When anyone hears vacation, it will automatically registered to us as relaxation, away from toxic environment, your mind not thinking any work, no harsh training just to get in shape and be ready for the next game, no strict schedule to follow and what so ever. It will be purely focused on leisure and having fun, but have you ever wondered what professional athletes do in during their vacations besides training and grinding? Well, I list down a few of the activities that help them clear their mind.
Fishing
In any kind of sports, there will always be someone who loves to take their chances to catch a bite. These are only a few pro who loves to spend their free time in fishing: .
Cristiano Ronaldo
As a young boy, Cristiano Ronaldo once had a different dream in mind – to become a fisherman along the shores of Madeira. Little did he know that he would grow up to become one of the greatest players in the history of football. As the Portuguese superstar celebrated his 35th birthday, he took a moment to reflect on his extraordinary career, having achieved almost everything the sport has to offer.
The reality of being a football legend was beyond his wildest imagination back then. Ronaldo confesses that during his childhood, he envisioned a simple life on the coastal lands of the small island where he was raised. Despite his immense success and fame, he still holds a fondness for the sea and fishing, turning to it whenever he finds some free time.
David Beckam
It might surprise you to learn that the owner of Inter Miami, despite his high-profile status, is an avid fisherman who fearlessly ventures into the cold waters and strong winds of the Alaskan River to indulge in his fishing hobby. This passionate pursuit of fishing sees him often taking his sons, Brooklyn and Romeo, along for some quality bonding time on the river’s edge. Despite his busy and demanding schedule, he cherishes these moments of serenity and connection with nature, showing that even amidst success and fame, one can find solace in the simple joys of life.
Paul George
One of the most popular avid fishermen in the league is Paul George, who has a strong passion for fishing. He partnered with professional bass angler Jacob Wheeler and achieved victory in his first fishing tournament. In the past summer, after his trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder, George took the initiative to organize a celebrity fishing tournament at Castaic Lake in California, showcasing his dedication to the sport.
Paul George is not the only player in the league who shares this hobby. Quincy Acy, who hails from Texas, grew up going on hunting and fishing trips with his uncle, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for the great outdoors. Acy developed a strong affection for fishing through these experiences, expressing how he fell in love with the activity. Clearly, fishing has become a beloved pastime among NBA players, providing them with relaxation, bonding experiences, and a chance to connect with nature outside of their basketball careers.
Video Games
Most gamers play sports video games to live out their athletic fantasies in the cyber world. Athletes don’t need to live vicariously through a video game, but many of them still enjoy gaming.
Imagine what it’s like to play as yourself in a video game. That has to be pretty awesome. Most of the athletes I’ve spoken to mention that it’s a surreal and memorable moment to see their likeness in a video game.
Demetrious Johnson
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson holds the distinction of being the first, current, and only UFC men’s flyweight champion in history. Beyond his prowess in the octagon, he is also an avid gamer with a strong affinity for fantasy games. Rather than indulging in sports games, he prefers fantasy titles that allow him to explore and accomplish things beyond the confines of reality. Games like Onimusha and The Legend of Zelda are among his favorites, as he revealed in an interview with UFC Magazine.
Interestingly, Johnson finds that playing fighting games like Tekken not only entertains him but also helps him improve his striking angles inside the Octagon. His gaming skills and quick reflexes are so remarkable that he could potentially emulate the moves of characters like Paul and Martial Law from Tekken in an actual fight. This combination of gaming and fighting prowess makes Demetrious Johnson a unique figure in the world of mixed martial arts, showcasing how diverse interests and talents can complement each other in unexpected ways.
Eric Berry
Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs is undeniably a remarkable and inspiring individual. Beyond his incredible talent as a safety in football, he is also a cancer survivor who showed immense courage and determination. Just seven months after his diagnosis, he defied all odds and made it to the Pro Bowl, demonstrating his unwavering spirit and resilience.
In addition to his prowess on the real football field, Berry also excels in the virtual realm of Madden. He showcased his gaming skills and strategic acumen by winning Madden Bowl 22, a prestigious tournament, where he emerged victorious by defeating Washington tight end Jordan Reed in a gripping final match. What made Berry’s triumph even more astonishing was that he achieved it while playing with the Buffalo Bills, a team different from his own, displaying his versatility and adaptability both on and off the actual field. Eric Berry’s story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with determination, talent, and a fighting spirit, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness in multiple aspects of life.
