1. Phil McGraw - Dr. Phil's Tackle on the Football Field
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Dr. Phil may be known for his advice-giving skills today, but did you know he once tackled opponents on the football field? With a 6-foot-4 frame, he played middle linebacker at the University of Tulsa. Despite the team's lack of success during his time, McGraw cherishes his memories of both playing and spectating in the stadium.
2. Gwen Stefani - Swimming to Success
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Singer and "Voice" coach Gwen Stefani attributes her incredible physique to her years as an active member of her high school swim team. Before captivating audiences with her powerful vocals, Stefani made a splash in the pool at Loara High School, showcasing her dedication and discipline as an athlete.
3. Gigi Hadid - From the Volleyball Court to the Runway
Image Source: Reddit
Supermodel Gigi Hadid's journey to fame started on the volleyball court during her high school days. Before dominating the fashion world, Hadid showcased her athletic prowess as a star volleyball player. Who knew that behind her glamorous runway appearances, she had a secret talent for spiking and serving?
4. Billy Crystal - Baseball Prospect? Neh! Go Yankees!
Image Source: Today
Billy Crystal, the comedic actor and host, had his sights set on a baseball career. He started with a baseball scholarship at Marshall University but never got to play. Instead, he pursued his studies at New York University. Crystal's love for the sport remained strong, and he fulfilled every Yankees fan's dream when he played a spring training game with the team in 2008.
5. Sam Hunt - From the Gridiron to the Country Music Stage
Image Source: YouTube
Country singer Sam Hunt's journey to stardom began on the football field as the quarterback for the University of Alabama Birmingham. In his second season, he demonstrated his skill by throwing for an impressive 1,905 yards and tallying 10 touchdown passes. Hunt's transition from football to country music showcases his versatility and his ability to capture hearts with both his voice and his athletic talent.
6. Ellie Kemper - Princeton Field Hockey Memories
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Ellie Kemper, known for her roles in "The Office" and "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," had a short but memorable time as a Princeton field hockey player. Although she spent most of her 1998 season on the bench and providing water to her teammates, Kemper fondly recalls the year when the team achieved second place in the country.
7. George Clooney - From Baseball Aspirations to Silver Screen
Image Source: Daily Hive
Before becoming a Hollywood heartthrob, George Clooney dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. At the age of 16, he tried out for the Cincinnati Reds but didn't secure a contract. Despite this setback, Clooney's love for the sport and his continued support for his favorite team, the Cincinnati Reds, has endured throughout his career.
8. Kate Hudson - A Soccer Dream Deferred
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Actress and Fabletics owner Kate Hudson once harbored serious aspirations in soccer. However, her love for acting and dancing ultimately took precedence, leading her to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. While Hudson could have excelled on the soccer field, she chose to follow her passion for the arts, carving out her own unique path.
9. Bradley Cooper - Rowing Drama and a Magnificent Effort
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Before making it big in Hollywood, Bradley Cooper was a member of the Georgetown rowing team. While studying English and becoming fluent in French, Cooper dedicated himself to rowing alongside his fellow Hoyas. His passion for both rowing and acting clashed when he had to choose between a crucial race and a play. After some insistence, he was allowed to row and delivered a magnificent effort that left his coach in awe.
10. Amy Adams - Dancing or Track? Dance be it!
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Amy Adams, known for her acting prowess, had a talent for dancing and track during high school. While she was incredibly quick and had the potential for a successful track career, Adams followed her passion for dance instead. Making the decision not to pursue university athletic options, she chose to focus on her love for dance, ultimately leading her to the silver screen.
11. Matthew Fox - From Lost on the Field to Found in Acting
Image Source: Radar Online
Matthew Fox, famous for his role in the TV show "Lost," had a less successful football career. Playing as a wide receiver for Columbia University, Fox endured a challenging college football stint, losing 44 consecutive games. However, this apparent setback led him to discover his true calling in acting, where he found success beyond the football field.
12. Emma Watson - A Wizard on the Field Hockey Pitch
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While studying at Brown University, Emma Watson showcased her sporting talents as an excellent field hockey player. The "Little Women" star donned her uniform and impressed with her skills on the field. Watson's dedication to both academics and sports during her university years reflects her multifaceted talents beyond the realm of acting.
13. Avril Lavigne - Skating and Street Hockey
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Avril Lavigne, the punk princess, began her athletic journey on ice skates at the young age of two. The Canadian-born singer's love for skating extended beyond the rink, as she even carried rollerblades on tour to indulge in her passion for street hockey. Lavigne's energetic performances on stage parallel her enthusiasm for sports offstage.
14. Britney Spears - A Hoop Dreams Duet
Image Source: Today
Before rising to stardom as a singer, Britney Spears showcased her skills on the basketball court as a member of her high school team. With a great shot and natural athleticism, Spears proved her talent beyond the world of music. Whether belting out chart-topping hits or shooting hoops, she has consistently demonstrated her versatility.
15. Uzo Aduba - Boston University's Track and Field Star
Image Source: Women's Health
Actress Uzo Aduba, widely known for her role as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren on "Orange Is the New Black," had a successful track and field career during her time at Boston University. Aduba's dedication and talent led her to achieve records and win medals, leaving a lasting impact on the university's athletic legacy.
