The reasons why certain teams are hated vary, often due to intense rivalries, frequent success (leading to jealousy or frustration from other fan bases), or specific incidents that have fostered animosity.
Below is a breakdown of some notable teams and the reasons they might be hated in particular regions:
NFL Teams:
- Dallas Cowboys: Hated in several states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The Cowboys are often referred to as “America’s Team,” which can be polarizing. Their consistent national exposure and historical success breed resentment, especially in areas with strong NFL rivalries like Philadelphia (Eagles) and Washington D.C. (Commanders).
- Green Bay Packers: Disliked in Minnesota and Illinois, likely due to their fierce rivalries with the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, respectively.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Disliked in the southern states such as Texas. The Eagles have a passionate, sometimes abrasive fan base, which can fuel dislike among rivals.
NBA Teams:
- Los Angeles Lakers: Hated in several western states. The Lakers have a long history of success, which often leads to jealousy and rivalry-based hatred, especially from fans of teams that have frequently faced them in the playoffs.
- Boston Celtics: Disliked in the Western U.S. states such as California. The rivalry between the Celtics and the Lakers, one of the most famous in NBA history, often spills over to other regions.
MLB Teams:
- New York Yankees: Hated in states like Massachusetts and throughout New England. The Yankees have one of the most successful franchises in sports history, and their rivalry with the Boston Red Sox is particularly intense, leading to strong feelings in the region.
- Chicago Cubs: Disliked in Indiana, which might be due to local rivalries or simply a reflection of regional sports allegiances.
NHL Teams:
- Boston Bruins: Most hated across Canada, which could stem from the Bruins’ physical style of play and historic rivalries with Canadian teams, particularly the Montreal Canadiens.
- Montreal Canadiens: Hated in parts of Ontario, possibly because of their historical success and their status as the most storied NHL franchise in the country and the fact they are better than the Leafs.
College Teams:
- Alabama Crimson Tide: Hated in several southern states. Alabama’s football program has been dominant for years, leading to resentment among fans of other SEC schools.
- Michigan Wolverines: Disliked in Ohio, primarily due to the intense rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State in college football.
- Oklahoma Sooners: Hated in Texas, due to the fierce Red River Showdown rivalry with the Texas Longhorns.
Other Notable Teams:
- San Francisco 49ers: Hated in Alaska, which may seem surprising, but could be due to the prominence of other NFC West teams in the region or historic rivalries.
- Gonzaga Bulldogs: Disliked in Hawaii, likely because Gonzaga has been a dominant force in West Coast Conference basketball, which could lead to regional animosity.
Do you agree with these? Leave your comments below:
Howie Silver says
The map itself says Missouri hates the Cubs. This is probably true because of the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry. The map also says Indiana hates the NE Patriots. But the text says Indiana hates the Cubs, which I doubt since Indiana doesn’t have a rival baseball team. So, who does Indiana really hate: The Cubs or the Patriots?
VBinNV says
Although I haven’t lived in North Carolina for a while, I believe the most hated team in the state is my alma mater, THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL. Of course we graduates love it as do some others, but it’s positively hated by many fans of the state’s other universities.
Your map indicates the University of Virginia is the most hated; more North Carolinians hate barbecue than hate UVa and damn near everyone in the state loves barbecue.
Jim Gorycki says
As for the state of Florida, I least hate Georgia. The poll probably has to do with “the world’s largest outdoor cocktail party” the UF-UGA matchup. If UF cannot do well in the SEC, then rooting for either UGA or South Carolina AGAINST Alabama is a viable option IMHO.
Peter B. Ives says
The low life expectancy in The South is due to their three major food groups: salt, sugar, and fat.
Actually, I loved stopping at small cafes in the South because of the “meat and three” platters and the excellent BBQ joints. And…those wonderful breaded oyster sandwiches.
P. says
I guess it’s right for Mississippi since Ole Miss and Hail State probably hate LSU more than they do each other
Tom Keire says
How are the 49ers not the most hated team in every state?????????
Adam James Herman says
NCAA Between Michigan And Ohio State And Michigan State I Will Say I Hate OSU And MSU Too For MLB I Hated Pittsburg Pirate And For NHL Hated Boston Brewers And Ottawa And Nashville-P And New York Rangers And San Jose Sharks And Anaheim Ducks And Toronto Maple Leafs, And Tampa Bay Lighting And Arizona Coyotes And Columbus Blue Jackets And Dallas Stars For NBA Chicago Bulls And Lakers And Warriors San A Spurs For NFL Dallas Cowboys And San 49ers And Bills And Chefs.