People in Sports lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for lists and rankings in all categories

People in Sports - Lists at Ranker

Are you the "Sports Guy" on your trivia team? Welcome to your new secret weapons: lists of fascinating facts and obscure info you need to know yesterday.

You Think You Know Athletes?

Athletes

Many professional athletes are held to a higher standard when it comes to using recreational and performance-enhancing drugs. Athletes who failed drug tests are sometimes chided as bad role models, and are occasionally even forced to renounce their titles due to drug use. Several <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/mma-legends?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous MMA fighters</a>, MLB players, and NFL stars have failed drug tests. Some of these athletes tested positive for recreational drugs, like marijuana and cocaine, while others tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, like steroids and human growth hormones.Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who failed a drug test? Alex Rodriguez tops our list. In 2006, A-Rod failed a drug test when testosterone and primobolan showed up in his results. Lance Armstrong admitted to using Erythropoietin (EPO), Human Growth Hormone, testosterone, Cortisone and blood transfusions. He also failed four drug tests back in 1999. In 2012, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps admitted to smoking marijuana.Ricky Williams tested positive for cannabis and other drugs in 2006. Ken Shamrock tested positive for Stanozolol, 19-Norandrosterone and 19-Noretiocholanolone in 2009. Chris Andersen was kicked out of the NBA for violating the league's drug policy in 2006. Wes Welker was suspended for four games for taking MDMA in 2014. Lyle Alzado admitted to taking Anabolic steroids and blamed the drugs for his cancer diagnoses. He died from brain lymphoma in 1992.Are you surprised that so many <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-8-pro-athletes-convicted-of-murder/awesomeballa?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">professional athletes</a> failed drug tests? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

21 Athletes Who Failed Drug Tests

Person In Sports

List of Athletes Who Failed Drug Tests | Athletes Who Do Drugs

People in Sports

Lists about notable people who chose to end their lives, why they did it, and the effects their deaths had on those they left behind.

Taking Their Own Lives

Death

It&#39;s always heartbreaking to find out that there are many athletes who have ended their own lives. When your favorite players are&nbsp;gone too soon by their&nbsp;own hands, it can be difficult to cope with. Athletes who have ended their own lives are often depressed, or involved with substance abuse. Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-boxers-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword" target="_blank">famous boxers</a>, NBA players, and football stars have ended their own lives.&nbsp;

Who are some of&nbsp;the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword" target="_blank">most famous athletes</a>&nbsp;to commit suicide? &nbsp;NFL linebacker Junior Seau currently tops our list. He passed on May 2, 2012, at age 43, by shooting himself in the chest. NHL player Rick Rypien&nbsp;struggled with clinical depression for most of his life, and passed on August&nbsp;15, 2011 at age 27. On December&nbsp;1, 2012, 25-year old Jovan Belcher shot and slayed his girlfriend, the mother of his child, and then drove to the Kansas City Chiefs&#39; practice facility and shot himself. At age 67, boxer Kid McCoy ended his life on April 18, 1940, by taking sleeping pills. His&nbsp;note read, &quot;Everything in my possession, I want to go to my dear wife, Sue E. Selby ... To all my dear friends ... best of luck ... sorry I could not endure this world&#39;s madness.&quot;

Why do you think so many <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-8-pro-athletes-convicted-of-murder/awesomeballa?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword" target="_blank">professional athletes</a> commit suicide? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Athletes Who Took Their Own Lives

Athletes Who Committed Suicide List | Pro Athletes Who Killed Themselves

Introverts are known for shunning crowds in favor of time alone to recharge and think—but, as any introvert knows, there's a lot going on inside.

Inside Introversion

Mental Health & Illness

An introvert is a person who recharges their batteries by being alone. Although alone time can be difficult to find when you're a famous professional athlete, these introverted athletes take time to themselves. Athletes who are introverts might need more space than their extroverted team mates. Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous NBA players</a>, golfers, and football stars are introverts. Some of these athletes have come across as "cold" because of their introverted nature, while others flat out admit that they are “extreme” introverts.Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who is an introvert? Michael Jordan tops our list. The NBA champion is often listed amongst the greatest introverted athletes of all time. Tiger Woods has been criticized for being a poor team player, but the truth is that the golf legend is simply an introvert. Larry Bird is shy and introverted. He wasn't one to seek out the spotlight when he was playing for the NBA.Derrick Rose's introverted nature was the subject of a 2012 article in GQ Magazine. He says, "It seems like the better I play, the more attention I get. And I can't get away from it. You play great, you get attention. But I hate attention. It is weird. I'm in a bind. The more you win, the more they come." Steve Smith considers himself to be an "extreme" introvert.Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Athletes Who Are Definitely Introverts