Cam Newton
While Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers didn’t win Super Bowl 50 in real life, the virtual gridiron is a different story. As an avid gamer, Newton excels in Madden, the popular football video game series. Despite the differences between real-life football and the virtual realm, Newton sees some similarities between being a quarterback in both worlds.
He acknowledges that Madden is a simplified version of real football, stating that it’s “watered-down.” Newton understands that spending the entire week playing the video game won’t adequately prepare him for facing a real team on game day – that would put him at a disadvantage. However, he finds that playing real-life football actually benefits him in the virtual Madden world. The skills and knowledge he gains from his experiences on the actual field give him an edge in the video game.
Cam Newton’s passion for gaming and his ability to draw connections between the virtual and real aspects of football highlight his competitiveness and dedication to the sport. While he may not have won Super Bowl 50 in reality, his success on the virtual gridiron showcases his talent and adaptability in different arenas of the game.
Cooking
We all love food, doesn’t matter if you are a fan, an amateur or a pro, but some love foods not just for eating, they also love to prepare and cook for others.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba’s culinary talents extend beyond the football field, as he possesses impressive cooking and baking skills. Despite having a professional chef at his disposal, Pogba finds great joy in spending his free time in the kitchen, eager to learn and enhance his cooking abilities.
One notable incident that highlights his passion for baking is when he took the initiative to bake a cake for his mother on her birthday. This heartfelt gesture showcases his love for his family and his willingness to put his culinary talents to use in making special moments even more memorable.
Paul Pogba’s dedication to honing his cooking skills reveals a different side to the renowned footballer, demonstrating that he finds fulfillment not only in dominating the pitch but also in creating delightful culinary experiences for himself and his loved ones.
Daniel Humm the Cyclist
At the tender age of 14, this individual’s passion for cycling steered him away from traditional classroom studies and into the pursuit of a career on two wheels. He exhibited remarkable talent and dedication, competing as a member of the Junior Swiss National Team for a substantial eight-year period. However, fate had other plans, and an unfortunate injury forced him to bid farewell to his cycling dreams, leading him to explore a new path in the culinary world.
Transitioning from the adrenaline-fueled world of sports to the fast-paced environment of the kitchen, he found a new passion to fuel his ambitions. As he embarked on his culinary journey, he couldn’t help but notice the similarities between the kitchen and the world of athleticism. The kitchen’s demanding nature and the need for precision resonated with him, making him feel like he had found a new sport in cooking.
Nowadays, he stands as the driving force behind some of the world’s finest restaurants. His sports training played a pivotal role in shaping his culinary approach and work ethic. He firmly believes that the discipline, dedication, and focus honed during his days as a cyclist have seamlessly translated into his culinary pursuits. Making cooking his new “sport,” he embraces the challenges of the kitchen with the same vigor and determination that he once had on the cycling track.
David Andres
David Andrés, a young and talented Spanish chef, has already accomplished extraordinary feats both in the sporting and culinary realms, surpassing what many achieve in a lifetime. Notably, he earned the prestigious title of the best young chef in Spain and Portugal for three consecutive years in the highly regarded S.Pellegrino Young Chef competition. Moreover, his remarkable achievements caught the attention of Forbes Magazine, which included him in its 2017 list of the 30 most influential young individuals in the world.
What makes his journey even more remarkable is that he didn’t venture into a professional kitchen until he turned 20 years old. Prior to his culinary pursuits, David Andrés was a European champion hockey player, demonstrating his excellence in a competitive team sport. Interestingly, he attributes the skills and qualities he acquired during his hockey career as fundamental in shaping his success and determination to embrace a culinary career at such a high level.
The spirit of teamwork, dedication, and discipline that he cultivated as a hockey player seamlessly transitioned into his culinary journey, empowering him to achieve greatness in the world of cooking. David Andrés’ story is a testament to the power of diverse experiences, showing how his sporting background enriched his culinary passion, ultimately leading him to become an influential figure in the culinary world.
Drawing
It wouldn’t be the wildest thing to believe that our favorite athletes have hobbies, endeavors, and hidden talents that have nothing to do with the game, right? Here are few players that take art in a literal way.
