Bills' Isaiah McKenzie Showcased New Talent on AGT and 20 Other Athletes With Hidden Talent Outside of Sports!

Bills’ Isaiah McKenzie Showcased New Talent on AGT and 20 Other Athletes With Hidden Talent Outside of Sports!

We already know professional athletes are talented at what they do, but some athletes with hidden talent outside of sports will make you do a double take. After all, being talented at one thing is hard enough – imagine being talented at two things! Well, we got a taste of it recently.

Last month, we witnessed a group of former and active NFL players take the stage at America’s Got Talent – the episode was on June 14, 2022. They call themselves the NFL Players’ Choir and certainly ‘wowed’ the audience and judges by singing “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers

Among the players that shocked us with their incredible voice are Tully Banta-Cain, Willie Yarbary, Bryan Scott, Jamon Brown, Bryant McKinnie, Isaiah McKenzie, Stephen Pierce, Leonard Weaver, Cameron Lamark Newton, Prince Amukamara, and Jamon Brown

RELATED: Big Time Athletes With Big Families!

20 Other Athletes With Hidden Talent You Were Unaware Of

Bills' Isaiah McKenzie Showcased New Talent on AGT and 20 Other Athletes With Hidden Talent Outside of Sports!
via Mookie Betts’ Instagram (@mookiebetts)

The NFL Players’ Choir is nothing new – in fact, they debuted with each other back in 2008 and perform annually at the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. Still, this is news to a lot of people – even football fans – and it caught a lot of us off-guard. Well, it’s more common than you think.

You’d be surprised to learn some of the hidden talents your favorite athletes have – whether it be singing, dancing, cooking, instruments, computer stuff, photography, editing, sewing, solving a rubik’s cube, beatboxing, or magic tricks. You never really know what talent you might find. 

The NFL Players’ Choir earned a ‘yes’ from Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, and Sofia Vergara – advancing them to the next round. That all but confirms their talent, which isn’t hidden anymore, but let’s take a look at 20 other athletes with hidden talent you probably didn’t know about.

20. Alexander Massialas

Hidden Talent: Guitar

Alexander Massialas is an American professional foil fencer. He has competed in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, winning a silver medal and two bronze medals for Team USA. Not only that, but he’s a former two-time NCAA Champion and five-time medalist at the World Championships.  

Ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, NBC aired a brief video highlighting some of the Olympic athletes and their hidden talents – one of which was Alexander Massialas and his rather new fascination with the guitar. That was several years ago, so he’s likely better now!

19. Sydney McLaughlin

Hidden Talent: Juggling

Sydney McLaughlin is an American professional hurdler and sprinter in track and field. After winning a gold (4×400 relay) and silver (400m hurdles) at the 2019 World Championships, she helped Team USA win two gold medals at the 2020 Olympics in those same two events. 

In fact, she was featured in that same video Alexander Massialias was seen in ahead of the 2020 Olympics – except her hidden talent was juggling. She even explains how to do it, which blew my mind and actually helped me improve – though I’m still not confident in my juggling.

18. Caeleb Dressel

Hidden Talent: Drums

Caeleb Dressel is an American professional swimmer for Team USA. He competes in the freestyle, butterfly, and individual medley disciplines. After winning two gold medals at the 2016 Olympics, he won five gold medals at the 2020 Olympics – an extremely impressive display. 

And yes, you guessed right, he was featured in the same video as Alexander Massialias and Sydney McLaughlin – except his hidden talent was playing the drums. He knows how to rock out and has videos of himself doing covers to popular songs – including a “good 4 u” cover.

17. Lilly King

Hidden Talent: Piano

Lilly King is an American professional swimmer who competes in the breaststroke and medley disciplines. She represented Team USA at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, winning two gold, two silver, and one bronze medal. She also has 14 gold medals at the World Championships. 

Alright, we promise this is the final Olympic athlete from that legendary video we keep talking about. Her talent was the piano and you can tell it’s something that comes natural to her because she was hitting those keys gracefully. I bet it’s something many don’t know about her.

16. Russell Westbrook

Hidden Talent: Fashion Designer

Russell Westbrook is an American professional basketball player who will be entering his 15th season in the NBA. He’s a nine-time All-Star and was named the 2016-17 MVP – he also led the league in scoring twice and assists three times. He has averaged a triple double four times. 