Introverted Athletes | List of Athletes Who Are Introverts

There are over 8.2 million practicing evangelical Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide. Many famous athletes are Jehovah's Witnesses. Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-boxers-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous boxers</a>, NBA players, and baseball stars follow the teachings of the Jehovah's Witness faith. Some of these athletes were raised in the faith, while others converted later in life. Two of the best female tennis players of all time are Jehovah's Witnesses.Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who is a Jehovah's Witness? Serena Williams tops our list. She and her sister Venus were raised as Jehovah's Witnesses and still practice today. Serena says, “I've been studying to be a Jehovah's Witness, so I go to Kingdom Hall. I grew up a Witness and it's what I know, and we teach things that come from the Bible.&quot; Danny Granger was raised in a Jehovah's Witness household. It is unclear if he still practices the faith today.On Dave Pear's blog he states, &quot;I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and an advocate for justice!&quot; Chet Lemon is a Jehovah's Witness. He <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/celebrities-who-have-almost-died/celebrity-lists?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">almost died</a> from a blood disorder in 1991, when he decided against surgery because his religion prohibits him from receiving a blood transfusion. Kid Gavil&aacute;n became a Jehovah's Witness in the late-1960s.Do you think that being Jehovah's Witnesses helps these athletes to succeed in their professional careers? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

14 Athletes Who Are Jehovah's Witnesses

14 Athletes Who Are Jehovahs Witnesses

On the field, athletes are trained and expected to destroy their opponents. These athletes who are felons, however, took that violence off the field and into their real lives when they committed serious crimes. Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-boxers-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous boxers</a>, NBA players, and football stars have committed felonies. Some of these <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-8-pro-athletes-convicted-of-murder/awesomeballa?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">professional athletes</a> have been convicted of robbery, while others have been convicted of murder. One famous football player was even charged with possession of a weapon after accidentally shooting himself.Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who is also a felon? Mike Tyson tops our list. Mike Tyson has been convicted of several serious offenses, including rape, road rage, possession of narcotics, and DUI. He has spent a total of about a year in prison for these crimes. In 2007, O. J. Simpson was convicted of armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and conspiracy. He was sentenced to nine to 33 years in prison for these crimes.In 2008, Plaxico Burress plead guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment after accidentally shooting himself in a nightclub. In the 1990s, Tonya Harding was convicted of hindering a police investigation and domestic violence. In the 2000s, she received two DUIs.Are you surprised that so many professional athletes have committed serious felonies? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

80 Athletes Who Are Felons

List of Athletes Who Are Felons | Criminal Athletes Convicted of Felonies

Lists about cigarettes, vaping, cigars, pipes, and the people who puff them.

Smoking or Non?

We all know that smoking has terrible health repercussions, such as emphysema, lung cancer, and heart problems. These former athletes quit smoking to save their lives--and their careers. Several famous MLB players, boxers, and golfers have quit smoking. Some of these athletes quit smoking after photos of them enjoying a cigarette surfaced, while others quit after decades of public smoking. One <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/famous-boxers-from-united-states/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous boxer</a> quit after losing an important fight.

Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who quit smoking? Alex Rodriguez tops our list. Alex Rodriguez quit smoking, but he still enjoys the occasional cigar. Tom Brady quit smoking after being caught with a cigarette in 2009. He also issued a public apology at that time. In the late-1980s, Keith Hernandez reportedly smoked two packs of cigarettes a day. He reportedly quit in the 1990s.

Ricardo Mayorga reportedly quit smoking after being knocked out by Shane Mosley in 2008. &Aacute;ngel Cabrera quit smoking in 2007. He said, &quot;I smoked because I wanted to and because I was addicted. It was a bad habit, not an aid on the course. Quitting has had no effect on my game.&quot; Bill Parcells quit smoking after he was diagnosed with heart problems.

Why do you think that so many <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-8-pro-athletes-convicted-of-murder/awesomeballa?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">professional athletes</a> struggled to quit smoking?

