These Musicians Were Once Sports Stars

The music and professional sports industries share many similarities. You must be determined, focused, and committed to getting ahead. This country’s talent pool is deep for these multi-billion-dollar sectors, so more than raw talent is needed to survive. Getting to the top of the mountain is a battle of the fittest, and many potential stars don’t last.

We have an exciting article for you if you love music and have a soft spot for professional sports like basketball, American football, horse racing, and soccer. Keep reading as we reveal some of the most successful musicians with a passion and skill for sports. These names feature in the music charts, but they have also played sports on TV, won championships, and appeared in the top NBA betting lists.

No mean feat

A special breed has proven it’s possible to make the crossover from sport to music. It’s not easy, of course, with both careers in the entertainment business, and it requires a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and self-belief. Being a success in either music or sport is unique. But doing both sets the champions apart from the contenders.

Let’s look at the players and musicians that have entertained millions with their talents, bringing joy to the ears of music lovers and excitement to the hearts of sports fans. We organized our article into the style of a frequently asked question and covered several sports. As a result, you’ll find this page has something for everyone.

Which NBA star released the album Face to Face?

We start with the great Wayman Tisdale, a household name among NBA fans who turned his attention to music after retiring. Tisdale hung up his boots and called it a day in 2001, but he didn’t last long at home or on the golf course.

He was soon back under the spotlight as a talented bass player for a jazz band. His album, Face to Face, made news when hitting the top of the Billboard Jazz charts.

Which former NFL player is now a country musician?

We’ve seen players from other sports showcase their love for country music in the past, but the NFL has yet to give us too much talent in that field. But there is one name that’s worth a mention, Mike Reid.

The offensive lineman spent four seasons at the NFL club, the Cincinnati Bengals, where he was something of a fans’ favorite. But we’re more impressed by his hidden musical talents that led him to a Grammy Award and induction into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.

What’s unique about The Johnny Smith band?

He is one of the best tennis players ever and, to some, the most memorable character on the center court. John McEnroe, a talented singer? “You can’t be serious.” Sorry, we couldn’t resist. But the American hothead plays the guitar and is pretty good.

On the ATP tennis tour, McEnroe would travel with his crew, The Johnny Smith band, gigging in major cities worldwide. John has also appeared on stage to play with more famous bands as a celebrity guest.

Has a group of cricketers ever started a band?

You don’t often associate cricket with music, but there’s an exception. The New South Wales cricket team enjoyed so much success on the field of play they fancied showing fans there’s more to them than swinging a bat.

A few players created a band named Six and Out, with one of their best-known songs, Can’t Bowl, Can’t Throw. The band consisted of teammates Richard Chee Quee on vocals, Brett Lee with bass, Shane Lee and Brad McNamara combined their guitar skills, with Gavin Robertson as the drummer.

MLS player scoring hits

Alexi Lalas was one of the most memorable soccer players from the 1990s and starred for Team USA at the FIFA World Cup. The defender was instantly recognizable with his crazy hair and beard. He also has an ear for rock music. That would explain his style back in the day.

Lalas has released eight solo albums since packing up soccer, including last year’s track Melt Away. He’s active, and we expect Alexi to produce more hits this year.

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