Sports Players Who Tried to Launch Music Careers

In sports, players frequently exhibit extraordinary versatility, extending their talents beyond their sporting arenas. Some athletes have an intriguing penchant for harmonies and melodies, daring to delve into the dynamic realm of music careers. They seek to transcend the boundaries, to score not just goals or points, but hit musical notes as well. This article will discover sports stars who dared to venture into unchartered territories, trading their sports gear for the microphone.

Andy Cole

Known for his prowess on the football pitch, former Manchester United striker Andy Cole decided to venture into the music world. He boasts a stellar record on the field, unfortunately, the same can’t be said about his stint in music. His single-track rap career featured the song ‘Outstanding,’ which sadly wasn’t as stellar as its name implied.

Cole’s delivery was awkwardly clumsy, with lyrics that left listeners in a state of bewildered amusement rather than admiration. Statements such as “Come on everybody, let’s feel the beats/my bassline thumping in the streets” were memorable, but perhaps not in the way the renowned striker intended.

Shaquille O’Neal

NBA’s towering legend, Shaquille O’Neal, ventured into music with a level of success rarely seen among athletes. Shaq, revered for his on-court magnetism, leveraged that charm in his music career, making him arguably the most outstanding rapping athlete. Like top basketball movies, his rap albums propelled him into mainstream music.

Across four albums released in the 90s, Shaq collaborated with illustrious names like Biggie, Jay Z, and Warren G. While Shaq may not have penned most of his lyrics, his charismatic presence on the mic was undeniable, echoing the same popularity he enjoyed on the court.

Carl Lewis

Track star and ten-time Olympic medalist Carl Lewis was basking in the limelight following his four gold-medal hauls at the 1984 games. This triumph led him down the path of music, resulting in his 1987 single ‘Break It Up.’

Attempting to fuse reggae with pop elements, the song was accompanied by an unconventional video featuring the star cavorting with middle-aged women in a sauna. Unfortunately, this bold foray into music proved to be more of a misstep than a crowning achievement, serving as a reminder that athletic and musical talents do not always go hand in hand.

Roy Jones Jr

Once an untouchable figure in boxing, Roy Jones Jr. tried to replicate his in-ring success in the music industry. His attempt, however, did not strike the same chord as his boxing prowess.

The American’s 2002 debut LP, ‘Round One: The Album,’ featured a track, ‘Ya’ll Have Forgot,’ which showcased his awkward, off-rhythm flow. The lyrics broke down his boxing achievements in a monotone delivery, akin to someone droning on their grocery list.

Kobe Bryant

Late NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, already a household name by the late 90s, also dipped his toes in the music industry. He penned a record deal with Sony, who anticipated capitalizing on Bryant’s interest in rap.

However, creative disagreements arose. While Sony pushed for a marketable pop sound, Kobe was inclined towards a raw, underground style. These contrasting visions led to his premature exit from Sony, showing that even someone of Bryant’s stature can encounter hurdles in artistic ventures.

Clint Dempsey

Regarded as one of the greatest US outfield players in English football history, Clint Dempsey also showed an affinity for music. Known by his rap moniker, Deuce, Dempsey brought his passion for dirty south hip-hop to London.

He produced several releases, notably ‘Don’t Tread,’ a commendable slice of Texan-style hip-hop, created as part of a Nike ad campaign for the 2006 World Cup. In this endeavor, Dempsey showcased his multifarious talents, proving that his finesse extends beyond the football field and into the recording studio.

Petr Cech

Famed Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech showcases a talent beyond his soccer skills, having cultivated a parallel career in music as a drummer. Even after losing his primary role on the team to Thibaut Courtois, Cech remained undeterred, diving headfirst into his musical pursuits.

He’s showcased his percussive prowess in jams with Queen’s Roger Taylor and on his YouTube channel, where he covers songs by bands like the Foo Fighters and Coldplay. These endeavors highlight Cech’s versatile talents, confirming his adeptness with drumsticks as much as with a goalkeeper’s gloves.

Caroline Wozniacki

Caroline Wozniacki, former World No. 1 in tennis, found a unique way to express her creativity off the court: through an EDM single. Wozniacki, who doesn’t have a Grand Slam title, does boast the song ‘Oxygen.”

While the track heavily disguises her voice with synthetic effects, it offers a playful nod to her tennis career with lyrics like “Boy, you’re my match point.” Although it can be critiqued as a low-rent Eurovision number, Wozniacki’s venture into the music industry shows her versatility and willingness to explore new avenues.

Conclusion

The intersection of sports and music is undoubtedly intriguing. Athletes, from footballers to boxers, have made forays into the music world, with results ranging from the praiseworthy to the downright cringeworthy. These stars demonstrate that creativity knows no boundaries, serving as a captivating reminder of the multifaceted nature of talent and the endless possibilities that come with daring to explore.

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Tags: Music, music careers, sports, sports stars

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.