26 Athletes Who Quit Smoking

List of Athletes Who Quit Smoking

Hip-Hop / Rap

You already know that these athletes can kick a ball, shoot a free throw, or score a goal, but did you know that they can also drop a beat? These athletes who rap are multi-talented! Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous NBA players</a>, NFL stars, and boxers are also rappers. Some of these athletes released popular albums, while others recorded tracks that never saw a proper release. One famous athlete even rapped in a <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-fast-food-tacos/ranker-food?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Taco Bell</a> commercial.&nbsp;Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who is a rapper? Kobe Bryant tops our list. In the late-1990s, Kobe Bryant released a rap album entitled “K.O.B.E.” Shaquille O'Neal released four rap albums in the 1990s. His debut &quot;Shaq Diesel&quot; was certified platinum in the U.S. Charles Barkley rapped on a Taco Bell commercial in 2010.Floyd Mayweather Jr. released a rap song entitled &quot;Yep&quot; in 2007. He was later sued by Anthony Lawrence Dash for using beats written by Dash on the song without his permission. Before becoming a hip-hop mogul, Master P had contracts with two NBA teams, the Charlotte Hornets in 1998 and the Toronto Raptors in 1999. Cedric Ceballos contributed the rap track &quot;Flow On&quot; on the 1994 album &quot;B-Ball's Best Kept Secret.&quot; Warren G also appeared on the track.Who is your favorite athlete who can rap? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

26 Athletes Who Are Rappers

List of Athletes Who Rap | Pro Athletes With Rap Albums

Lists about the effects of heavy drinking and people who live with addiction to alcohol.

Drinking Problems

Entertainment

While it seems natural that a an ice-cold beer and a heated game go hand in hand, some of these athletes quit drinking. The number of sober athletes is not surprising--abstaining from alcohol is good for your health, and for sport performance. Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-25-greatest-nfl-players-of-all-time/hardtack?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous NFL players</a>, <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/most-clutch-nba-players-today/logblobo?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">basketball stars</a> and MLB legends have quit drinking. Some of these athletes struggled with alcoholism for years, while others quit based on family history. One famous baseball player even opened a clinic to help other athletes who struggle with alcohol abuse.Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who has quit drinking? Cristiano Ronaldo tops our list. Cristiano Ronaldo does not drink alcohol at all because his father died after years of alcohol abuse. In 2003, Joe Namath appeared drunk during a TV interview. &quot;I want to kiss you. I couldn't care less about the team strugg-a-ling,&quot; he said to the interviewer Suzy Kolber. He later entered a rehab program and got sober.Darryl Strawberry struggled with an addiction to drugs and alcohol for many years. In 2014, now sober, he opened The Darryl Strawberry Recovery Center to help athletes and individuals suffering from substance abuse. In 1997, Oksana Baiul was arrested on a DUI after crashing her car into a tree in Connecticut. She entered rehab and has been sober since 1998.Are you surprised that so many athletes quit drinking? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

26 Athletes Who Quit Drinking

List of Sober Athletes | Athletes Who Quit Drinking

These athletes shoot, score, AND own their own sports teams. Is there anything these powerhouse athletes can't do? Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous NBA players</a>, boxers, and football stars own sports teams. Some of these athletes own teams in the leagues in which they played, while others own teams from different sports. One baseball player is also the president of the team he owns.Who is the most famous person who owns a sports team? LeBron James tops our list. In 2011, LeBron James invested in Fenway Sports Group to become a partial owner of Liverpool FC. He also expressed interest in joining forces with David Beckham to bring an MLS team to Miami. &quot;David has become a good friend of mine over the last few years, and I think it would be great for this city to have a <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/social-network-club-scene/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">football club</a> for sure,&quot; James said in a 2014 interview. &quot;There's interest on both sides. It's preliminary talks but there is some open dialogue.&quot;In 2010, Nolan Ryan and Chuck Greenberg partnered to purchase the Texas Rangers. Ryan is also the president of the organization. Oscar de la Hoya owns a portion of the Houston Dynamos. He also owns a national boxing promotional firm. After retiring from football, Warrick Dunn purchased a minority stake in his former team the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-atlanta-falcons-of-all-time/ranker-nfl?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Atlanta Falcons</a>.Do you think that it is difficult to transition from the role of player to owner? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