Outside of his explosive talent on the court, Westbrook is making a name for himself in the fashion industry. It might not be that much of a hidden talent, especially since he’s a regular at the Met Gala, but it’ll come as a surprise to those that only view him as a basketball player. 

15. Miles Bridges

Hidden Talent: Hip-Hop Artist

Miles Bridges is an American professional basketball player who has spent the past four seasons with the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA. He had a breakout year last season, putting up 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 35.5 minutes per game. 

Outside of his basketball career, Bridges is dedicated to his potential as a hip-hop artist – going by the name of RTB MB. He’s actually pretty good, but he was recently arrested on domestic abuse charges – which won’t do well for either of his careers. Let’s hope he turns things around.

14. Zach Hyman

https://twitter.com/PuckAndBadJokes/status/1512057607128858625

Hidden Talent: Children’s Book Author

Zach Hyman is a Canadian professional hockey player who will be entering his eighth season in the NHL and second with the Edmonton Oilers. During his 421-game career, he has scored 113 goals and dished 126 points  – he had a career-high 27 goals and 27 assists this past season. 

What many people don’t know about Hyman is that he’s a best selling author specializing in children’s books – he even has a contract with the Penguin Random House. Some of his books include The Bambino and Me, Hockey Hero, and The Magician’s Secret – check them out!

13. A.J. Green

Hidden Talent: Juggling

A.J. Green is an American professional football player who will be entering his 11th season in the NFL. He has recorded 703 receptions for 10,278 yards and 68 touchdowns so far in his career. He’s a seven-time Pro Bowl receiver that currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals. 

Sydney McLaughlin isn’t the only athlete that can juggle – A.J. Green can too! In fact, it has helped him become a better receiver by improving his hand-eye coordination. He began juggling in the 2nd grade and was on his elementary school’s team. He can juggle four items at a time.

12. Conor McGregor

Hidden Talent: Origami

Conor McGregor is an Irish professional MMA fighter who became the first UFC champion to hold title belts in two different divisions at the same time – featherweight and lightweight. In his prime, he was the money fight in the UFC and he even boxed Floyd Mayweather Jr. once. 

Outside of his life inside the octagon, McGregor will shock a lot of people when they learn he has taken on origami as a hobby – and he’s pretty good. In fact, he says it’s one of his keys to a sharp mind, meaning it makes him a better fighter. Whatever works for him – I won’t judge!

11. Paul George

Hidden Talent: Fishing

Paul George is an American professional basketball player who will be entering his 13th season in the NBA and fourth season with the Los Angeles Clippers. He’s a seven-time All-Star, four-time All-Defensive player, and 2012-13 Most Improved Player. He’s a dynamic player. 

Some might consider this more of a hobby, but those that are serious about fishing know it’s a talent – a lifestyle. As for George, he also finds it as a way of therapy and it’s actually more common among athletes than you’d think. Besides, who doesn’t like being out on the water?

10. Damian Lillard

Hidden Talent: Hip-Hop Artist

Damian Lillard is an American professional basketball player who will be entering his 11th season in the NBA – all of which with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was the 2012-13 Rookie of the Year and has been selected to six All-Star games. He can shoot as well as anyone else.

While many people are well-aware of his ability to rap, some people outside of the basketball community aren’t going to know – but they should. He has released four studio albums since 2016, as well as several singles and features. He goes by the name of Dame D.O.L.L.A.

9. Brook Lopez

Hidden Talent: Drawing Comics

Brook Lopez is an American professional basketball player who will enter his 15th season in the NBA and fifth season with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was selected to the 2012-13 All-Star game and more recently won an NBA Championship in 2021 – he might even win another soon.

Lopez has had a fascination with comics and drawing ever since he was young. In fact, his younger brother Robin Lopez – who played in the NBA – took on this same interest and they recently launched their first ever manga together called Transition Game – go check it out!

8. Myles Turner

Hidden Talent: LEGO Builder

Myles Turner is an American professional basketball player who will be entering his eighth season in the NBA – all of which with the Indiana Pacers. He is averaging 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals, and 2.3 blocks in 28.7 minutes per game in his career. 

Not everyone has the patience and talent to build impressively-large LEGO creations, but Myles Turner is someone that does. He recently shared his LEGO collection – which includes the Pacers’ home basketball court, the Titanic ship, and much more. He builds as often as he can.

