by NFL players are some of the toughest athletes in the world.
They tackle, run, and push their bodies to the limit every single game.
But when they come home, they become something else — loving pet owners!
Many NFL stars have dogs, cats, and other animals who bring them joy and comfort.
After a hard day of training or a brutal game, these pets help players relax and feel happy again.
Pets give unconditional love. They don’t care about wins or losses. They just want belly rubs and playtime!
For these strong football players, their furry friends are like family members.
Some pets even have their own Instagram accounts with thousands of followers!
NFL Athletes’ Pets Share Cute Moments
This nfl athletes pets list shows how our favorite players share their lives with adorable animals.
Let’s look at the most loved pets owned by our favorite NFL players!
NFL Athletes’ Pets List
Here’s a complete table of NFL stars and their beloved pets:
| Player Name | Team | Pet Name(s) | Pet Type/Breed | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | Steel, Silver | Pit Bull & Cane Corso | Steel even has his own Instagram page! |
| Russell Wilson | Denver Broncos | Prince, Naomi, Hero | Great Danes | Loves having 3 dogs because his jersey is No. 3 |
| Tom Brady | Retired (Buccaneers) | Lua & Scooby | Mixed breeds | His dogs often appear in family photos |
| Joe Burrow | Cincinnati Bengals | Beau | Mini Goldendoodle | Adopted in 2017 with his girlfriend |
| Travis Kelce | Kansas City Chiefs | Rambo, Chauncey | Goldendoodle & Pomsky | Kelce often posts funny videos with them |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | Free Agent (ex-Steelers) | Boujee | French Bulldog | Has his own Instagram account! |
| Carson Wentz | Free Agent (ex-Eagles) | Henley, Jersey, Riggs | Golden Retrievers | Loves outdoor adventures with them |
| Ezekiel Elliott | Dallas Cowboys | Ace, Deuce, Jack Jack | Mixed breeds | Often brings them to his backyard workouts |
| JJ Watt | Retired (Texans/Cardinals) | Tex, Finley | Mixed breeds | Named one dog after his home state (Texas) |
| Kirk Cousins | Minnesota Vikings | Abe | Labrador | Adopted in 2019 with his family |
Now let’s learn more about each player and their special furry friends!
Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
Patrick Mahomes is one of the NFL’s biggest stars. He’s also a proud dog dad!
Patrick and his wife Brittany have two dogs — Steel and Silver.
Steel is a muscular pit bull. Silver is a beautiful Cane Corso, which is an Italian breed known for being loyal and protective.
Patrick once said Steel is “my best friend — very loving and full of energy.”
Both dogs are celebrities in their own right. They even have their own Instagram page where fans can see them playing, sleeping, or hanging out with the Mahomes family.
Steel often appears in photos after big games. It’s like he knows when Patrick needs extra love!
The Mahomes family treats their dogs like children. They get the best toys, comfy beds, and lots of attention.
Fun fact: Steel has appeared in commercials and photoshoots with Patrick. He’s basically a famous dog now!
[Explore: Patrick Mahomes Net Worth]
Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos)
Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara are not just music and football royalty — they’re also dog lovers!
The couple has three massive Great Danes named Prince, Naomi, and Hero.
Russell wears jersey number 3, so he wanted three dogs. How perfect is that?
Great Danes are known as “gentle giants.” They’re huge but super sweet and loving.
The Wilson family treats these dogs like their own children. They have special beds, toys, and even matching outfits sometimes!
Prince was their first dog, and he started the whole Great Dane family.
These dogs are big, strong, and playful — just like their dad Russell!
Ciara often posts videos of the dogs playing with their kids. It’s the cutest thing ever.
Fun fact: Their dogs are so big that sometimes they take up the entire couch. The Wilsons don’t even mind!
Tom Brady (Retired Legend)
Tom Brady might be the greatest quarterback ever. He’s also a devoted dog owner!
Tom has two dogs — Lua and Scooby. Both are rescue dogs, which makes his story even sweeter.
These dogs often appear in Brady family photos, especially during holidays.
You’ll see them in Halloween costumes, Christmas pictures, and beach vacation snapshots.
After retiring from football, Tom said his pets help him relax and stay active.
He loves taking them on runs and walks. It keeps him fit even after leaving the NFL!
His kids adore the dogs, too. They grew up playing with Lua and Scooby.
Tom once shared that coming home to his dogs after tough games always made him feel better.
They don’t care about touchdowns or Super Bowls. They just want to play and cuddle!
Fun fact: Tom’s dogs love running on the beach in Florida. They’re living their best life with a retired NFL legend!
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
Joe Burrow is known for his cool style and amazing football skills.
He’s also a loving pet parent to an adorable dog named Beau!
Joe and his girlfriend adopted Beau, a mini Goldendoodle, back in 2017.