15 Athletes Who Own Sports Teams

List of Athletes Who Own Sports Teams

Most of us grew up playing sports with our families. After all, who would make a better teammate than your dad or your younger sister? These related athletes are no different. Several famous boxers, NFL players, and tennis champions are related. Some of these family members have played on the same team, while others have faced their loved ones as opponents. One famous athletic family had three generations play in the MLB all-star game.<a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-famous-athletes-right-now/celebrity-lists?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Who is the most famous athlete</a> who is related to another athlete? Kobe Bryant tops our list. Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is the son of former Philadelphia 76ers player Joe &quot;Jellybean&quot; Bryant. Denver Broncos player Peyton Manning (born 1976) is the brother of <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/all-new-york-giants-quarterbacks/ranker-nfl?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">New York Giants quarterback</a> Eli Manning (born 1981). Their father is former NFL quarterback Archie Manning. Serena Williams (born 1981) is sister of Venus Williams (1980). As a team, they have won the Wimbledon Grand Slam Doubles on five occasions.Ray Boone is the father of Bob Boone and the grandfather of Bret and Aaron Boone. All three generations of Boones played in the All-Star Game. New York Jets coach Rex Ryan (born 1962) is the twin brother of New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Their father is former Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-arizona-cardinals-coaches-of-all-time/ranker-nfl?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Cardinals head coach</a> Buddy Ryan.Are you surprised that so many professional athletes come from sports families? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

14 Athletes Who Are Related

List of Related Athletes

Models

It's no surprise that some of the hottest athletes are also models. Their awesome, fit bodies are sometimes perfect for modeling clothes, shoes, and jewelry. Many of these athletes / models even use their talents--and good looks--to be spokesmodels for the most popular brands, like Nike. Some of these athletes model for sportswear companies, while others model for high-fashion boutiques. Several famous athletes have modeled for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition.Who is the <a href="/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who is a model? Michael Jordan tops our list. Michael Jordan has modeled for several companies including Hanes and Nike. Cristiano Ronaldo has modeled for several companies including Jacob &amp; Co and Tag Heuer. He also opened his own fashion boutique called CR7 in Madeira, Portugal in 2006. David Beckham has modeled for several companies including Armani and Adidas.Several <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-female-athletes-/ranker-sports?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous female athletes</a> are also models. Maria Sharapova has appeared in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. She also designs clothing in collaboration with Nike and Cole Haan. Amanda Beard's modeling work has appeared in FHM, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition and Playboy. Anna Kournikova has modeled for Berlei and she appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Stacy Keibler wrote and modeled her own column &quot;Getting Fit with Stacy Keibler&quot; in Stuff magazine during 2005-06.Do you think that modeling comes naturally for athletes? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

17 Male Athletes Who Model

List of Athletes Who Are Models

Criminals

It&#39;s always gut-wrenching to find out that the most talented, successful athletes have faced murder charges and convictions. Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-boxers-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword" target="_blank">famous boxers</a>, NFL athletes, and MLB players have been charged with such offenses. Some of these athletes dispatched their significant others, while others took the lives of people they barely knew. Some of these athletes even took a life before ending their own.

Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword" target="_blank">most famous athlete</a> who faced such a serious capital offense?&nbsp;At age 25, on Dec. 1, 2012, Jovan Belcher terminated his girlfriend, the mother of his child, and then drove to the Kansas City Chiefs&#39; practice facility and ended himself. In 2013, Oscar Pistorius also targeted his girlfriend and ended her life. He claimed that he thought she was an intruder. In 1991, Mark Rogowski was charged with forcing himself on acquaintance Jessica Bergsten and then ending her life. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 31 years in prison.

Why do you think so many professional athletes are involved in such grisly scenarios that end with <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/celebrities-charged-with-homicide/celebrity-lists" target="_blank">serious criminal charges</a>? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

26 Athletes Who Have Been Involved in Murder

List of Athletes Who Have Killed People

Have you ever wondered which of your favorite athletes are Muslim? Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-boxers-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous boxers</a>, NBA players, and football stars are Muslim. Some of these athletes were raised in the faith, while others converted later in life. Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/notable-basketball-player_s)/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous basketball players</a> fasted during the NBA season to observe Ramadan.Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who is Muslim? Mike Tyson tops our list. Mike Tyson converted to Islam in the early 1990s while he was in prison for a rape conviction. Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. changed his name to Muhammad Ali in the 1960s after converting to Islam and joining the Nation of Islam. He later converted to Sunni Islam in 1975.Larry Johnson converted to Islam and observed Ramadan during his NBA career. Kenneth Faried is a practicing Muslim. He says, &quot;You think you have a plan, but God — well, I’m Muslim — Allah has a different plan.” Shaquille O'Neal was raised by a Baptist mother and Muslim stepfather. He has been identified as Muslim in several biographies, but he is quoted as saying, &quot;I'm Muslim, I'm Jewish, I'm Buddhist, I'm everybody 'cause I'm a people person.&quot;Do you think that the Muslim faith helps these pro athletes to succeed in their careers? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