David Givens: Graphite artist
David Givens, a former football player, gained significant recognition for his time with the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl seasons of 2003 and 2004, as well as his tenure with the Tennessee Titans. However, life took an unexpected turn for Givens when he endured severe injuries that left him facing a challenging recovery process.
During his rehabilitation period, Givens discovered solace and an outlet for his creativity through graphite art. All he needed was a pen and paper to embark on a new journey as an artist. His passion for graphite art blossomed, and he became a prolific artist, pouring his emotions and experiences into his artwork.
His talent as an artist reached new heights, and he eventually had the opportunity to showcase his work at the South Shore Art Center, participating in a gala fundraiser. This accomplishment highlighted Givens’ artistic prowess and marked a significant achievement in his second career as an artist.
David Givens’ story exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of individuals who navigate life’s challenges. From being a prominent figure in the world of football to finding his true passion in graphite art, he demonstrates that life’s unexpected twists can lead to remarkable transformations and accomplishments in unexpected domains.
Daniel Agger: Tattoo artist
Daniel Agger, the former soccer player, is well-known for his time in the English Premier League. Throughout his career, his love for tattoos was evident, as he adorned his body with various inked designs. Over time, his passion for tattoos evolved into something more than just a personal interest – he decided to learn the art and became a licensed tattoo artist himself.
Becoming a tattoo artist allowed Agger to transform his passion into a source of income. Beyond just practicing the craft for himself, he extended his expertise and knowledge to others. He took aspiring tattoo artists under his wing, mentoring and guiding them in the art of tattooing. Furthermore, Agger also invested in tattoo businesses in the United States, making a significant impact in the tattoo industry.
This career shift showcases Agger’s entrepreneurial spirit and his willingness to explore diverse opportunities beyond his soccer career. From being a successful football player to becoming a respected and skilled tattoo artist and entrepreneur, Daniel Agger exemplifies how a passion can lead to unexpected and fulfilling endeavors in life.
Desmond Mason: Painter
Desmond Mason, the three-time dunk champion, has a fascinating and unique connection with the world of art. While playing basketball for Oklahoma State University, he pursued a major in studio art, showcasing his passion for creativity alongside his athletic pursuits. His primary focus in art has been abstract expressionism, where he found a medium to channel his emotions and create meaningful pieces of artwork.
Throughout his NBA career, Mason credited his artwork as an integral part of his identity. He revealed that he paints based on emotions, and each artwork represents a piece of himself in some way. This artistic outlet allowed him to express himself beyond the basketball court, giving a deeper insight into his inner thoughts and feelings.
Interestingly, after retiring from professional basketball, Mason found solace and enjoyment in the game of golf. The idea of spending retirement on the golf course is a popular choice for many retired athletes, regardless of their respective sports. Golf provides a different kind of challenge and relaxation, allowing them to stay active while enjoying a different kind of competition and camaraderie.
Desmond Mason’s journey from being a skilled basketball player to a talented abstract expressionist artist showcases how diverse interests and passions can enrich an individual’s life. Whether it’s creating art or playing golf, athletes often find various avenues to explore and find fulfillment beyond their professional sports careers.
Playing Golf
Indeed, spending retirement on the golf course is a popular and appealing choice for many professional athletes, not just limited to golfers. Athletes from various sports, including the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and others, find solace and enjoyment in golfing during their offseasons. Once they retire from their respective sports, golf often becomes a favorite pastime that they can indulge in year-round.
Golf offers retired athletes a perfect blend of relaxation, physical activity, and a competitive spirit. It provides a way for them to stay active and engaged in a sport even after their professional careers have ended. The golf course becomes a place where they can unwind, socialize with fellow athletes or friends, and continue to challenge themselves in a different setting.
Stephen Curry, Basketball
From tagging along with his father, Dell Curry, who was not only an NBA star but also a golf enthusiast, Stephen Curry developed a deep passion for golf. This interest has stayed with him over the years, even during the basketball season, where he manages to sneak in rounds whenever possible. However, it is during the offseason that Curry truly embraces his love for golf, spending ample time honing his skills on the greens.
The same precision and fine motor skills that have made Stephen Curry the finest three-point shooter in NBA history, with an impressive 42.8% success rate in the regular season, also translate into his golfing prowess. This basketball superstar is not just a casual golfer; he has demonstrated his talent by performing remarkably well at celebrity pro-am tournaments and has even participated twice in the Ellie Mae Classic pro tournament.
