The 10 best all-time athlete movie cameos showcase the unique blend of sports and cinema.
This February, fans can look forward to seeing two NFL icons on the big screen. Former All-Pro running back Marshawn Lynch will star in the action-comedy film “Love Hurts,” which is set to be released on February 7. He will be joined by FOX Sports analyst and Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johnson. The film also features Golden Globe and Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan, who plays a realtor drawn back into a life of crime when an old partner makes a threatening appearance.
This development raises an interesting question: which athletes have delivered the most memorable cameos in film history?
To answer this question, a review of cinematic history over the past few decades was conducted, leading to the ranking of the 10 best athlete cameos of all time.
A cameo is generally characterized as a brief role performed by a well-known figure, often limited to a single scene. The significance of the athlete’s actions in their respective scene, along with the film’s overall popularity, were key factors in compiling this list.
Athletes who played substantial roles in films will be featured in a future edition of the Daily Ranker. Icons like Anthony Edwards in “Hustle,” Michael Jordan in “Space Jam,” Ray Allen in “He Got Game,” and Shaquille O’Neal in “Kazaam” will be highlighted there.
While some entries on this list may seem obvious, others may surprise readers.
Where does your favorite athlete rank among these iconic cameos?
Let’s take a closer look:
10. Derek Jeter, “The Other Guys”
In the 2010 comedy “The Other Guys,” Derek Jeter makes a brief yet pivotal appearance. Jeter’s character is inadvertently shot by Mark Wahlberg’s character, Terry Hoitz, which prevents him from playing in Game 7 of the World Series. This incident leads to Hoitz being dubbed the “Yankee Clipper,” significantly impacting his NYPD career.
9. Brett Favre, “There’s Something About Mary”
Brett Favre appears in the 1998 romantic comedy “There’s Something About Mary” as the ex-boyfriend of Cameron Diaz’s character, Mary Jensen. His role is particularly memorable because he is humorously referred to as “Pac-Man” throughout the film, with no direct acknowledgment of his football career. Ultimately, Mary chooses the “good guy” over Favre.
8. Lance Armstrong, “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story”
In “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” Lance Armstrong delivers an unexpected and impactful speech to Vince Vaughn’s character, Peter, at an airport. This motivational moment prompts Peter to reconsider his decision to quit the team, ultimately leading to their victory. The film, released in 2004, was a commercial success, grossing $30 million in its opening weekend and $168 million globally.
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr., “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”
In the 2006 film “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. has a brief but memorable cameo. He navigates through a crowd of fans clamoring for Will Ferrell’s character, Ricky Bobby, to request an autograph. This humorous moment highlights the playful rivalry within the NASCAR community.
6. Michael Irvin, “The Longest Yard”
In the 2005 remake of “The Longest Yard,” Michael Irvin portrays a talented athlete who initially hesitates to join a group of inmates forming a football team. Eventually, he decides to join the team, showcasing his exceptional skills on the field. The film effectively captures his real-life prowess as a star receiver.
5. Hines Ward, “The Dark Knight Rises”
In “The Dark Knight Rises,” Hines Ward has no dialogue, yet his scene remains unforgettable. During a chaotic football game, he makes an impressive touchdown run while wearing Steelers colors. As he celebrates, the stadium collapses around him, creating a striking visual that resonates with audiences. The film achieved remarkable success, grossing over $1.1 billion globally.
4. Lee Trevino, “Happy Gilmore”
3. Mike Tyson, “The Hangover”
In “The Hangover,” Mike Tyson delivers a standout performance with his surprise cameo. He showcases his boxing skills by knocking out one of the characters and even sings Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight.” His unexpected presence adds a layer of humor and excitement to the film, which grossed over $469 million worldwide.
2. Dan Marino, “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”
In the classic film “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” Dan Marino plays a fictionalized version of himself. The plot revolves around Ace Ventura, a quirky detective on a mission to find the Miami Dolphins’ missing mascot. Marino’s character not only aids in the recovery of the mascot but also becomes a key figure in the climax, leading the Dolphins to Super Bowl XXVII. This 1994 film grossed over $107 million globally.
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, “Airplane!”
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, often referred to as “The Captain,” takes on a co-pilot role in the 1980 comedy “Airplane!” As the flight crew falls ill, Abdul-Jabbar helps pilot a plane when the lead character, Ted Striker, struggles with his past trauma. The sight of an NBA legend landing a plane adds a unique twist to the film, which had a modest budget of $3.5 million and grossed $83.4 million worldwide.
HONORABLE MENTION
- 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”
