When you picture actors, singers, artists, influencers, and other famous celebrities in her head, chances are you’re picturing them in front of the camera, in the recording studio, or on social media. On the flip side, you’re probably not picturing them in a sports stadium or arena – unless they’re performing in it.
It’s easy to pigeonhole famous celebrities to their talents, but it’s important to understand they’re people just like us – which means they have hobbies and interests just like us. And while they aren’t always loud and obnoxious about it, there are a plethora of famous celebrities who are loyal, die-hard sports fans.
You’ll see them at games, you’ll see them sporting team gear (jerseys, hats, shirts, etc.), and you’ll hear them talk about their favorite teams in interviews, but it’s something that doesn’t get a lot of attention unless you’re a fan of that team, too. Otherwise, you’ll likely never hear about it – until now, of course.
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Famous Celebrities and the Sports Teams They Support the Most
Let’s be honest – we all had a favorite sports team(s) growing up. Sometimes it’s tied to the city we grew up in, sometimes it’s tied to the team our family roots for, and sometimes it’s just a random obsession you have with a certain team. Either way, those obsessions are likely to stick with you for the rest of your life.
Famous celebrities are no different. They have favorite sports teams, they enjoy rooting for their favorite sports team, and they’ll never shy away from shouting their favorite sports team out when they’re playing well. Whether they’re sitting in the front row at the game or watching from home, that passion won’t leave.
Today, we’re going to highlight some of those famous celebrities who aren’t shy about their love for their favorite sports team. Some of these celebrity pairings with sports teams will come as no surprise, but others might shock you – so be prepared to learn something new about some of your favorite celebrities.
20. Blake Shelton
Favorite Sports Team: Arizona Cardinals
Blake Shelton is one of the most popular country music artists of his generation and has entertained millions as a coach on The Voice, but he also loves him some football and isn’t shy about his love for the Arizona Cardinals. In fact, he designed his whole man cave to feature Cardinals’ merch and other decor.
Shelton was born in Oklahoma and grew up a huge Oklahoma Sooners (NCAA) fan – so you can only imagine how excited he was when the Arizona Cardinals drafted Sooners’ quarterback Kyler Murray in 2019. He’s also good friends with Steve Keim, who was the Cardinals’ GM for the past 10 years.
19. Tina Fey
Favorite Sports Teams: Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Phillies
Tina Fey rose to fame as a cast member on Saturday Night Live! between 1997 and 2006 before being cast in various popular TV shows and movies – including 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Mean Girls. And since she was born and raised in Pennsylvania, it’s no surprise that she’s a Philly fan.
Growing up, Tina’s father would take her to Philadelphia Phillies games and she loved it so much that she wanted to be a ball girl for the team. While that never happened, her love for the team – as well as the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia Eagles – has never wavered. She loves a Philly cheesesteak, too!
18. Bradley Cooper
Favorite Sports Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Bradley Cooper grew up in Abington Township, Pennsylvania, which is about 13 miles from the city of Philadelphia. With that said, it’s no surprise to learn he’s a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan – he even played one in a movie when he portrayed Eagles’ superfan Pat Solitano in Silver Linings Playbook.
Cooper hasn’t been shy about his love for the Eagles and can be seen in the owner’s box at games from time to time – that’s where he was when the Eagles won their first Super Bowl in 2018. More recently, he did the voice over for the Eagles’ 2023 Super Bowl hype video – unfortunately, the Eagles lost the game.
17. Joe Manganiello
Favorite Sports Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins
Joe Manganiello was born in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, which is less than 10 miles away from Pittsburgh – so it’s no secret that he’s a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins. He’s not shy about it either, regularly posting about them on social media and talking about them in interviews.
He’s an honorary member of the Rooney family (owners of the Steelers), which is a pretty big deal, and had Thomas Tull (minority owner of the Steelers) in his wedding party. He regularly makes appearances at Penguins’ and Steelers’ games (including Super Bowl 43), and his favorite player is Mario Lemieux.
16. George Clooney
Favorite Sports Team: Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds
George Clooney grew up in Lexington, Kentucky – which is roughly 80 miles from Cincinnati – and attended both the University of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky University. Given his close proximity to Cincinnati, it shouldn’t come as a shock to know he’s rooting for the Bengals and Reds year-round.
In fact, Clooney played basketball and baseball in high school and even tried out for the Reds’ team in 1977 – unfortunately, he didn’t make it too far, getting cut after the first round of tryouts. Outside of football and baseball, he’s a proud supporter of the Derby County F.C. in the English Football League One.
15. Chris Pratt
Favorite Sports Team: Seattle Seahawks
Chris Pratt was born in Virginia, Minnesota, but moved to Lake Stevens, Washington when he was seven years old – Lake Stevens is roughly 30 miles (a 30-minute drive) from Seattle, so that’s where his love for the Seattle Seahawks originated. He explained his decision in a 2016 interview with the Seattle Times.
