But all revealed their true colors at some point during their time in the Bay.
These five players embody what it means to be a “diva” in every sense of the word. When fans think of them, they remember the off-field antics and infectious personalities just as much, if not more, than their on-field production.
But without further ado, here are the top five divas in Niners history.
Honorable mentions: De’vondre Campbell, Charles Haley, Vernon Davis
5. Deebo Samuel
Samuel was relatively quiet in his early years as a Niner before his success in 2021 apparently got to his head.
Deebo requested not one, but two trades in his San Francisco tenure. One ended in a three-year extension, but the most recent ended with a trade to the Washington Commanders in 2025. The wide receiver-running back hybrid became all too fond of social media in his later years in San Francisco. He famously responded to critics regarding his subpar play, who shared their thoughts on his efforts and put the entire team on blast in his last season.
His infamous “just not getting the ball!” tweet will live in 49ers fans’ heads for years to come.
4. Deion Sanders
It took Deion just one year in the Bay to crack this list.
Prime Time signed with the team in 1994 on a one-year “prove it” deal with every intention of chasing a Super Bowl ring. Though he accomplished that goal, it was not without its theatrics. Sanders was reportedly a major issue in the locker room, having numerous clashes with stars like Jerry Rice and Steve Young. Even during Super Bowl week, he caused issues when he stayed out past curfew and was late to the hotel.
In the end, he caused so many chemistry issues that San Francisco had no choice but to let him walk after the season.
In response, he signed with the rival Cowboys, where he won yet another Super Bowl.
3. Michael Crabtree
Crabtree’s days with the Niners began in rocky fashion. His 72-day holdout is still the longest of its kind among rookies.
Crabtree’s career in the Bay was filled with personality clashes and numerous disputes with opposing cornerbacks, including a brawl with Aqib Talib (and subsequent ejection) and a seemingly lifelong rivalry with Richard Sherman. Supposedly, the feud began when Sherman attempted to shake his hand, which resulted in Crabtree picking a fight. From then on out, the rest was history. It culminated in Sherman’s infamous interview, in which he called the pass catcher a “Sorry receiver.”
Amid the drama, he eclipsed 1,000 yards through the air just once in his time in red and gold.
Crabtree ended his career on a trio of tepid runs with the Raiders, Ravens, and Cardinals, but is mostly known for his time with the 49ers, in which he arguably caused more harm than good.
2. Brandon Aiyuk
Now to the good stuff.
Aiyuk’s story can be told a few ways, so let’s start at the end. It seems as if Aiyuk may still be working his way up this list, as he continues to spam Niners slander all over social media.
His choice words are a product of an ongoing money dispute that began with an unfortunate injury back in 2024. After Aiyuk signed a lucrative extension, he tore his ACL and MCL in a regular-season game against the Chiefs.
After that, things got bizarre. He began to ghost his coaching staff to the point where the organization decided to void $27 million in guaranteed money. He then skipped meetings and mandatory practices, essentially removing himself from the team entirely.
Now, he’s stuck being no more than a social media personality. The Niners have no reason to release him, even though he is doing everything he can to manifest his way onto the Commanders. The whole situation is unlike anything the league has seen before, and Aiyuk is truly breaking ground for future NFL divas.
1. Terrell Owens
Any time you bring your own props to celebrate touchdowns, you’re going to see your name at the top spot of a list like this.
Known for his big plays and his even bigger ego, Owens redefined what it means to celebrate trips to the end zone. He was suspended by the Niners after he posed on the Dallas star in midfield, and his infamous autograph celebration spurred a quick prop ban by the league.
He took it upon himself to publicly criticize his coaches and teammates and eventually became too much for San Francisco to handle. His exit was fitting. He and his agent missed a deadline to fill out paperwork and make him an unrestricted free agent, and the 49ers retained his rights. They then traded him to the Ravens, but Owens refused to report. Eventually, he got his way and signed a seven-year deal with Philly.
Owens hit three more stops in Dallas, Buffalo, and Cincinnati before concluding his Hall of Fame career.
Even after he left San Francisco, his reputation was defined by altercations with coaches, shirtless interviews, and behavior-related suspensions.