16. Samuel Beckett - From Cricket to Absurdist Ideas
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Irish playwright Samuel Beckett, known for his absurdist works, had a passion for cricket. He played as a left-handed opening batsman during his time at Trinity College in Dublin, showcasing his skills with an average of 35 runs in four innings. Beckett's fascination with the concept of "game" in sports, especially chess, is evident throughout his literary works.
17. Nina Dobrev - A Multisport High School Phenomenon
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Nina Dobrev, best known for her roles in "The Vampire Diaries" and "Degrassi: The Next Generation," displayed her love for movement by participating in multiple sports during high school. Dobrev's athletic skills extended across various fields, From volleyball to soccer to baseball and basketball (even with the boys). Her commitment to staying active continues through her participation in celebrity sporting events.
18. Jason Sudeikis - Basketball Battles and Comedy Auditions
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Jason Sudeikis, known for his comedic talent, also had a passion for basketball during his school days. Playing against future stars and sharing the court with renowned players like Tyronn Lue, Sudeikis honed his skills on the basketball court. Reflecting on his auditions, he humorously recalls moments on the court that shaped his perspective on performance anxiety.
19. Ellen DeGeneres - Tennis Enthusiast and Matchmaker Extraordinaire
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Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres frequently expressed her love for tennis on her show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." She not only plays tennis herself but also participates in celebrity tournaments. DeGeneres even tried to play matchmaker by attempting to set up tennis star Naomi Osaka with actor Michael B. Jordan.
20. Matthew McConaughey - Golfing Hollywood's Finest
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Matthew McConaughey, renowned for his acting skills, is also an avid golfer. His abilities on the golf course have earned him recognition as one of Hollywood's top 100 golfers. McConaughey's love for the sport shines through as he regularly participates in golf events and claims to have achieved the impressive feat of making four hole-in-ones.
21. Master P - The Baller Rapper's NBA Dreams
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Master P, the rap mogul with a net worth of $200 million, had dreams of making it big in the NBA. Standing at 6-foot-4, he played basketball for the University of Houston and even participated in the Charlotte Hornets' training camp. Although he didn't make the cut, he showcased his skills with impressive three-pointers and assists.
22. Jane Lynch - A Sports Lover On and Off the Screen
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Jane Lynch, known for her roles in "Glee" and as the host of "Hollywood Game Night," not only enjoys being a fan of the Chicago Cubs but also actively engages in sports herself. During high school, Lynch played both softball and basketball. Although basketball wasn't her greatest passion, her height caught the attention of recruiters, showcasing her athletic potential.
23. Kate Middleton - Hockey Royalty
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The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, has been involved in field hockey throughout her life. With a passion for the sport, Middleton played field hockey during her university years and even participated in England's Olympic team practice before the 2012 London Olympics.
24. Tom Cruise - From Soccer to Stardom
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Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood's biggest stars, discovered his talent for soccer in his earlier days. Additionally, he pursued wrestling until an injury forced him to explore other avenues. Serendipitously, Cruise's injury led him to audition for a role in his school's production of "Guys and Dolls," setting him on the path to stardom.
25. Gerald Ford - Gave Up Being an Athlete in Exchange for the Presidency
Image Source: The Spokesman Review
Gerald Ford, often portrayed as a klutzy president on "Saturday Night Live," was a highly skilled athlete. He captained his high school football team and played center, linebacker, and long snapper at the University of Michigan. Ford's prowess led to "most valuable player" awards and offers from NFL teams, which he turned down.
26. Mark Harmon - From Quarterback to Crime Solver
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Before captivating audiences as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs in "NCIS," Mark Harmon showcased his athletic talent as the starting quarterback at UCLA for two years. Following in the footsteps of his Heisman Trophy-winning father, Tom Harmon, Mark demonstrated his skills and athleticism on the football field. Harmon's transition from the gridiron to the world of acting proved to be a winning play.
27. Amanda Seyfried - Letters to Juliet and Tennis
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Actress Amanda Seyfried exhibits her love for tennis by attending the U.S. Open religiously year after year. Even while filming "Letters to Juliet" in Italy, she found time to indulge in her passion by playing tennis with co-star Vanessa Redgrave; her dedication to the sport also only keeps her fit.
28. Robin Roberts - Broadcasting and Basketball Star
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Robin Roberts, the renowned broadcaster, had an impressive basketball career at Southeastern Louisiana University. As sports director of the college radio station, she also played for the Lady Lions and achieved remarkable statistics, including 1,446 points, 1,034 rebounds, and a 72% free throw percentage. Her achievements earned her a place in the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the NCAA's list of influential student-athletes.
29. Hailey Bieber - A Ballerina Turned Fashion Icon
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While Hailey Bieber is now known for her fashion campaigns and marriage to Justin Bieber, her early years were dedicated to ballet. She trained as a ballerina, performing with the Miami City Ballet and honing her skills at the esteemed American Ballet Theater. Bieber's grace and poise on the runway can be traced back to her days as a ballet dancer.
30. Jason Statham - Diving into Fame at the Commonwealth Games
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In a throwback video that resurfaced in 2018, action movie star Jason Statham was seen diving at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. Though his performance may not have been top-notch, we now understand the secret behind his impressive swimmer's body. Statham's athletic background adds an extra layer of admiration to his action-packed on-screen performances.