“They’re solid Americans who lead by example. Because Russell Wilson goes to Seattle Children’s Hospital every Tuesday. And because they’re a dominant football force that puts team first. (12th man baby!),” he said at the time. Wilson is no longer with the team, but Pratt is still a full-fledged fan.
14. John Krasinski
Favorite Sports Teams: Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox
John Krasinski was born in Boston, Massachusetts and, much like every other person who can say the same, he’s a die-hard Boston sports fan – the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox, all of them. He’s actually one of three famous celebrities on this list that are loyal to the Boston area – we’ll get to them a little later.
In 2016, Krasinski was asked about his love for Boston sports and he said it’s ‘fun to be from a place that has so much tradition and legendary sort of sports stories to tell my daughter one day very soon.’ He now has two daughters – Hazel, 9, and Violet, 6 – with his wife, Emily Blunt, so we’ll see if they follow suit.
13. Lil’ Wayne
Favorite Sports Teams: Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins
Lil’ Wayne was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, but you won’t see him rooting for the New Orleans Saints or New Orleans Pelicans. Instead, he’s a fan of the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Red Sox, and Boston Bruins – random, but he confirmed it in an ESPN article in 2008.
In 2011, Lil’ Wayne released a song titled ‘Green and Yellow’ – a remix to Wiz Khalifa’s ‘Black and Yellow’ – to commemorate the Green Bay Packers making it to Super Bowl XLV (which was played against Khalifa’s Pittsburgh Steelers). Wayne updated the song in 2021 at the direct request of the Packers.
12. Justin Bieber
Favorite Sports Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Justin Bieber was born and raised in Ontario, Canada, so it’s no surprise to see him rooting for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has partnered with the team on numerous occasions through his ‘drew house’ apparel company – Bieber was the one who designed the Maple Leafs’ third jerseys this past season.
More recently, the two sides – as well as Tim Hortons – partnered to create the ‘House of Hockey,’ an initiative that’ll include a ‘new summer-long league providing free access to ball hockey for those youths facing barriers in their communities,’ according to ESPN. The love between JB and Toronto is real.
11. Ty Burrell
Favorite Sports Teams: Los Angeles Rams, Portland Trail Blazers, New York Mets
Ty Burrell was born in Grants Pass, Oregon and grew up in Applegate, Oregon before attending the University of Oregon and Southern Oregon University. It’s no surprise he’s a fan of his hometown NBA team (Portland Trail Blazers), but he’s also a noted fan of the Los Angeles Rams and New York Mets.
In 2015, he explained why he roots for the Rams in a bit for the NFL. “I became a Rams’ fan before I was born because my Dad was a Rams’ fan, but I actually lived in Oregon. So I was a long way’s away from my team.” As for the Mets, he has always been a fan of the underdog and the Mets fit that bill well.
10. Jeremy Renner
Favorite Sports Team: San Francisco 49ers
Jeremy Renner was born in Modesto, California and spent most of his teenage and young adult life in the area – graduating from Fred C. Beyer High School and later attending Modesto Junior College. Considering Modesto is just a 90-minute drive from San Francisco, it’s no surprise he’s a 49ers’ fan.
He has been rooting for the team his entire life and regularly posts about the team during the season. In fact, he did the voice over for the introductory video for Levi’s Stadium – which has been the home venue for the team since 2014. He also narrated a documentary series about the team’s rivalry with Dallas.
9. DJ Khaled
Favorite Sports Team: Miami Heat
DJ Khaled was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, but moved to Orlando at the age of 13 – they eventually moved back to New Orleans due to financial hardship. It wasn’t until 1994 that DJ Khaled moved to Miami and he has become a fixture in the South Beach community ever since – he’s literally treated like royalty.
His royalty was put on full display during the 2022 playoffs. Sitting courtside (as usual), there was a moment where Khaled was handing the ball to Max Strus for an inbounds play. Before he returned to his seat, Khaled walked over to Miami’s head coach and rubbed his shoulders – in the middle of a game!
8. Margot Robbie
Favorite Sports Teams: New York Rangers
Margot Robbie was born in Dalby, Queensland, Australia and studied drama in high school at Somerset College. She moved to Melbourne, Australia after graduating to pursue her acting career. It wasn’t until 2010 that she moved to Brooklyn, New York – where she became a passionate New York Rangers’ fan.
Robbie always wanted to play ice hockey, but it was too hot in Australia – so she chose field hockey. When she moved to America, she started playing on an amateur team until her acting career took off. Now, you can find her rooting for the Rangers at games and even crying when her favorite team loses.