7. Bobby Wagner 

Hidden Talent: Billiards

Bobby Wagner is an American professional football player who plays linebacker and will be entering his 11th season in the NFL and first season with the defending champion Los Angeles Rams. He’s an eight-time Pro Bowler and won the 2014 Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. 

In his spare time, Wagner loves to play billiards and considers himself a pool shark. In an interview, he once said, “I’m really good. I feel like I could compete with the guys on TV.” He also likes to play ping pong, but isn’t as good at the sport as he is at billiards – which he excels at. 

6. Justin Tucker

Hidden Talent: Opera Singer

Justin Tucker is an American professional football player who will be entering his 11th season in the NFL – all of which with the Baltimore Ravens. He’s widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers of all-time, being named to five Pro Bowls and winning the 2013 Super Bowl as a rookie.

This one might throw a lot of people for a loop – I know it did when I found out – but Tucker is a classically trained bass-baritone. Yeah, that means he’s a talented opera singer and he can even sing opera in seven different languages. Not exactly what you’d expect from a kicker.

5. Breanna Stewart

Hidden Talent: Juggling

Breanna Stewart is an American professional basketball player who is currently playing in her sixth season in the WNBA. She’s a three-time All-Star and former MVP averaging 20.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks in 32.5 minutes per game in her career.

Something many people might not know about Stewart is that she can juggle – much like Sydney McLaughlin and A.J. Green earlier on this list. She sometimes shows it off, but not enough for it to be a well-known fact. Don’t worry, it didn’t get by us and now you’re in the know!

4. Serena Williams

Hidden Talent: Sewing

Serena Williams is an American professional tennis player who turned professional in October 1995 and recently made her return after a one-year hiatus. She has an 855-152 singles record with 73 singles titles and 23 major championships. She’s one of the greatest of all-time. 

Williams is well-known for her interest in fashion and fashion design, but many people aren’t aware of her sewing talent – I guess you can call her Sew-ena Williams. It was her mom that taught her to sew at 3 years old, so she’s been sewing as long as she’s been playing tennis. 

3. Mookie Betts 

Hidden Talent: Bowling

Mookie Betts is an American professional baseball player who is currently playing in his ninth season in the MLB and third season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He’s a five-time All-Star, five-time Golden Glover, four-time Silver Slugger, two-time champion, and one-time MVP. 

Aside from his talent on the diamond, Betts is a highly skilled bowler – his mother taught him at an early age. He was named Tennessee Boys Bowler of the Year in 2010 and later competed in the PBA World Series of Bowling in 2015 and 2017. He has already bowled three perfect games.

2. Victor Oladipo

Hidden Talent: Singing

Victor Oladipo is an American professional basketball player who will be entering his 10th season in the NBA and first full season with the Miami Heat. He’s a two-time All-Star and 2017-18 Most Improved Player of the Year, with a chance to win it again this season. 

When healthy, he’s one of the most explosive players in the league. Off the court, he has a majestic voice – including an EP and studio album. Not only that, but he was on The Masked Singer in 2019 during the second season and sang before his dunk at the dunk contest. 

1. CJ McCollum

Hidden Talent: Journalism

CJ McCollum is an American professional basketball player who will be entering his 10th season in the NBA and first full season with the New Orleans Pelicans. He was the 2015-16 Most Improved Player of the Year and is destined to be named an All-Star one of these years.

In 2013, McCollum graduated from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism – something he’s strongly dedicated to. He has used his talent to write for numerous sports publications in the past and intends to continue to do so – also as an NBA analyst on TV.

Are You Surprised By These Athletes With Hidden Talent? 

Athletes with hidden talent outside of the sport they play professionally will always take some people by surprise – including us! It’s good to know that even though they spend most of the year perfecting their craft, athletes give themselves time to enjoy hobbies and other interests.

If you were shocked by those athletes with hidden talent, you’ll be even more shocked to learn that Shaquille O’Neal is a man of many talents – including being one of the hottest DJs, releasing several hip hop albums, and even serving as a reserve police officer in Florida. 

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Herschel Walker is another former athlete with a hidden talent, though it’s hard to believe. Not only did the former running back once compete in the Olympics on the American bobsleigh team, but he was also a gifted ballet dancer – also known as a danseur. Did you know that?

15 Famous Athletes Who Do More Than Just Play Sports

Famous athletes receive a lot of praise for what they do on the court, rink, field, or whatever playing surface they prefer. They have millions of fans all around the world, make an insane amount of money, and act as a role model and inspiration to young athletes everywhere. 