Beau is small, fluffy, and super friendly. He’s the perfect companion for a busy NFL quarterback.
The couple often takes Beau on walks around their neighborhood.
Sometimes, Beau even visits the practice grounds. The other players love petting him!
Goldendoodles are known for being smart and gentle. They make great pets for active people like Joe.
Joe has said that Beau helps him unwind after stressful games.
After throwing touchdowns or dealing with tough losses, coming home to Beau makes everything better.
Fun fact: Beau was with Joe through college at LSU and his journey to the NFL. They’ve grown up together!
Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs)
Travis Kelce is famous for his big personality and even bigger smile.
His two dogs fit his fun-loving lifestyle perfectly!
Travis owns Rambo, a fluffy Goldendoodle, and Chauncey, a Pomeranian-husky mix (also called a Pomsky).
Rambo loves outdoor adventures. He’s always ready for walks, hikes, or playing fetch in the park.
Chauncey is tiny but full of attitude. Don’t let his small size fool you — he acts like he owns the place!
Travis sometimes shares hilarious videos of his dogs on social media.
In one video, Rambo is stealing food from the counter. In another, Chauncey is barking at much bigger dogs!
The Kansas City fans love seeing Travis with his pets. It shows his softer, caring side.
Travis has joked that his dogs are “tougher than some NFL players” because they never back down.
Fun fact: Travis often calls Rambo and Chauncey his “home team.” They’re always there to support him!
JuJu Smith-Schuster (Free Agent)
JuJu Smith-Schuster is known for his energy and positive vibes.
His French Bulldog, Boujee, is just as famous as he is!
Boujee has his own Instagram account with thousands of followers. Fans love seeing his daily adventures.
French Bulldogs are small, cute, and full of personality. Boujee definitely has all three!
JuJu often calls Boujee his “good luck charm” before big games.
He believes having Boujee around brings positive energy and helps him play better.
The two are inseparable. Whether JuJu is training, shopping, or relaxing, Boujee is usually nearby.
Fans love commenting on Boujee’s photos. Some say he’s the cutest player in the NFL!
JuJu treats Boujee like royalty. Best toys, yummy treats, and lots of cuddle time.
Fun fact: Boujee once attended a team event and became more popular than some of the players!
Carson Wentz (Free Agent)
Carson Wentz is an outdoorsy guy who loves nature and adventure.
His three golden retrievers — Henley, Jersey, and Riggs — are perfect for his lifestyle!
Golden retrievers are friendly, loyal, and love being active. They match Carson’s personality perfectly.
Carson loves taking his dogs fishing, hiking, and on hunting trips.
They run through fields, swim in lakes, and explore the wilderness together.
After busy football seasons, Carson says his dogs help him find peace and calm.
He often posts pictures of all three dogs sitting together by a campfire or near a lake.
His wife and kids join these adventures too. It’s a full family affair!
The Wentz dogs are well-trained and love the outdoors as much as their owner.
Fun fact: Carson named one of his dogs “Jersey” as a tribute to his football career. How sweet is that?
Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys)
Ezekiel Elliott, known as “Zeke,” is one of the NFL’s top running backs.
He’s also a proud owner of three playful dogs — Ace, Deuce, and Jack Jack!
These mixed-breed pups love running around in Zeke’s huge backyard.
They play fetch, chase each other, and get into all kinds of fun trouble.
Zeke sometimes calls them his “training partners.”
Why? Because they chase him while he runs! It’s like having workout buddies who never get tired.
All three dogs have different personalities. Ace is the calm one. Deuce is the troublemaker. Jack Jack is the baby.
Zeke’s teammates have met his dogs at team events. Everyone agrees they’re adorable!
After tough games, Zeke loves coming home to his furry friends.
They don’t care about football stats. They just want to play and get treats!
Fun fact: Zeke’s dogs have more toys than some kids! He spoils them with everything.
JJ Watt (Retired Legend)
JJ Watt is one of the most respected players in NFL history.
He’s also a total softie when it comes to his two dogs — Tex and Finley!
Tex is named after JJ’s home state of Texas. That shows how much he loves where he’s from.
Finley is named after his wife’s favorite name. Both dogs are rescue dogs.
JJ often shares pictures of Tex and Finley cuddling with him on the couch.
Sometimes they’re watching football games together. Other times, they’re just napping.
These dogs traveled with JJ during his career from Houston to Arizona.
They’ve been through everything with him — wins, losses, injuries, and comebacks.
JJ has said his dogs help him stay grounded and remind him what’s truly important.
After retiring, JJ spends even more time with Tex and Finley.
Fun fact: JJ once said, “Tex and Finley love me whether I get 5 sacks or zero sacks. That’s real love!”
Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings)
Kirk Cousins is known for being a family man and a steady quarterback.