20 Athletes Who Are Muslim

List of Muslim Athletes

Combat Sports

Let's get ready to rumble! When excelling at one sport wasn't enough, these professional athletes became wrestlers. Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-25-greatest-nfl-players-of-all-time/hardtack?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous NFL players</a>, bodybuilders, and MMA fighters later became wrestlers. Some of these players won Olympic medals before becoming wrestlers, while others became wrestlers after being cut from NFL teams. Two famous <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-10-current-nba-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">NBA stars</a> even competed against each other in the ring.Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who became a wrestler? Dennis Rodman tops our list. During a suspension from the NBA, Dennis Rodman participated in several WCW wrestling events. His intro song was &quot;Voodoo Child (Slight Return)&quot; by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. In 1998, Karl Malone teamed up with Diamond Dallas Page to take on Dennis Rodman and Hulk Hogan in a WCW &quot;Bash at the Beach&quot; event.Before becoming known as &quot;The Rock,&quot; Dwayne Johnson was a National Championship college football player with the University of Miami. In 1995, Ken Shamrock won the UFC Superfight Championship. In 1997, he left the UFC for the WWF, but he returned to competing in MMA in 2000. Kurt Angle won a gold medal in heavyweight freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Olympics. He signed a contract with the WWF in 1998.Do you think that wrestling is a good back-up plan for many professional athletes? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Athletes Who Became Wrestlers

List of Athletes Who Became Wrestlers

Pilots

These athletes are ready for takeoff! Make sure your setback and tray table are in their upright, locked position, because these professional athletes are also pilots. Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-25-greatest-nfl-players-of-all-time/hardtack?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous NFL players</a>, race car drivers, and MLB stars have their silver wings. Some of these athletes own private jets, while others learned to fly helicopters. One famous driver even flies himself to important matches and events.Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who is a pilot? Tom Brady tops our list. In 2009, Tom Brady's wife Gisele Bündchen began training for her helicopter pilot's license. Brady reportedly followed suit and the couple plans to use helicopters to promote alternative sources for jet fuel. Tony Stewart reportedly has a pilot's license. He also has a private jet. Greg Biffle is a pilot. He owns several aircrafts including a Cessna 210, a Dassault Falcon 50, a Dassault Falcon 10 and a Bell 206.Driver Matt Kenseth learned to fly planes during the NASCAR off-season. He has been known to fly himself to <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/most-important-historical-events-of-the-20th-century/mwahahahaha?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">important events</a>. In 2006, Cory Lidle was flying a plane alongside his co-pilot/flight instructor Tyler Stanger, when he crashed into a New York apartment building. Both men died in the accident.Would you like to train for your pilot's license? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

7 Athletes Who Are Pilots

List of Athletes Who Are Pilots

Celebrity Facts

When a famous footballer scores a touchdown, or a pro-golfer gets a hole in one, it's hard to imagine that anyone would bully a professional athlete. However, several <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-football-players-ever?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous NFL players</a>, golfers, and Olympians have stepped forward to discuss the times that they were bullied. Bullying leaves scars, no matter how famous or strong you are. Some of these athletes were bullied when they were growing up, while others were bullied in their professional careers. Several of these athletes have went on to work for anti-bullying campaigns.<a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-famous-athletes-right-now/celebrity-lists?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Who is the most famous athlete</a> who was bullied? Tiger Woods tops our list. Golf legend Tiger Woods was the victim of racial slurs from his fellow classmates. In 2013, Adonal Foyle penned an editorial in which he discussed the life long scars that occur from bullying. &quot;On many occasions, I was the subject of name-calling. In many instances, violent confrontations would ensue,&quot; he wrote. &quot;For a very long time, I wasn’t sure what it was about me that incurred wrath from others.&quot;In 2014, Jonathan Martin stated that his Miami Dolphins teammates Richie Incognito, John Jerry and Mike Pouncey repeatedly bullied him. Racial slurs and taunts about his mother and sister were amongst the topics of the harassment. In 2013, Garrett Gilkey joined an anti-bullying campaign, drawing from his past experiences of being bullied in high school.How do you think that we can prevent bullying in schools? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

6 Athletes Who Were Bullied

List of Athletes Who Were Bullied

Lists about common mental illnesses and disorders and the many people around the world and throughout history who have lived with them.

