It’s that time of year again—those few days when “What time is the super bowl” is one of the most popular searches on Google for every one of the 50 great American states. Another popular one this year? “NFL players Instagram.” The search engine giant won’t tell you—at least not all in one handy place—so we took matters into our own hands. Here are three of social media’s best from the two opposing teams (Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers).
Being new to Instagram, he’s already made a few unexpected posts. Most recently, he shared a very heartfelt message of respect for Tom Brady. He’s been much-quoted for his thoughts on being told the Broncos aren’t favoried: “‘Oh, you know, ‘We don’t have a chance.’ If that doesn’t motivate you, then you are in the wrong business.”
Following the outsized receiver—at 300-plus pounds, he’s at the high end of his weight class—you get the sense that his personality is larger than life too. He’s all smiles in his family and teammate shots. Plus, this coming Sunday is the first time the Bronco’s mother will ever see him play after serving some time behind bars.
Rumors are circulating that the Broncos’ Von Miller’s the future breakout star of this Superbowl but he’s already won Instagram, mastering the mix of professional pictures with loads of personality, goofy selfies and even some self-healthy deprecating captions.
Other members of the Panthers squad post more often than Cam, but when he has something to say, he goes for it—often with LoNgWiNdEd H1GHLYSTYLED captions (just like that, really) and TONS of #menswear hashtags to accompany his style and gameplay snaps.
Roman Harper’s a Superbowl vet (he took home a ring playing for the Saints in 2009) and is embracing the star player lifestyle. He recently pissed off the NFL by posting a photo of his helmet, cracked after a collision with Marshawn Lynch. Another thing he’s embracing? His head of gray hair much to the delight and support of menswear blogs.
The Panthers’ most recent first-round draft choice is pounding his chest on social media, with the standard glory shots you’d expect on Instagram but also on Snapchat. Last month, he posted a viral and colorfully worded video giving his opinion of Seahawks fans.