With that said, not all famous athletes are one-trick ponies. In fact, most of them do a great job of balancing their other hobbies, talents, and skills with their dominance in sport. Whether it be through investments, sponsorships, or collaborations, famous athletes are always staying busy.

You have to keep in mind that most famous athletes will spend around 10-20 years in their respective sport. While that’s a long time, they’re usually in their 30s and 40s when they retire from sport, meaning they have a lot of life left to live and a lot of goals left to accomplish. 

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Famous Athletes With Successful Side Hustles

15 Famous Athletes Who Do More Than Just Play Sports
Tinseltown / Shutterstock

If you had to name a couple famous athletes that have found success outside of their respective sport, there are likely a few names that come to mind right away. They’re the athletes we see on every television channel, website, billboard, and in every conversation in cities around the world. 

They turn everything they touch into gold. When they set their sights on something, they achieve it. They set high standards for themselves and high standards for those that follow. They don’t have time for people that aren’t ready to do business or aren’t ready to make moves. 

You’re probably wondering who some of these famous athletes are and don’t worry, we’re going to share some of them with you below! Now there are literally hundreds and thousands of famous athletes to choose from, so feel free to let us know any of your favorites that we miss!

15. Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor is a legendary Irish mixed martial artist that’s currently in the latter end of his career. He made his UFC debut in 2013 and won his first seven fights. He’s just 3-4 since, but he’s a two-division champion in the UFC and Cage Warriors (featherweight and lightweight). 

Aside from being the richest MMA fighter of all-time due to his high-paying pay-per-view fights, McGregor also has a fashion partnership with David August called August McGregor and was a majority owner of Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey – though he has since sold his stake. 

14. Zach Hyman

Zach Hyman is a 29-year old left winger for the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL. He’s currently in his seventh season in the league after spending the first six with the Maple Leafs. In 345 career games played, he has tallied 86 goals, 99 assists, 185 points, and 14 game-winning goals. 

In addition to his success in the NHL, Hyman is currently a best-selling children’s book author that’s signed to Penguin Random House. He has published three books – The Bambino and Me (2014), Hockey Hero (2015), and The Magician’s Secret (2018). He is working on a fourth.

13. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is a 37-year old forward for Manchester United of the Premier League. He’s widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all-time, tallying 692 goals and 231 assists in 928 pro appearances since 2003. He has 18 goals since rejoining Manchester United.

Outside of his incredible soccer skills, Ronaldo spends a lot of time and energy on his fashion business, CR7 (his initials, CR, and his soccer number, 7). Over the past 15+ years, he has opened fashion boutiques and launched underwear, shoes, shirts, socks, and fragrances. 

12. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant is a 33-year old small forward for the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA. He’s one of the most lethal scorers of all-time and has been averaging 27.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 939 games played since entering the league back in 2007. 

When he’s not swishin’ buckets, Durant heads a venture capital firm called Thirty Five Ventures LLC (named after his jersey number, 35). He has produced documentaries, acted in a children’s film, made a variety of investments, does public speaking, and even has an online podcast. 

11. Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard is a 31-year old point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA. He was a sixth overall pick of the team in 2012 and has spent the past 10 seasons with them – proving to be one of the most loyal players in the game. He averages a career 24.6 points per game. 

When not making three point shots from the logo, Lillard is a bonafide rapper that loves his craft. He has released four studio albums since 2016 and nine singles since 2015. He also owns a Toyota dealership, does a lot of charity work in his community, and is a father to three kids. 

10. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony is a 37-year old forward that played last season with the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA. He was the third overall draft pick in what’s regarded as the greatest NBA draft class of all-time. He is averaging 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over his career. 

Anthony has earned a lot of respect in the NBA community for his charity work. He helped open a youth development center and has donated millions of dollars to the Baltimore community. He has also appeared in several films, TV shows, music videos, and he owns a soccer team. 

9. Cassius Marsh

Cassius Marsh is a 29-year old defensive end for the Chicago Bears of the NFL. He was a fourth round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 2014 and has played on eight different teams since then. He has accumulated 181 tackles, 15.0 sacks, and 15 forced fumbles in his career.

Marsh’s football career hasn’t been as illustrious as he would’ve hoped, but he has made a ton of big moves outside of sport. He’s an avid trading card collector, mostly with Magic: The Gathering and Pokemon. He was an initial investor in Cameo and owns a local game store. 