A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

Depression

Do you know which popular professional athletes have depression? Several <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-football-players-ever?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous NFL players</a>, boxers and Olympians struggle with depression. Some of these athletes have overcome their depression through therapy and medication, while the disorder drove others to commit suicide. Several athletes with depression have went on to become motivational speakers.<a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-famous-athletes-right-now/celebrity-lists?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Who is the most famous athlete</a> with depression? Mike Tyson tops our list. Mike Tyson struggles with depression. He says, &quot;I’ve had self-loathing my entire life.&quot; Amanda Beard discussed her experience with depression in several interviews. She says, &quot;I was really, really awful at communicating, at opening up and sharing my feelings. Whenever I heard anything negative about myself, it hit me so hard, but I never allowed anybody to know what I was thinking or dealing with.”Ken Griffey, Jr.'s struggle with depression was a major factor in his 1988 suicide attempt. Rick Rypien battled with clinical depression for much of his life. He committed suicide in 2011. Picabo Street went through a huge depression after injuring her knee in a skiing accident in the late-1990s. She says, &quot;I went all the way to rock bottom. I never thought that I ever would experience anything like that in my life.&quot;Why do you think so many athletes have depression? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

35 Athletes with Depression

List of Athletes With Depression

Which popular professional athletes have bipolar disorder? Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-25-greatest-nfl-players-of-all-time/hardtack?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous NFL players</a>, <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-10-current-nba-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">NBA stars</a> and golfers suffer from bipolar disorder. Some of these athletes were diagnosed with the mental illness when they were young, while others were diagnosed later in life.Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who has bipolar disorder? Metta World Peace tops our list. The athlete formerly known as Ron Artest reportedly suffers from bipolar disorder, as did his father. Delonte West confirmed that he was battling depression and bipolar disorder in 2008. He says, "It’s been haunting me my whole life, self-destructive behavior. Everything is going good for me — being on a great team where anything less than a championship is unacceptable this year, getting a new contract, being in a good situation. When everything is on the upside, I’m feeling the worst."Jean-Claude Van Damme was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1998. He says, "I'm not perfect...I'm an extreme bipolar, and I'm taking medication for this...When I was young, I was suffering those swing moods. In the morning, the sky was blue [when I was] going to school, and to me, the sky was black. I was so sad." Barret Robbins was diagnosed with bipolar disorder while spending time at the Betty Ford Center in 2003.Do you think there is still a societal stigma associated with mental illness? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Athletes With Bipolar Disorder

List of Athletes Who Have Bipolar Disorder

Epilepsy

Do you know which popular professional athletes have epilepsy? Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-25-greatest-nfl-players-of-all-time/hardtack?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous NFL players</a>, MLB stars, and Olympians have epilepsy. Some of these athletes were diagnosed when they were children, while others were diagnosed as adults. One famous football player grew out of his epilepsy, but now his son suffers from the disorder.Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> with epilepsy? Florence Griffith Joyner tops our list. Florence Griffith Joyner suffered from epileptic seizures throughout the 1990s. She died from suffocation during a severe seizure on Sept. 21, 1998. Dai Greene has epilepsy. He says, &quot;As long as you’re focused and &shy;dedicated – especially in a sport – there’s no reason it should dictate your life.”Tiki Barber suffered from epileptic seizures until the age of five. His son A.J. has also had about 10 seizures. Jonty Rhodes was diagnosed with epilepsy as a child. He says, &quot;Most <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/famous-people-with-epilepsy/celebrity-lists?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">people with epilepsy</a> live a very normal life and should not be discriminated against either socially or in the work place.&quot; Marion Clignet was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 22 years old.Do you think that it would be difficult to be a professional athlete with epilepsy? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

