Articles & Features
The Hobbies of NFL Stars - Popular Hobbies of NFL Players
Photo: Aug 19, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Hobbies of NFL Stars - Popular Hobbies of NFL Players

NFL players are no strangers to being under the lights and at the center of everyone’s attention.

People see these players time and time again in the top fixtures without knowing what they get up to off the pitch. 

 

Players sometimes have hobbies that are pretty surprising! Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is a fully-trained operatic singer. This is a prime example of how people can surprise you. There are some popular hobbies among NFL players though and trends that exist in locker rooms all over the country. 

Gaming

Gaming has exploded in popularity over the last (and it was already super popular) so it's not surprising that many NFL players are huge fans of video games. The NFL world is filled with fierce competition but gaming offers players a chance to engage in friendly rivalry off the field. 

 

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is a well-known gamer and in interviews, he has even explained how he might’ve been an esports pro in another life. He’s a regular on gaming platforms and often streams his gameplay on Twitch. 

 

There are a lot of different players who have a similar approach. Blake Martinez is known to be a popular Dota2 player. Maybe Dota2 isn’t so different and a lot of the skills can actually be compared to NFL. Blake Martinez could even potentially play competitively in the future and just like Football there is a fledgling scene for esports. A lot of this is supported by the gambling industry and just like in the NFL, there are a lot of different markets. People betting on Dota2 at Thunderpick will see that there are a number of both team and individual markets. A lot like the sport these players play for a living, there are also games that have both individual and team achievements.

 

These have made up a lot of markets that people can potentially gamble on when they attend events and a new age of sports stars has started – esports stars!

 

A lot of NFL players only use gaming as a form of entertainment away from the sport and would not necessarily want to go pro and have that level of scrutiny. It makes a good test with a bit of strategy away from the sport and players can chill in their homes while playing online. Good for rest and recuperation between fixtures!

Music – Beats and Tunes Beyond the Field

Football players need to be on song on the field but many of them also aim to hit the studio in their spare time! Music is a hobby that resonates deeply with many NFL players. 

 

Take Pittsburgh Steelers’ Le’Veon Bell. He pursued a side career as a rapper during his time in the NFL. Bell released several tracks under his stage name Juice and he’s one of many players who have shown a passion for music beyond the sport. Juice is pretty good too! He’s got bars according to a lot of reviewers. Pro players have time to do this and some even have studios in their own homes! 

 

Other NFL players prefer listening to music as part of their pre-game routines. Pump-up music has the power to motivate and focus players which is why many can be seen with headphones on before matches – listening to their favorite tracks to get into the right mindset.

Fishing – Serenity Away From the Field

Fishing is the polar opposite of football in many ways. Football is frantic both on and off the field. Even the deadline-day trading is stressful for players who might not know where they will spend the next years of their lives. So it makes sense that a lot of these players take every opportunity to sit serenely by the lake! 

 

NFL legends such as Randy Moss and Brett Favre have both been vocal about their love of fishing. Hall of Fame wide receiver Moss has frequently shared his fishing adventures with fans – often showing off his impressive catches (pun intended). Moss has competed in some pro events.

 

Fishing allows players to relax and unwind which can be a welcome escape from the spotlight and the pressure that comes with being a professional athlete. It is a niche hobby and way more popular in some states than in others. 

Conclusion

There is room for some notable mentions in terms of hobbies. It is no surprise that luxury cars form part of a lot of players’ pastimes. If they are on the bigger contracts handed out in the NFL then they can certainly afford a decent car. Fashion is another hobby a lot of people get into as they want to look their sharpest away from the sport. Everyone has an individual take on hobbies and sports stars are free to pursue many different fun pastimes away from the game.