen, Chargers
The Chargers receiver is a gold mine for great #content.
Shot: So a lot of players weren’t too happy with their “Madden NFL” ratings, but Allen made his known for the Chargers faithful.
Chaser: Allen said, “@ them though” … and the Chargers did.
Have you ever been leaving the field and then noticed the camera, so you started to jig a lil’ bit?
A post shared by Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) on Jun 4, 2019 at 4:36pm PDT
When deciding to pick a player to mic up at practice, you pick Allen. Of course you do!
No. 7 — Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
The NFL MVP is an obvious choice to use for content. And luckily for the Chiefs, Mahomes makes it easy to engage fans. He goes viral on the field for throwing with his non-dominant hand, throwing insane touchdowns and throwing without looking.
He can throw, AND bat?! He can go yard at a charity game, cross-promoting your city’s baseball team, and looks good doing it. The people LOVE that stuff.
A post shared by Kansas City Chiefs (@chiefs) on Jun 7, 2019 at 4:53pm PDT
Don’t you want to show your fans that your team’s players actually like each other? Throw a 15-second slo-mo video of your team coming out to the field, highlighted by love.
Likable people make likable teams, and I’ll be darned if this clip doesn’t make Kansas City likable.
There’s a reply under this tweet from @sticksgod that reads, “Yo… Pat got Russell Wilson to show his personality. Lol this dude really does make everyone around him better.” Clearly!
No. 8 — Greg Olsen, Panthers
Looking for some veteran/dad-ish #content? Olsen has all that and more.
A genuine player making genuine moments. You gotta love that ability to give!
A post shared by Carolina Panthers (@panthers) on Apr 13, 2019 at 2:02pm PDT
He’s keeping the young ones in line.
He’s keeping his actual kids in line.
Just turn the camera on. Olsen will do the rest.
A post shared by Carolina Panthers (@panthers) on Jun 8, 2019 at 12:26pm PDT
No. 9 — Jason Kelce, Eagles
The veteran center may have cemented his likable status post-Super Bowl win in 2017. His parade demeanor, speech and outfit blew him into “fan favorite” spotlight.
Literally. Man of the people.
The internet responding HELL YEAH.
I love the idea you can follow a player at a charity event and he’ll take off his shirt because he “needed more freedom.”
A post shared by Philadelphia Eagles (@philadelphiaeagles) on Jun 1, 2019 at 10:09am PDT
And who doesn’t like a little cross-promotion? Maybe the streak of social darlings runs in the Kelce family.
A post shared by Philadelphia Eagles (@philadelphiaeagles) on Apr 10, 2019 at 7:08am PDT
No. 10 — Zach Ertz, Eagles
Did the Eagles tight end make this list because his wife, Julie, is also a famous athlete? No. Did he make the list because the Eagles get the chance to capitalize off the shared approval rating of both Julie and Zach? Yes.
A Super Bowl champion and a World Cup winner. EASY MONEY FOR SOCIAL MEDIA.
Ertz feels like the guy to choose when there’s a special visit to make or a charity event to go to. You throw to him because this … this is great.
I mean … they get it.
It’s humanizing to show your athletes in real life. Ertz supporting his wife? That’s everything and more.
A post shared by Philadelphia Eagles (@philadelphiaeagles) on Feb 27, 2019 at 8:41pm PST
A player of yours went to the World Cup to support the U.S. Women’s National Team. Cross-promo level: unbeatable.
A post shared by Philadelphia Eagles (@philadelphiaeagles) on Jul 7, 2019 at 12:22pm PDT