23 Athletes with Epilepsy

List of Athletes Who Have Epilepsy

Which athletes have been charged with a DUI? Several famous NFL players, boxers and Olympians <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/celebrities-charged-with-domestic-abuse/celebrity-lists?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">have been charged</a> with driving under the influence. Some of these athletes later had the charges dropped, while others were convicted of drunk driving. Several famous athletes were also arrested for being in possession of illegal narcotics.<a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-famous-athletes-right-now/celebrity-lists?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Who is the most famous athlete</a> who was charged with a DUI? Mike Tyson tops our list. Mike Tyson was charged with a DUI in 2006. He was also charged with possession of cocaine at the same time. Michael Phelps plead guilty to a DUI in 2004. He was again arrested for drunk driving in 2014. Mike Ditka was charged with a DUI in 1985, the same year that his <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-chicago-bears-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Chicago Bears</a> won the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-quarterbacks-to-never-win-a-super-bowl?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Super Bowl</a>.Darryl Strawberry struggled with an addiction to drugs and alcohol for many years and was charged with a DUI in 2000. In 2014, he opened The Darryl Strawberry Recovery Center to help athletes and individuals suffering from substance abuse. In 1997, Oksana Baiul was arrested on a DUI after crashing her car into a tree in Connecticut. She entered rehab and has been sober since 1998.Are you surprised that so many famous athletes have been charged with driving while intoxicated? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Athletes Charged with DUI

List of Athletes Charged with a DUI

Sadly, it&#39;s not uncommon for professional athletes to be charged with domestic violence. Several <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-nfl-players-from-ohio/ranker-nfl?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous NFL players</a>, <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-10-current-nba-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">NBA stars</a>, and boxers <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/celebrities-charged-with-domestic-abuse/celebrity-lists?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">have been charged</a> with domestic violence. Some of these athletes later had the charges dropped, while others were convicted on multiple counts of assault.

Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who was charged with domestic violence? Floyd Mayweather Jr. tops the&nbsp;list. The boxing champion pleaded guilty to a domestic violence charge in 2010. Jos&eacute;&nbsp;Canseco pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges in 1988 and again in 1997.

Perhaps the most notorious case of domestic violence is that of Ray Rice. Ray Rice was charged with assault after he knocked out his fianc&eacute;e, Janay Palmer, in 2014. The entire incident was caught on video. Jovan Belcher was previously charged with domestic violence before killing his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins, and then himself, in 2012.

Who knows what leads any of these baseball or basketball or football players to beat up their girlfriends or wives? It is an unfortunate part of the sports world that has been ubiquitous in recent years.

Athletes Accused Of Domestic Violence

Athlete

List of Athletes Accused Of Domestic Violence

Which athletes fought a battle with cancer and survived? Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-25-greatest-nfl-players-of-all-time/hardtack?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous NFL players</a>, golfers, and Olympians have survived cancer. Some of these athletes were diagnosed with cancer during their professional careers, while others were diagnosed after they retired. One famous Olympian competed in a qualifying meet just one week after being diagnosed with cancer!&nbsp;Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who survived cancer? Lance Armstrong tops our list. Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer in 1996. The cancer had spread to his brain, lungs and abdomen, but with treatment, Armstrong was declared to be in remission by February of 1997. Martina Navratilova announced that she was being treated for breast cancer in 2010. She had the tumor removed and was also treated with radiation.Eric Shanteau was diagnosed with testicular cancer in July 2008. One week later, he earned himself a spot in the 2008 Summer Olympics where he placed a personal best time. After the Olympics, he had surgery to remove his testicle. He is now cancer free. Shannon Miller announced that she had been diagnosed with germ cell ovarian cancer in 2011. She underwent chemotherapy and by the end of the year, she was cancer free.Are you surprised that so many famous athletes have survived cancer? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Athletes Who Survived Cancer

List of Athletes Who Survived Cancer

Which of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-famous-athletes-right-now/celebrity-lists?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most popular athletes</a> suffer from Celiac disease? Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/famous-tennis-players-from-switzerland/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous Tennis players</a>, NFL stars, and Olympians have Celiac disease, a condition that makes individuals intolerant to gluten. Some of these athletes were diagnosed with Celiac disease when they were young, while others were diagnosed later in life.Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> with Celiac disease? Novak Djokovic tops our list. Novak Djokovic discovered that he had a gluten intolerance in 2010. He went on to win Wimbledon the following year. Sabine Lisicki suffers from a gluten intolerance. She has said that she feels more energetic since eliminating wheat from her diet. Cedric Benson was diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2009.Professional golfer Sarah Jane Smith was diagnosed with Celiac disease when she was 23 years old. She says, "It’s so important for people to understand this is something they can take control of. Celiac disease doesn’t have to control you." Hockey announcer Mickey Redmond doesn't like to go on long trips due to trouble finding foods that accommodate his Celiac disease.Do you think that it would be tough to eliminate gluten from your diet? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