Stephen Curry’s dedication and practice have resulted in an impressive golf handicap of plus-1.5, which is even better than scratch level. Such skill suggests that a potential PGA career could be in the cards for him once he decides to transition from basketball and tosses his signature mouthguard aside. With his remarkable abilities and passion for golf, Curry’s future on the golf course looks just as bright as his illustrious basketball career.
Grant Fuhr, Hockey
In the 1980s, the legendary Wayne Gretzky and the skilled goalie Grant Fuhr formed an unstoppable duo, leading the Edmonton Oilers to an impressive four Stanley Cup championships. Following in Gretzky’s footsteps, Fuhr also focused on honing his golf game during the offseason and continued to do so even after his illustrious NHL career culminated in 2000.
Apart from his success in celebrity golf tournaments, Fuhr has ventured into more competitive golf environments, participating in events on the Canadian (now Mackenzie) and Web.com Tours. His passion for golf has led him to settle in the golf-centric haven of Palm Desert, California, where he now resides and regularly indulges in his favorite pastime on the lush courses of the region.
Just as he was a formidable presence in the hockey world, Grant Fuhr’s dedication to golf has allowed him to excel and find enjoyment in yet another arena of sport. His transition from the ice to the fairways showcases his versatility and talent beyond the realm of professional hockey, making him a true sports enthusiast both on and off the ice.
Jeff McNeil, Baseball
In high school, Jeff McNeil faced a crucial decision between pursuing baseball and golf during the spring sports season. Although he excelled as a golfer, he found himself without scholarship offers, except for one from Long Beach State for baseball, which was solely based on his impressive performance in summer club play. As a result, he chose baseball as his sport, setting him on a path that would eventually lead him to represent the Mets in the 2019 All-Star team.
Even with his focus on baseball, McNeil’s love for golf never waned. He remains skilled enough to drive the ball over 300 yards on the golf course. His talent and dedication are evident in both sports, as he has managed to achieve a remarkable career batting average of over .300 in baseball—making him a unique member of the exclusive 300/.300 Club.
Jeff McNeil’s journey from making a tough decision in high school to becoming an All-Star baseball player while maintaining his golfing prowess showcases his versatility and dedication as an athlete. His ability to excel in both sports is a testament to his talent and hard work, solidifying his position as a true sporting talent in the world of baseball and golf.
Yatch Vacation
Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor has recently made an extravagant purchase, acquiring a rare Lamborghini yacht with a price tag of £2.7 million. The Tecnomar 63, famously branded as the ‘Supercar of the Sea,’ has captured the attention of the UFC legend, making it a luxurious addition to his possessions. Notably, he acquired the 12th edition of this exclusive yacht, and there are only 63 of its kind ever manufactured, adding to its allure.
As he proudly showcased his new acquisition, McGregor took to social media to share his excitement, describing the Lamborghini yacht in awe-inspiring terms. With a length of 63 feet and a whopping 4000bhp, this powerful vessel features dual engines with twin-turbo capability, likening it to a true rocket ship on the water.
Tiger Woods
The renowned golf icon chose to name his luxurious yacht “Privacy,” and its annual operating cost amounts to an astounding £1.5 million. Spanning an impressive 6,500 square feet, this yacht offers opulent accommodations for up to ten guests across five lavish state rooms.
Privacy boasts indulgent features, including an exotic Jacuzzi that comfortably accommodates up to eight individuals, providing a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoyment. With a length of 155 feet, the vessel also includes a convenient three-person elevator, ensuring easy access to its various decks and levels.
Equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, Privacy offers a fully-equipped setup to cater to the utmost comfort and convenience of its guests. However, the grandeur and luxury it offers come at a considerable cost, as it demands £1.5 million annually for its operation and maintenance.
Cristiano Ronaldo
In June 2020, the recipient of multiple Ballon d’Or awards invested £5.5 million in acquiring the Azimut Grande, a luxurious personal yacht. This exquisite vessel, crafted within the esteemed Versilia shipyards of Azimut-Benett, features five opulent cabins and is complemented by six lavishly adorned bathrooms, adding an air of extravagance to the entire experience.
Conclusion
It’s important for any athletes to have a time off in their busy sched. Some may see this as slacking off, but in reality this is a way to cope for the mental and physical stressed they have for the entire season.
