13 Athletes That Also Had Music Careers

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Athletes are often known for their impressive skills on the field or court. Some athletes, though, have talents that extend beyond sports. They have successfully ventured into music, showcasing their abilities off the field.

This article explores athletes who have made notable contributions to the music world. These individuals demonstrate that dedication and passion can lead to success in multiple arenas. Their stories highlight the diverse talents and interests of some of the most well-known sports figures.

Shaquille O’Neal

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Shaquille O’Neal, often known as Shaq, is widely recognized as one of the greatest basketball players. What many people may not know is that he also had a successful music career.

Shaq’s music journey began in 1993 when he released his debut rap album, “Shaq Diesel.” The album was a hit, selling over one million copies and earning Platinum status.

Throughout his music career, Shaq released four albums between 1993 and 1998. He collaborated with famous artists like RZA, Method Man, and Phife Dawg. These collaborations helped him gain respect in the rap community.

Shaq’s music is known for its energetic beats and confident lyrics. While his primary focus remained on basketball, he showed that athletes could excel in multiple fields.

Kobe Bryant

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Kobe Bryant, the legendary basketball player, also ventured into the world of music. Before making his mark in the NBA, Bryant was signed by Sony to pursue a rap career. The company hoped he would eventually become a solo act.

Bryant released a rap single called “K.O.B.E.” in the early 2000s. The song featured model Tyra Banks on the chorus. Despite his confidence on the court, his music career didn’t reach the same level of success.

While his rap career was short-lived, Bryant’s love for music remained evident throughout his life. He often talked about how music influenced his mindset and performance in basketball.

Kobe Bryant’s brief foray into rap highlights the diverse talents athletes can possess outside their sports careers.

Deion Sanders

deion sanders
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Deion Sanders, also known as “Prime Time,” is best known for his exceptional career in both the NFL and MLB. He played professional football and baseball at the same time, showcasing his incredible athleticism.

In addition to his sports career, Sanders ventured into music. He released his debut rap album in the mid-1990s. His personality and flair were clear in his music efforts, reflecting the same confidence he displayed on the field.

Sanders also stepped into the spotlight in other ways. He hosted “Saturday Night Live” in 1995 after winning the Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers. This appearance highlighted his appeal beyond sports.

Deion Sanders continues to be a prominent figure in the sports world. He currently holds a significant role as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team, with a contract worth millions.

Bernie Williams

Bernie Williams
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Bernie Williams, born on September 13, 1968, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a renowned figure in both baseball and music.

He played his entire 16-year MLB career with the New York Yankees. He won four World Series championships with the team and had a .297 batting average. Williams was known for his skill as a switch-hitter and his exceptional performance as a center fielder.

Beyond baseball, Williams is also an accomplished musician. He is a classically trained guitarist and has been nominated for a Grammy award. His passion for music continued even after his retirement from baseball.

His ability to excel in two distinct fields highlights his versatility and dedication. This dual talent in sports and music makes Bernie Williams a noteworthy figure, showing that success can be achieved in multiple arenas.

Tony Parker

Tony Parker
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Tony Parker, born on May 17, 1982, is widely known for his remarkable basketball career. He played 18 seasons, mainly with the San Antonio Spurs, and is a four-time NBA champion. Less known is his venture into music.

Parker, a French-American athlete, has always had a passion for hip-hop. In 2007, he released a French hip-hop album titled “TP.”

The album features collaborations with French artists like Booba and Don Choa. Even though it didn’t become a major hit, Parker’s effort was appreciated by fans and peers. His music reflects his multicultural background and love for rap.

While his primary acclaim stems from basketball, Parker’s involvement in music adds another layer to his diverse talents. He continues to influence sports and culture in unique ways.

Wayman Tisdale

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Wayman Tisdale was a standout basketball player and musician. Born on June 9, 1964, in Fort Worth, Texas, he became known for his talent on the basketball court and his smooth jazz music.

He played 12 seasons in the NBA, showcasing his skills with the Indiana Pacers and the Sacramento Kings. Tisdale was a three-time All-American at the University of Oklahoma and was a first-round pick in the 1985 NBA draft.

Tisdale’s passion for music was evident even during his basketball career. While still playing professionally, he released his first solo album in 1995. His music career flourished as he became known for his skills as a bass guitarist.

By 2004, Tisdale had released six albums, blending his love for jazz with his athletic career. Despite his success in basketball, music remained a central part of his life.

Sadly, Wayman Tisdale passed away on May 15, 2009, at the age of 44. His legacy lives on through his contributions to both sports and music. He left an indelible mark as an NBA player and a beloved jazz musician.

Chris Jericho

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Chris Jericho, born Christopher Keith Irvine, is known both as a professional wrestler and a musician. He started wrestling at the age of 19 and has had a career spanning over 30 years. Jericho has wrestled in numerous promotions, including WWE and AEW, where he has become a fan favorite.

