MOST ambitious athletes fail to become pros in their discipline in the long run.
And that includes a number of notable individuals who have made a name for themselves in other creative ways.
nine
Here are seven famous celebrities who have nearly made it to success in various sports endeavors.
Table of Contents
Gordon Ramsay
nine
Prior to his career as a celebrity chef, Ramsay pursued his dream of becoming a professional football player.
He was approached to try out for the Rangers at the age of 15, but ended up having to retire from the sport due to a series of unfortunate injuries.
Although he didn’t turn pro, he used his culinary exploits to earn a seat at many Soccer Aid matches.
Dwayne Johnson
nine
It’s a bit rude to put him in the “almost” sports camp.
Johnson is one of the most famous WWE wrestlers of all time, he has become the world heavyweight champion 10 times.
He enjoyed an iconic feud with Stone Cold’s Steve Austin before paved the way for WWE stars in Hollywood.
Johnson, Steve Austin, John Cena and Dave Bautista have since starred in blockbusters.
Jason Statham
nine
This may surprise many people.
But before Statham’s USP became a Hollywood tough man, he was actually part of the British national diving team.
And he was successful! In his 20s, he represented England at the 1990 Commonwealth Games, placing 10th in the 10m platform final.
What’s more, Statham grew up with Vinnie Jones, who went on to play for Wimbledon and later co-starred with Statham in Cards, Money, Two Smoking Barrels.
Kate Middleton
nine
Middleton may be an important part of the royal family now, but she was once an avid athlete.
She played for her high school field hockey team and then went on to do the same at university.
And after meeting Prince William, she enjoyed warming up with the British Women’s Olympic Ice Hockey Team in London 2012.
Terry Crews
nine
Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Crews is best known for his role as Lieutenant Terry Jeffords on the hit American comedy show.
But, quite remarkably, he was once part of the NFL.
He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1991 before also going on to play for the San Diego Chargers.
Gigi Hadid
nine
Hadid has become a global star thanks to her successful modeling career.
But as a child, she was the captain of the school volleyball team and once hoped to become a professional.
When asked about her playing days on Jimmy Fallon in 2019, she said: “You would probably be scared of me.”
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
Louis Tomlinson
nine
He may be a world-famous pop star, but Tomlinson tried to become a football player back in 2013 after One Direction had already become world famous.
Nine years ago, he signed for his hometown club Doncaster Rovers as they agreed to a non-contractual deal.
Speaking about it at the time, he said, “It’s really incredible. I have been a big football fan for a long time and grew up in Doncaster and have been to many Keepmoat games.
“Being part of the club is incredible.”
Despite an incredible move, Tomlinson only managed to play for the reserve team and 5,000 people came to watch him.
⚽ Read our Football News Live blog for breaking news, gossip and must-read stories