Top 10 Unforgettable Athlete Cameos in Movies: Which Stars Stole the Show?

Two NFL icons are set to dazzle the big screen this February. Marshawn Lynch, a former All-Pro running back, will star in the upcoming action-comedy film “Love Hurts,” releasing on February 7. He’ll share the stage with Jimmy Johnson, a Hall of Fame coach and FOX Sports analyst. Ke Huy Quan, a Golden Globe and Academy Award winner, plays a realtor drawn back into a life of crime when an old partner appears with a dark message.

This news got us thinking about standout athlete cameos in movies. We’ve taken the plunge into film history and ranked the top 10 athlete cameos of all time. A cameo is a small but memorable role performed by a well-known figure, usually in just one scene. We considered both the performance and the movie’s significance when making our selections.

Athletes who took on bigger roles will be featured in our next list, so keep an eye out for stars like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal. While some choices are expected, there are a few lesser-known surprises in our top 10. Let’s dive in!

10. Derek Jeter, “The Other Guys”

In this 2010 buddy cop comedy, Derek Jeter makes a brief but impactful appearance. He’s shot by Mark Wahlberg’s character, which leads to tragic consequences for the NYPD cop’s career. Jeter’s scene is both serious and essential to the plot.

9. Brett Favre, “There’s Something About Mary”

Brett Favre pops up as the ex-boyfriend of Mary Jensen, played by Cameron Diaz. He’s humorously called “Pac-Man” throughout the film, yet there’s no mention of his legendary football status. In a twist, Mary ultimately chooses another man over him, making it a memorable cameo.

8. Lance Armstrong, “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story”

In this hilarious 2004 film, Lance Armstrong motivates Vince Vaughn’s character at a crucial moment. His unexpected speech brings humor and inspiration, making it one of the film’s standout moments.

7. Dale Earnhardt Jr., “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s cameo is a quick but funny scene. He asks Ricky Bobby for an autograph, humorously stating he’s a huge fan, which reverses the typical fan-celebrity dynamic.

6. Michael Irvin, “The Longest Yard”

Michael Irvin portrays an inmate who initially refuses to join a football team. His character undergoes development, eventually stepping up as a key player. The film highlights his athletic prowess effectively.

5. Hines Ward, “The Dark Knight Rises”

In one of the most memorable scenes, Hines Ward plays a football player just as the city of Gotham is under siege. His touchdown run and the ensuing chaos create a striking visual moment in the film.

4. Lee Trevino, “Happy Gilmore”

Lee Trevino delivers a comic gem in “Happy Gilmore,” reacting to Adam Sandler’s antics with just one line. His influential presence as a legendary golfer adds to the comedic value of this sports classic.

3. Mike Tyson, “The Hangover”

Mike Tyson surprises everyone in “The Hangover” with his wild antics, including a memorable punch and a karaoke performance. His unexpected role adds a fun twist to the comedy.

2. Dan Marino, “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”

Dan Marino appears as himself, rescuing his missing mascot thanks to Jim Carrey’s eccentric detective. His role adds authenticity and a fun dynamic to the movie.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, “Airplane!”

Kareem plays a co-pilot in this classic comedy. His performance, especially as he helps land the plane, is hilarious and iconic, perfectly showcasing his larger-than-life persona.

Honorable Mentions:

• Kevin Garnett, “Uncut Gems”
• Larry Bird, “Space Jam”
• Shaquille O’Neal, “Good Burger”
• Lawrence Taylor, “The Waterboy”
• Reggie Jackson, “The Naked Gun”
• LeBron James, “Trainwreck” and “House Party”
• Tom Brady, “Ted 2” and “Stuck on You”
• Serena Williams, “Ocean’s 8”
• Jim Brown, “The Running Man”
• Troy Aikman, “Jerry Maguire”

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