Aside from wrestling, Jericho is the lead singer of the band Fozzy. The band was originally formed as a cover band called Fozzy Osbourne, but later started creating original music. They have released several albums and toured around the world. Jericho’s presence in the band has added to its popularity.

Jericho’s dual career shows his versatility and passion for entertainment. Whether performing in the ring or on stage, he brings energy and charisma. Fans of both wrestling and rock music have followed his multifaceted career with interest and respect.

Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya
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Oscar De La Hoya is well-known for his boxing career. He won 11 world titles in six different weight classes. Born on February 4, 1973, in Montebello, Los Angeles, he quickly rose to fame as “The Golden Boy” of boxing.

Apart from boxing, De La Hoya also ventured into music. In 2000, he released a Latin pop album titled “Oscar De La Hoya.” The album included both English and Spanish songs.

His debut album featured the single “Ven a Mi,” which received a Grammy nomination. Though his music career did not reach the heights of his boxing career, it showcased his versatility.

De La Hoya’s album was produced by Grammy-winning producer Rudy Pérez. This collaboration added credibility to his musical endeavors.

His transition from boxing to music is a unique aspect of his career. De La Hoya has always been known for exploring diverse interests.

Roy Jones Jr.

Roy Jones Jr.
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Roy Jones Jr. is a name that resonates in the world of boxing. Born in a family with a rich boxing tradition, he was trained by his father, Roy Jones Sr., a Vietnam War veteran and a middleweight boxer. Jones Jr. rose to prominence in the amateur boxing scene, winning the United States National Junior Olympics in 1984.

In his professional career, Jones achieved significant success. He won titles across four different weight divisions and is often mentioned among the greatest boxers of all time. His impressive ring skills earned him numerous accolades and a spot in boxing history.

Aside from boxing, Jones also ventured into music. He released his debut album, “Round One: The Album,” in 2002. Two years later, he was part of the group Body Head Bangerz and released “Volume One” in 2004. Jones’s music career showcased his diverse talents beyond the boxing ring. Although he had mixed success in music, his efforts demonstrate his willingness to explore new arenas.

Jones’s career is marked by his determination and drive, whether in the boxing ring or the recording studio. He remains a notable figure in both sports and entertainment.

Randy Savage

Randy Savage
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Randy “Macho Man” Savage, born Randy Mario Poffo, was more than just a wrestling icon. Known for his deep, raspy voice, and flamboyant style, he captivated audiences in the WWE and WCW. His wrestling career was filled with memorable matches and unforgettable promos.

Savage also ventured into music. In 2003, he released a rap album titled Be a Man. The album featured tracks that were a mix of wrestling themes and personal reflections.

Though his music career did not achieve the same legendary status as his wrestling career, it showcased Savage’s versatility and willingness to try new things. His efforts in music left fans with a unique blend of wrestling and hip-hop culture.

John Cena

John Cena
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John Cena, born April 23, 1977, is best known as a professional wrestler and actor. He joined WWE in 2002 and quickly became a fan favorite.

Cena has taken his talents beyond the wrestling ring into music. He released his rap album “You Can’t See Me” in 2005. The album features tracks that showcase his rapping skills.

The album included the hit single “The Time is Now,” which became his entrance theme in WWE. The song is well-recognized by wrestling fans.

Cena’s music career shows his versatility as an entertainer. Despite his busy schedule, he managed to make a mark in the music industry. This combination of wrestling and music places him among athletes who successfully ventured into different fields.

Terry Bradshaw

Terry Bradshaw
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Terry Bradshaw, born September 2, 1948, in Shreveport, Louisiana, is best known as a legendary football quarterback. He played 14 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. He later became a television sports analyst and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday.

Beyond football, Bradshaw also explored a music career. He released several country and gospel albums during his post-football days. His debut album, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” featured a mix of country classics and original songs.

Bradshaw’s music sometimes appeared on television shows, adding to his fame. His mix of sports and music talents made him unique. He tried to bring the same passion from the football field to the recording studio.

Bradshaw’s music career may not have reached the same heights as his football accomplishments. Still, it showed his versatility and love for performing. His contributions to both sports and music left a mark on his fans and admirers.

Carlos Boozer

Carlos Boozer
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Carlos Boozer, a well-known NBA player, had a notable music career alongside his professional basketball achievements. Boozer, recognized for his time with teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls, also pursued a passion for music.

During his basketball career, Boozer collaborated with various artists. He showcased his musical talent in features and performances. While not as widely known for his music as his sports career, he made contributions to the music world that reflected his diverse interests.

Boozer’s love for music extended beyond just listening. He actively engaged in producing and collaborating, using his platform to connect with fans in a different way. His involvement in music provided an outlet for creativity, separate from his athletic endeavors.

Balancing two careers is challenging, but Boozer managed to integrate his musical interests with his busy life as an athlete. This side of him highlights the multifaceted nature of his talents, showing that his skills go beyond basketball.

Carlos Boozer’s musical contributions, though not as prominent as his athletic accolades, add depth to his public persona. His ability to succeed in both fields underscores the versatility and dedication he brings to his passions.

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