In 2019, Kirk and his wife adopted a Labrador named Abe.
Labs are known for being friendly, calm, and great with families. Abe fits all these qualities!
Abe loves the cold Minnesota weather. While other dogs might shiver, Abe runs and plays in the snow.
Kirk says Abe helps him stay happy during the long, stressful football season.
After tough games or intense practices, playing with Abe brings instant joy.
The Cousins kids also love Abe. They play fetch, go on walks, and cuddle with him every day.
Kirk has joked that Abe is “the most popular Cousin” in their family!
Abe is also super obedient. He knows tricks, follows commands, and is a perfect gentleman.
Fun fact: Abe has his own Vikings gear! Kirk sometimes dresses him in purple and gold on game days.
Why NFL Players Love Pets?
Looking at this nfl athletes pets list, you can see a clear pattern.
So many NFL stars have pets. But why?
Here are the main reasons:
Pets help them relax after tough matches
- Football is stressful. Coming home to a wagging tail makes everything better.
Dogs give unconditional love
- Pets don’t care about stats or losses. They love their owners no matter what.
Pets keep them active during the off-season
- Walking, running, and playing with pets helps players stay fit.
Having a pet helps handle stress and pressure
- The NFL has intense pressure. Pets provide comfort and emotional support.
They remind players of family, home, and comfort
- When traveling for games, pets make houses feel like homes.
Many players have said their pets are like therapy.
After a bad game, a dog’s love can heal emotional wounds.
After a big win, celebrating with pets makes the victory even sweeter.
Pets also teach responsibility and routine, which helps players stay disciplined.
Different Types of NFL Pets
Not every NFL player has a dog. Some have other amazing pets too!
While dogs are the most popular, some players have:
- Cats – Quiet, independent, perfect for apartment living
- Exotic pets – Some players own birds, fish, or even miniature horses!
- Multiple pets – Like Russell Wilson’s three Great Danes or Carson Wentz’s three golden retrievers
The type of pet often matches the player’s personality.
High-energy players like Travis Kelce have energetic dogs.
Calm players like Kirk Cousins have relaxed, gentle Labs.
It’s fun to see how pets reflect their owners!
Social Media Famous Pets
Many NFL pets have their own social media accounts.
Fans follow these accounts to see cute photos and funny videos.
Some of the most famous include:
- Steel (Patrick Mahomes’ dog) – Has thousands of Instagram followers
- Boujee (JuJu Smith-Schuster’s dog) – Posts almost daily content
- The Wilson Great Danes – Often featured on Ciara and Russell’s accounts
These pets get fan mail, gifts, and even sponsorship deals!
Some have more followers than regular people. They’re basically celebrities!
Fans love commenting things like “Boujee for MVP!” or “Steel is the real Chief!”
It creates a fun connection between players and fans through their shared love of animals.
Pets in NFL Culture
Having pets has become part of NFL culture.
Teams sometimes host “dog days” where players bring their pets to practice.
Fans get to meet the dogs, take pictures, and see their favorite players in a different light.
Some stadiums even have “bark in the park” events where fans bring their dogs to games!
It shows that football isn’t just about toughness. It’s also about heart and love.
Players who show their softer side with pets become even more relatable and liked.
This nfl athletes pets list proves that even the toughest athletes have gentle, caring hearts.
Teaching Moments for Young Fans
Young football fans can learn important lessons from these NFL pet stories:
- Responsibility – Players take care of their pets every day, no matter how busy they are
- Compassion – Many players adopt rescue dogs, showing kindness to animals in need
- Family values – Pets are treated like family members, with love and respect
- Staying grounded – Even famous athletes know that simple joys, like playing with a dog, matter most
If your favorite player loves animals, it’s a great reminder to be kind to all living things.
These NFL stars use their platforms to promote pet adoption and animal welfare, too!
Conclusion:
Even though NFL players are strong on the field, at home they’re just like us.
They’re loving pet owners who care deeply about their furry friends.
This nfl athletes pets list shows the softer side of football.
Patrick Mahomes is cuddling with Steel.
Russell Wilson is playing with his three Great Danes. Tom Brady is running on the beach with his dogs.
These moments remind us that athletes are human, too.
They need love, comfort, and companionship — just like everyone else.
Pets provide all of that and more.
If you want to see more of these adorable animals, follow your favorite players on social media.
You’ll get daily doses of cuteness mixed with football action!
Share these stories with friends who love both football and animals.
It’s a perfect combination of strength and sweetness.
In the NFL world, pets are not just animals — they’re teammates too!
They celebrate wins, comfort during losses, and bring joy every single day.
So the next time you watch an NFL game, remember this:
Behind every great player is probably an even greater pet waiting at home!
For more fun NFL stories, player insights, and everything football — visit FieldBulls.com, where true fans discover the heart of the game!
