16 NFL personalities to follow on social media this season

By this point, there's no need to explain the significant impact that social media has on the NFL.

While the season's wildest on-field moments will be visible through online and television broadcasts, many of the most entertaining off-field stories will develop over these interactive platforms.

Here are 16 accounts to follow in preparation for the 2016 NFL season:

Adam Schefter & Ian Rapoport

@AdamSchefter (Twitter), @RapSheet (Twitter)

The NFL news cycle never stops, but it often starts with one of these two. The league's top two insiders are expected to break at least 90 percent of the NFL's major stories this season - whatever they may be.

Cam Newton

@cameron1newton (Instagram)

If you like lots of large hats, r!d1CuL0u$ spelling, and seeing everything the reigning NFL MVP does (and wears) on a regular basis, Newton's Instagram account is a must-follow.

Tyrann Mathieu

@Mathieu_Era (Twitter)

Never afraid to speak his mind, the league's most versatile defensive back regularly interacts with fans, shares moments from his home life, and speaks out on social issues - primarily those surrounding violence in his native community of Louisiana.

Aaron Rodgers

@AaronRodgers12 (Twitter)

The Green Bay Packers quarterback loves to show his support for Wisconsin sports, his teammates, and his favorite TV shows on a regular basis, making him somewhat more relatable to fans. But the real reason to give A-Rod a follow is for his whitty comebacks to questionable criticism.

Here's his response to a fan saying he's "ruining the game" with his elaborate snap counts:

Tom Brady

Tom Brady (Facebook)

Possibly the greatest quarterback of all-time, Brady is the only NFL player still regularly using Facebook - and he loves it. Brady posts hype tapes, gags with teammates, jokes, and statements to his account on a fairly regular basis. With his suspension forcing the future Hall-of-Famer away from his team for four weeks, there's no doubt he'll voice his opinion about their performance in his absence.

Pat McAfee

@PatMcAfeeShow (Twitter)

The humorous Colts punter should be in for his hottest season yet on Twitter after embarking on his first stand-up comedy tour this offseason. He loves going at it with fans and always has something funny to say about the latest league affairs and society in general.

Tom E. Curran

@tomecurran (Twitter)

With the Patriots set up for another attention-heavy season, giving CSNNE's insider Tom E. Curran a follow might be a good idea. With the Patriots being one of the more leak-proof teams in the league, doubling up with ESPN beat writer Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) should award you all the juiciest scoops from New England.

Aaron Wilson

@AaronWilson_NFL (Twitter)

If you want to catch wind of all the NFL's transactions, the Houston Chronicle's Aaron Wilson is your man. While Wilson covers the Texans on a daily basis, the veteran beat writer also does his best to continually keep his followers updated with every signing, release, trade, injury, and roster move - regardless of potential impact.

Joe Thomas

@joethomas73 (Twitter)

One of the game's best left tackles discovered Twitter this summer and has been absolutely crushing it. He loves poking fun at his teammates (and himself) as well as sharing "random musings". You can also get to know the Browns through Thomas' ongoing "Q+A series".

Mike Klis

@MikeKlis (Twitter)

The Super Bowl 50 champion Denver Broncos are in for an interesting title defense with Trevor Siemian at quarterback and Von Miller breaking the bank in the offseason. Broncos reporter Mike Klis of 9News is one of the league's top beat writers and should provide you with all the best quotes and reports Denver has to offer.

Kyle Long

@Ky1eLong (Twitter)

With his elite play in recent seasons, Long has become the leader of the Bears' offensive line and a leading voice for players across the league. He interacts with fans, tells jokes, offers his thoughts on pop culture, and speaks intelligently on important issues.

Rob Gronkowski

@RobGronkowski (Twitter)

Just a heads up: there's a lot of sponsored content on his feed, but everybody wants a piece of Gronk, and who is he to say no? Regardless of the tweets that should include "#ad", there's a lot of great stuff in there. He's the king of self-promotion without crossing over to into the realm of pandering annoyance (a la Russell Wilson and J.J. Watt).

Tim Graham

@ByTimGraham (Twitter)

The Ryan brothers are certain to pump out a ton of amusing content this season together with the Bills, and Tim Graham of the Buffalo News will have it all for you. The award-winning beat writer is one of the most trusted sources in the NFL. He doesn't mind interacting with followers or sharing a controversial opinion.

The Schwartz Brothers

@geoffschwartz & @MitchSchwartz72 (Twitter)

NFL linemen Geoff and Mitchell Schwartz are hosts of the "Block Em Up Podcast" and co-authors of the book "Eat My Schwartz". While Geoff is currently a free agent, both men are experienced NFL blockers who have taken the time to break down their position. Many fans don't know the ins and outs of the NFL blocking game, but the Schwartz brothers have them covered.