8. Tom Brady

Tom Brady is a 44-year old starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is widely regarded as the greatest football player of all-time, has more accolades than any other player, and you could honestly write an entire book about his records and various accomplishments. 

When not slinging touchdowns on the football field, Brady keeps himself busy with his family and has made a number of ventures and investments with his TB12 brand – including books, charity work, non-profits, meal prep, fashion, etc. He’s also an investor in the NFT space.

7. Serena Williams

Serena Williams is a 40-year old female tennis player on the WTA tour. She has been named the year-end No. 1 overall player five times in her career, has been ranked No. 1 in the world for a total of 319 weeks, and has the second-most Grand Slam wins of all-time (23 victories). 

Off the tennis court, Williams is dedicated to her life as a wife and mother. She launched a line of designer apparel called Aneres, has a collection of handbags and jewelry, is a certified nail technician, has a clothing line called Serena, and has plenty of other influences in fashion. 

6. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is a 50-year old retired Hall of Fame basketball player that spent 19 years in the league. He was the No. 1 draft pick in 1992 and became a four-time champion, two-time scoring champ, 15-time All-Star, MVP, three-time Finals MVP, and Rookie of the Year in 1992. 

O’Neal is what many people consider a do-it-all type of guy. He’s known for his charity work and good deeds, but also found success in commercials, reality television, film, rapping, DJing, and was even a reserve officer for the Los Angeles Port Police. He genuinely loves to live his life.

5. Von Miller

Von Miller is a 33-year old outside linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the NFL. He’s entering his first season with the team after stints with the Broncos and Rams. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP, Defensive Rookie of the Year, and has 115.5 career sacks. 

Miller is a genuine community guy that loves to give back and volunteer his time or money. He opened Von’s Vision, which provides eye care for children in the Denver area, and he also owns a chicken farm in DeSoto, Texas – his hometown. He has a degree in poultry science. 

4. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is a 33-year old point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s widely regarded as one of the most explosive and versatile players in basketball history, but has had a hard time converting that talent into wins. He has struggled to stay on one team since 2019. 

Outside of basketball, Westbrook is highly into fashion and has a streetwear brand called Honor the Gift. He was also named Marketing Creative Director of True Religion in 2016. He has produced two films as well, an autobiography and a film about the Tulsa race massacre. 

3. Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova is a 34-year old recently-retired Russian female tennis player. She made over $38 million during her career in prize earnings, which is third all-time. She finished her career with a 645-171 singles record, 36 singles titles, five Grand Slams, and 21 weeks at No. 1.

Sharapova has always been open about her love of candy and she turned that love into a passion with the launch of Sugarpova. It’s a business that provides guilt-free candy options around the world. The premium candy line sells everything from chocolate to gummies. 

2. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is a 34-year old point guard for the Golden State Warriors. He was the seventh overall draft pick in 2009 and has spent his entire career with the team. He’s widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all-time and is the most lethal shooter we’ve ever witnessed.

In addition to being the face of the Under Armour footwear line, he’s an ambassador and investor in Palm, does a lot of charity work, has a film and TV deal with Sony Pictures, and is the executive producer of Holey Moley and Ultimate Home Championships (two game shows).

1. LeBron James

LeBron James is a 37-year old positionless basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2003 and is an 18-time All-Star, four-time champion, four-time MVP, six-time All-Defensive player, four-time Finals MVP, and three-time All-Star MVP. 

James keeps himself busy in the offseason and even during the season. He has his own production company, recently starred in Space Jam 2, owns over a dozen Blaze Pizza locations, has a stake in Beats Electronics, and even signed a billion-dollar lifetime deal with Nike. 

Famous Athletes Have Much More to Give

In 2018, Laura Ingraham told superstar basketball player LeBron James to ‘shut up and dribble’ after he started ‘talking politics’ in a post-game press conference. Her comments stirred quite the controversy as athletes started to stand up for themselves, their pride, and their integrity. 

Ingraham’s comments were ignorant because it insinuates that famous athletes are nothing more than just that – famous athletes. When in fact, they’re much more than that. They’re not only talented at sport, but they hold an influence in other industries, platforms, and investments. 

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Anyone who thinks famous athletes should ‘shut up and dribble’ needs to rethink their mindset. Think about if it were the other way around. Let’s say you’re a construction worker – are you going to act like you have nothing else to give other than your skills as a construction worker.

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