7. Paul Rudd
Favorite Sports Teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals
Paul Rudd was born in Passaic, New Jersey, but his family moved to Lenexa, Kansas when he was 10 years old – which is about 16 miles (a 20-minute drive) from Kansas City. His close proximity to the city resulted in him falling in love with the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL and Kansas City Royals of the MLB.
Rudd has been tied to the team for a long time. He narrated the 2007 season of Hard Knocks – which featured the Chiefs – and is regularly seen at games. In fact, he was even on the field after the Chiefs won the Super Bowl earlier this year and is such a superfan that reporters wanted to interview him.
6. Spike Lee
Favorite Sports Teams: New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Yankees, Arsenal
Spike Lee was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but his family moved to Brooklyn when he was just a child. He returned to Atlanta during his college days, but received a Master of Fine Arts degree at New York University. He has been a fixture – more of an icon, really – in the New York City community ever since.
One of the most well-known celebrity sports fans, there aren’t many famous celebrities as loyal as him. He makes regular appearances at New York Knicks’ games and, while he grew up a fan of the New York Mets, he now roots for the New York Yankees. He’s also a fan of the New York Rangers and Arsenal.
5. Eminem
Favorite Sports Teams: Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers
Eminem (also known as Marshall Mathers) was born in St. Joseph, Missouri and his family moved around several times when he was a child – eventually settling down in Warren, Michigan (about 20 miles from Detroit). Fast forward four decades and Eminem is still in Detroit and has no plans of leaving.
Being a Detroit legend, Eminem has made it a point to support the Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Pistons. Last year, he met up with the team during training camp as part of the Hard Knocks series. He joked that quarterback Jared Goff can almost throw the ball as good as him.
4. Mark Wahlberg
Favorite Sports Teams: New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins
Mark Wahlberg was born in Boston, Massachusetts and, while he lives in Las Vegas now, he has always been a heavy supporter of the Boston sports scene – next to John Krasinski, he’s the second of three famous celebrities on this list who are dedicated fans of the Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox, and Bruins.
In July 2018, several reports suggested that Wahlberg placed a hefty bet on the New England Patriots to win Super Bowl LIII in 2019 (at the conclusion of the 2018 season). He placed the bet before the season started and the team went on to beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 to win their most recent Super Bowl.
3. Jamie Foxx
Favorite Sports Teams: Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks
Jamie Foxx was born in Terrell, Texas and played basketball and football (quarterback) at Terrell High School. He had a dream of playing for the Dallas Cowboys one day, but ended up not pursuing a career in football. Instead, he studied musical and performing arts composition at US International University.
Foxx is a noted fan of both the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks. In 2011, when the Mavericks won the NBA Championship, he took part in the Championship parade and was waving at fans out of a convertible. Last year, he showed up to the Cowboys’ training camp to watch the team practice.
2. Barack Obama
Favorite Sports Teams: Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls
Barack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, but moved a lot during his childhood and teenage years. It wasn’t until 1988 that he moved to Chicago – at the time, he was a noted fan of the Oakland Athletics. It wasn’t long before Chicago grew on him and he became a devoted White Sox, Bulls, and Bears fan.
Considering he’s a White Sox fan, it was a little ironic when he had to welcome their rival, the Chicago Cubs, at the White House in 2017 after they won the World Series. Unfortunately for Obama, the White Sox, Bears, and Bulls haven’t won a championship since the White Sox won the World Series in 2005.
1. Ben Affleck
Favorite Sports Teams: New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins
Ben Affleck was born in Berkeley, California, but his family moved to Falmouth, Massachusetts when he was just 3 years old – Falmouth is about a 1-hour drive from Boston. He’s the third of three famous celebrities on this list who are loyal to all teams in Boston – the Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox, and Patriots.
Unfortunately, his son doesn’t share that same passion for Boston sports. When his son finally broke the news, Affleck decided to deck his room out with Patriots merch in hopes of persuading him. “I had some guys do a little work to my son’s room to help him really understand where he comes from,” he said at the time.
Famous Celebrities Who Used to Play Sports
While some famous celebrities keep their love for sports at a spectator level, other famous celebrities take have a much deeper appreciation for sports as a whole – and some were even star athletes growing up. For example, you likely didn’t know that Emma Watson was a really good field hockey player in college.
Denzel Washington, 2 Chainz, Jason Sudeikis, and Leslie Jones played basketball in college. John Goodman, Ed O’Neill, Channing Tatum, and Joel McHale played college football. Keanu Reeves played college hockey, while Jon Stewart played soccer. None of them ended up following that dream.
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Of course, we would be remiss not to mention Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who played football in college and was one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation before striking it big in Hollywood. Terry Crews is also an ex-football player, while Jason Statham was – wait for it – a professional diver.
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