Five Things: Cross-Over Athletes
Pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity has attracted involvement from legendary cross-over athletes. Each bringing their competitive spirits and followings from football, baseball, tennis and swimming to the pickleball court, helping to showcase pickleball’s broad appeal.
Together, these athletes are helping pickleball grow into a mainstream sport, inspiring new players and fostering a welcoming and dynamic community.
Here's a look at five cross-over athletes helping to grow the pickleball community:
1. Drew Brees
Sport: NFL Quarterback (New Orleans Saints)
Pickleball Journey: Drew Brees is an investor in Major League Pickleball (MLP) and has become one of the sport’s most high-profile ambassadors. He frequently participates in events, promoting pickleball as a family-friendly and competitive activity. Brees loves how the sport fosters community and competition, appealing to athletes and recreational players alike. JOOLA has been a proud sponsor of The NOLA Pickle Fest, Drew's signature event in New Orleans. Learn more.
Pickleball Journey: Drew Brees is an investor in Major League Pickleball (MLP) and has become one of the sport’s most high-profile ambassadors. He frequently participates in events, promoting pickleball as a family-friendly and competitive activity. Brees loves how the sport fosters community and competition, appealing to athletes and recreational players alike. JOOLA has been a proud sponsor of The NOLA Pickle Fest, Drew's signature event in New Orleans. Learn more.
2. Terrell Owens
Sport: NFL Wide Receiver (San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys)
Pickleball Journey: Known for his elite athleticism and energy on the football field, Owens enjoys the fast-paced nature of pickleball. While he mainly plays recreationally, he’s been involved in celebrity pickleball events, showcasing his competitive edge and love for new challenges. Also, he has great taste in paddles: 2024 Celebrity Showdown.
Pickleball Journey: Known for his elite athleticism and energy on the football field, Owens enjoys the fast-paced nature of pickleball. While he mainly plays recreationally, he’s been involved in celebrity pickleball events, showcasing his competitive edge and love for new challenges. Also, he has great taste in paddles: 2024 Celebrity Showdown.
3. JD Martinez
Sport: MLB Outfielder and Designated Hitter (New York Mets)
Pickleball Journey: JD Martinez is a passionate pickleball player who uses the sport to stay sharp in the off-season. This offseason he made his future in pickleball a reality by signing with “The Fort,” a brand new South Florida pickleball facility. Pickleball helps him maintain hand-eye coordination, which is crucial for his success at the plate. Martinez has been vocal about his enjoyment of the sport and often plays with friends and teammates like fellow pickleball enthusiast Mookie Betts.
Pickleball Journey: JD Martinez is a passionate pickleball player who uses the sport to stay sharp in the off-season. This offseason he made his future in pickleball a reality by signing with “The Fort,” a brand new South Florida pickleball facility. Pickleball helps him maintain hand-eye coordination, which is crucial for his success at the plate. Martinez has been vocal about his enjoyment of the sport and often plays with friends and teammates like fellow pickleball enthusiast Mookie Betts.
4. Andre Agassi
Sport: Tennis Legend (8 Grand Slam Titles)
Pickleball Journey: Agassi’s will be joining the sport of pickleball with the upcoming launch of the Agassi x JOOLA line. He was attracted to the sports strategic elements, welcoming community and the ability for anyone to pick up and play. Agassi sees pickleball as an inclusive, multi-generational activity that can bring people together.
Pickleball Journey: Agassi’s will be joining the sport of pickleball with the upcoming launch of the Agassi x JOOLA line. He was attracted to the sports strategic elements, welcoming community and the ability for anyone to pick up and play. Agassi sees pickleball as an inclusive, multi-generational activity that can bring people together.
To learn more about the Agassi x JOOLA partnership, click here.
5. Michael Phelps
Sport: Olympic Swimming Champion
Pickleball Journey: Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, has embraced pickleball as a fun way to stay active in retirement. He enjoys the sport’s balance of fitness and social interaction, often playing casually with friends and family. Phelps has also expressed interest in using pickleball as a way to inspire people to stay fit and healthy.
Pickleball Journey: Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, has embraced pickleball as a fun way to stay active in retirement. He enjoys the sport’s balance of fitness and social interaction, often playing casually with friends and family. Phelps has also expressed interest in using pickleball as a way to inspire people to stay fit and healthy.
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From the Basketball Court to the Pickleball Court
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