10 Athletes with Celiac Disease

List of Athletes with Celiac Disease

Sadly, many athletes have died of cancer. Several <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/list-of-famous-baseball-players/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous MLB players</a>, football coaches and Olympians died from various forms of cancer. This horrible disease has claimed the lives of many of the world's most prolific professional athletes.&nbsp;Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who died of cancer? Babe Ruth tops our list. In 1946, an inoperable tumor was found at the base of Babe Ruth's skull and in his neck. He died on August 16, 1948 at the age of 53. In 2011, It was announced that Joe Paterno was diagnosed with lung cancer. He died due to complications with his cancer on Jan. 22, 2012.Ernie Davis was diagnosed with acute monocytic leukemia in 1962. He was treated and went into a brief remission before he ultimately passed away due to complications with the disease on May 18, 1963. Sonja Henie was diagnosed with leukemia in the mid-1960s. She died on Oct. 12, 1969 at the age of 57. Gary Carter was diagnosed with four malignant tumors in his brain in 2011. At the age of 57, he <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/famous-people-who-died-of-brain-tumor/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">died of brain cancer</a> on February 16, 2012.Are you surprised that so many professional athletes died of cancer? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

18 Athletes Who Died of Cancer

List of Athletes Who Died of Cancer

Colleges & Universities

Which of the most popular athletes went to Ivy League schools? Several famous hockey players, NFL stars, and Olympians attended Ivy League schools. Some of these athletes went to college before starting their professional careers, while others waited until after they had retired.

Who is the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-popular-athletes-/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous athlete</a> who attended an Ivy League school? Jeremy Lin tops our list. NBA player Jeremy Lin graduated from Harvard University in 2010. MLB player Sandy Koufax went to Columbia University while he was playing for the Dodgers. MLB player Brad Ausmus played in the minor leagues while attending Dartmouth. NFL player Ed Marinaro set 16 NCAA records while attending Cornell University.

Several <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/famous-female-athletes/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous female athletes</a> also attended <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/all-ivy-league-schools/sportsyeah?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Ivy League universities</a>. Olympian Alicia Sacramone attended Brown University. Olympian Sarah Hughes graduated from Yale in 2009. Hockey player Rebecca Johnston attended Cornell University. Olympian Cristina Teuscher graduated from Columbia University in 2000.

Do you think that attending a prestigious school helped these athletes to succeed in their chosen professions? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Athletes Who Went to Ivy League Schools

List of Athletes Who Went to Ivy League Schools

Death by athlete: it could happen to you. Several famous boxers, NFL players, NBA stars, and other athletes have killed people. Some of these athletes accidentally killed after being involved in car accidents, while others brutally murdered their victims. From first-degree homicide to accidental manslaughter, these sports stars will have the deaths of innocent people on their consciences forever. Whatever the explanation, these athletes are technically killers.

<a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-famous-athletes-right-now/celebrity-lists?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Who is the most famous athlete</a> who killed someone? NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis tops our list. In 2000, the former Ravens star Ray Lewis and his friends were involved in a fight that resulted in the stabbing deaths of two people. Lewis made a plea deal to provide testimony against his companions in exchange for prosecutors dropping the murder charges and he was able to avoid jail for the crime. He was fined $250,000 by the NFL and reached settlements with the victims&#39; families.

For some sports stars, the deaths came as part of the jobs. On March 24, 1962 Emile Griffith went 12 rounds against Benny &quot;the Kid&quot; Paret. The fight ended when Paret went into a coma after being punched 29 consecutive times. He died in the hospital 10 days later. The fight was televised live on ABC.

Are you surprised that there are so many professional athletes who have killed people? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Athletes Who Have Killed People

Athletes Who Killed People | Sports Stars Who Are Murderers

LGBTQ+

Thanks to these prominent athletes who are gay, the sports world is becoming more and more accepting of homosexual players. Whether these famous Olympians, tennis greats, and basketball players came out after they retired, or revealed their sexuality during their sports careers, they’ve paved the way for major LGTB sports progress. Who is the most famous gay athlete? Football star Michael Sam made headlines in 2014 when he became the first openly gay athlete to be drafted into the NFL. But he definitely wasn’t the first homosexual athlete to find success. Olympic diver Greg Louganis is openly gay. He came out publicly in 1995 on The Oprah Show. And tennis star Billie Jean King was the first female athlete to publicly come out way back in 1981. NBA player Jason Collins came out as gay in an interview with Sports Illustrated magazine in 2013. He was the first active athlete to come out as gay in any of the major American sports. His announcement provoked mixed reactions from his fellow players and the media.Are you surprised that so many professional athletes are gay? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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