Although NFL players might not have the same Klout as Justin Bieber (he’s only 100 out of 100), they are pretty influencial. The end of the lockout brought happiness to households all around America and proof that Sunday might not really be the day of rest. No one questions that the NFL dominates Sunday and most of Monday night, but just how much do NFL players influence us online on a daily basis? Well… Klout has recently released a blog post highlighting the top 10 Klout scores in the NFL.
1. Chad Ochocinco • @OGOchoCinco • Facebook
What can be said about Ochocinco that hasn’t already been said? He is the NFL’s Social Media king. He even created @Priusgangordie to promote the Toyota Prius. The only question that remains is will Ochocinco still be Ochocinco in “Heaven?” Heaven of course being the name that Chad has given to his new home in New England? Will Billicheck keep 85 on a tight leash monitoring his constant communication with fans and propensity for saying whatever he feels like saying. Word on the street is that Chad is still looking for a Roomate in Boston, so maybe some lucky Bostian will learn his social media secrets.
2. Reggie Bush • @Reggie_Bush • Facebook
Activ8Social has helped shape Reggie’s social media strategy more than two years so we are particularly proud of this Klout rating. Back in September 2010 when the Saints played in the NFL season opening game against the Vikings, A8S was there with @redbull athlete Reggie Bush to give back to fans in the streets of New Orleans. We can’t say for sure but we think the #RedZones scavenger hunt helped Reggie’s Klout! When he was wearing #5 at USC, we all knew we were watching an athletically gifted football player. While Reggie never grabbed the started running back role, he did play a critical role in the New Orleans Saints road to Super Bowl victory, including his SI magazine cover moment on the field (ironically against the Miami Dolphins). With Reggie moving his talents to South Beach, it’s only a matter of time before @KingJames and @DWade chat it up with Miami’s newest sports personality. Between his enigmatic play on the football field coupled with his @KimKardashian aided celebrity status, who wouldn’t want to read this guy’s tweets?
3. Mike Vick • @MikeVick • Facebook
Regardless of your personal feelings or convictions about Vick, there is no denying that the man is an exciting football player. Playing in the city of brotherly love is exactly what the doctor ordered for QB #7 … winning sports games in Philly is to win the hearts of the people. There’s no arguing that point. Whether it’s to criticize or to admire, Americans are hanging on to this man’s every move given the enormous amount of controversy surrounding his return to the NFL after two years in prison. Now with Philly looking at a Super Bowl or bust this year, Mike Vick is positioned to become the epicenter of attention among NFL players online thus lending himself to a case study of brand image rebuilding 101, good or bad depending on the outcome.
4. Tim Tebow • @TimTebow • Facebook
Who says you need to start at quarterback for your NFL team in order have one of the top selling jerseys in the league or even have influence on line for that matter? At the age of 24, Mr. Tebow, affectionately known as “Football Jesus” to many, already has a biography to his name and yet he has only scored a handful of touchdowns. From the University of Florida to the Mile High City, everyone in Denver and the sunshine state is ready to get behind the Facebook and Twitter accounts of one of the most beloved college football players in recent memory. Whether Tim is Twitter battling with ESPN analysts named Merril Hoge or running the Wildcat, fans are following his every move. Soooo, at this point, we’re just wondering if Kyle Orton follows Tim on Twitter and if he’s worried that the more people Tebow influences the more people will want to see number 15 star.
5. Braylon Edwards • @OfficialBraylon
Former University of MIchigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards is no stranger to controversy. He’s certainly no Chad Ochocinco or Terrell Owens, but catching footballs in the NFL apparently doesn’t something bad to the prefrontal cortex because Edwards doesn’t seem have the appropriate social filters at times. Earlier in the month, the Pro Bowler tweeted before and after a bar fight that he has adamantly denied involvement or any wrongdoing. Nonetheless, Braylon Edwards boasts over 100k followers backed by fans from one of the largest public universities in the United States. When it all comes together, people listen and respond to the free agent soon to be 49ers wide receiver, whether good or bad.
For the rest of Klout’s Top 10 most influential NFL athletes using social media, go ahead and take a look at the graphic below:
Who’s your favorite athlete to follow on Twitter and Facebook and why do you follow them?
