In honor of the 89th annual NFL Draft, which kicks off Thursday, we thought it would be fun to put together a list of current and former NFL pickleball players who have shown a commitment to the sport we love so much: pickleball.
Many NFL players seem to love pickleball, and even NFL Films Presents did a piece on it.
Without further ado, here are our top 10 picks for the first-ever ultimate NFL pickleball team.
The Top NFL Pickleball Players We Would Draft on Team Dink
Pick No. 1 - Drew Brees: The Most Dedicated NFL Pickleball Player
No current or former NFL pickleball player is more involved in the sport than future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. He was recently announced as the ambassador for Picklr, he's a part owner of the LA Mad Drops of Major League Pickleball, and he can be seen all over the pickle-verse doing interviews, playing games, and just gushing about his love for pickleball. CBS Sports reported that Brees joined the Mad Drops ownership group as someone who is genuinely invested in growing the game.
Thomas Shields
His game seems pretty darn good, too.
His ambassadorship of the game alone is well worth our first overall pick. The world of pickleball is lucky to have him.
NFL Draft Selection: Second round (32nd overall) in 2001 by the San Diego Chargers
Pick No. 2 - Golden Tate
Our man, Show Time Tate, is one of our absolute faves. Earlier this year, he was among the best NFL players who play pickleball on the courts at our Pickle Bowl in Las Vegas. His DUPR is 4.391 in Doubles and 4.716 in Singles.
As an NFL pickleball player, Tate brings a legitimate and hard-to-rattle game to the courts.
He most definitely has game, and we'd take him as our doubles partner any day of the week.
NFL Draft Selection: Second round (60th overall) in 2010 by the Seattle Seahawks
Pick No. 3 - Larry Fitzgerald
Few were better in the NFL at the wide receiver position than Larry Fitzgerald. He finished his career second in NFL career receiving yards, second in career receptions, and sixth in receiving touchdowns.
Once eligible, he'll be a unanimous NFL Hall of Fame selection, and we are lucky to call him a fellow NFL pickleball player.
While he never won the NFL championship, he did win one in pickleball earlier this year at the Las Vegas Pickle Bowl, when he played lights out alongside pro Patrick Kawka to win the inaugural event.
NFL Draft Selection: Third overall in 2004 by the Arizona Cardinals
These NFL Pickleball Players Are Just Getting Started
Pick No. 4 - Danny Wuerffel
Every team needs a cornerstone player, and for us, that's Danny Wuerffel. Danny recently made headlines when he started his second pro sports career in pickleball.
The Dink Media Team
The Denver Iconics drafted him in the National Pickleball League (a pro pickleball league for the 50+ age group) in mid-April, and we look forward to watching Danny's pro career unfold.
NFL Draft Selection: Fourth round in 1997 by the New Orleans Saints
Pick No. 5 - Nick Foles
Nick Foles is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and has been seen all over the PPA Tour courts lately, winning medal after medal. In December, he won two PPA Finals gold medals in 3.0 men's and mixed doubles.
Even Super Bowl champion Nick Foles has jumped on the pickleball hype train 🔥
— The Dink Pickleball (@Pickleball) December 11, 2023
He recently won two PPA Finals titles in 3.0 men’s and mixed doubles 🥇 pic.twitter.com/ntJFl04uTz
His DUPR is a respectable 4.245, and if his "grind it out" NFL career indicates his future pickleball success, we expect to see Nick on the podium a lot for years to come. This pro football player on the pickleball court is proving that championship mentality translates from the gridiron straight to the kitchen line.
NFL Draft Selection: Third round (88th overall) in 2012 by the Philadephia Eagles
The Dink Media Team
Pick No.6 - Travis Kelce
While we can't speak to T-Rav's pickleball game, we do know that he and fellow Kansas City Chief Patrick Mahomes recently invested in a Chicken N Pickle in KC.
We also know his famous girlfriend recently showed off her latest and we think greatest accessory: a pickleball paddle.
Those reasons alone earn him the number six overall selection. We don't care if he actually plays or not.
NFL Draft Selection: Third round (63rd overall) in 2013 by the Kansas City Chiefs
Pick No. 7 - Tim Tebow
Sometimes, you just need a good teammate, and if his reputation serves him correctly, there are few better than Tebow. His accomplishments with the Florida Gators are too numerous to include here, but even those statistics and awards would only scratch the surface of how much of a gamer Tebow is.
Foot faults and all, we'd take a chance with Tebow. Few football stars on the pickleball court bring the kind of character and team-first mentality that Tebow is known for.
NFL Draft Selection: 25th overall in 2010 by the Denver Broncos
Pick No. 8 - Rob Gronkowski
Gronk was not only a legend on the field, where he cemented his status as one of the greatest tight ends of all time, but he was also known for being outlandish and always bringing high energy to his squad. He's done the same with his pickleball endeavors.
Gronk's energy is precisely what pickleball needs, even if witnessing him play is like watching a wheelbarrow full of boulders stumble across a cobblestone road. As an NFL pickleball player, his celebrity crossover appeal brings the sport unmatched visibility and chaotic entertainment value.
NFL Draft Selection: Second round (42nd overall) in 2010 by the New England Patriots
Pick No. 9 - Tom Brady: The GOAT NFL Pickleball Player
You can't mention the NFL and pickleball in the same sentence without talking about the GOAT. No, not current pickleball pros Ben Johns or Anna Leigh Waters. We're talking about former NFL quarterback Tom Brady.
According to ESPN, Brady is a part owner of an MLP team and recently added a pickleball court to his Miami mega-mansion.
Jason Flamm
Does he have a good dink game? We don’t know. But we would never count him out.
NFL Draft Selection: Sixth round (199th overall) in 2000 by the New England Patriots
Pick No. 10 - Bijan Robinson
While several current and former NFL players who play pickleball are worthy of this final pick, we decided to give it to a newcomer. Welcome to the team, Bijan Robinson, running back for the Atlanta Falcons.
Adam Forziati
He's also a part-owner of MLP's Texas Ranchers.
Considering Bijan is going into his sophomore season in the NFL, it's hard to imagine he has much time to hit the small courts, but if his athleticism is any indication of how good he could be if he had the time to dedicate to it, then sign us up.
NFL Draft Selection: Eighth overall selection in 2023 by the Atlanta Falcons
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is the Most Famous NFL Pickleball Player Right Now?
Drew Brees is widely considered the most famous NFL pickleball player in the world today. He serves as ambassador for Picklr, co-owns a Major League Pickleball team, and consistently promotes the sport across media and social platforms.
Do Any Current NFL Players Play Pickleball?
Yes, several current NFL players who play pickleball include Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. The sport's accessibility and competitive nature have made it a popular off-season and lifestyle activity for pro athletes across all major leagues.
What Is Drew Brees's Role in Professional Pickleball?
Drew Brees serves as a brand ambassador for Picklr and is a co-owner of the LA Mad Drops in Major League Pickleball. His involvement goes well beyond ownership, as he actively participates in tournaments, media appearances, and grassroots efforts to grow the game at every level.
Does Tom Brady Own a Professional Pickleball Team?
Yes, Tom Brady is a part owner of a Major League Pickleball team. He has also added a dedicated pickleball court to his Miami mega-mansion, signaling just how serious this legendary quarterback is about the sport off the field.
Why Are So Many Pro Football Players Getting Into Pickleball?
Pickleball offers the competitive intensity that football players crave, but in a format that is significantly lower impact on the body. For NFL players who play pickleball, the quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and competitive drive developed on the gridiron translate naturally to the kitchen line.
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