The beauty of Saturday Night Live is that it gives anyone a chance to prove their comedy chops, even if they have no background in acting. Some hosts show a natural ability to be funny and convincing, while others struggle, and professional athletes aren't typically known for their acting ability.
Athletes don't get many starring roles in movies, and, when they do, we get disasters like Shaquille O'Neal in Steel. Yet, SNL is the perfect place where professional athletes can go and have an opportunity to see if comedy works for them. Here are the 10 funniest sketches starring professional athletes in the long history of the sketch-comedy show.
J.J. Watt: Madden 21 Recording
J.J. Watt is easily one of the best and most likable defensive players in the NFL. However, the developers at EA apparently disagree. In this sketch, Watt is recording his lines of dialogue for his character in the video game Madden, and this includes shouting "whoopsie" and calling himself "Captain clumsy."
At one point, he makes fun of a virtual kid in a wheelchair at the game. His Madden avatar also doesn't do him any favors for his appearance. Watt's supposed Madden character represents the complete opposite of Watt's reputation in real life, but it's nice to see Watt has a sense of humor about it.
Dwayne Johnson: Bambi
Disney has recently been turning their animated classics into live-action films. Here, SNL imagines a live-action Bambi where the classic story is infused with the crazy action of the Fast & Furious franchise. Johnson plays Bambi, joined alongside Vin Diesel as Thumper, Tyrese Gibson as Flower, and Michelle Rodriguez as Faline.
The plot sees Bambi and the team going after a group of hunters, with Bambi being traumatized by his mother's death. It's a clever way of taking Bambi and turning it into a revenge, action thriller with Johnson providing his usual charm and star power.
Tom Brady: Sexual Harassment And You
Of course, Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback of all time, had to have a moment to shine on SNL. This sketch is a parody of vintage workplace videos, explaining to male employees how to avoid sexual harassment in the workplace. We see Fred Armisen making mistakes and then getting HR called on him.
Then, Brady does the same thing, but, because he is Brady, nothing happens. The joke of the sketch is that, if you are handsome and attractive, then you can get away with things other guys can't. It should be remembered that this is a comedy sketch and not indicative of real life. However, seeing Brady walking around a workplace in his underwear with no consequences is pretty hilarious.
Michael Jordan: Daily Affirmation
Now, let's move onto another all-time great, Michael Jordan, who stars in this sketch with Al Franken about daily affirmation. Franken plays a daily affirmation guide who tries to provide words of wisdom to those who need inspiration & more confidence. The problem is that he's giving these words to Jordan, who's someone who really doesn't need much of a confidence boost.
When you're the greatest basketball player ever, daily affirmation isn't exactly difficult to come by. Franken is very funny in this sketch, and Jordan is clearly trying to keep it together and not bust out laughing.
Charles Barkley: Last Call
The "Last Call" sketch has been done many times, with Kate McKinnon & the guest host playing two disgusting people who end up hooking up at a bar. These sketches are outrageous, from McKinnon's dialogue to the often gross kissing at the end.
Barkley works off of McKinnon pretty well here, although it's obvious he's uncomfortable and not the best actor. Kenan Thompson's hilarious reactions add to how absurd this sketch is. While there are better versions of this sketch, Barkley does a good job with his attempt here.
LeBron James: Read To Achieve
Lebron James has shown an interest in acting with roles in Trainwreck and the upcoming Space Jam: A New Legacy. In this sketch, James plays himself filming a commercial for the organization Read to Achieve.
However, Jason Sudeikis plays a cocky production assistant who keeps trying to show James up by throwing the basketball at him when he's not looking and even challenging him to one-on-one in which Sudeikis loses spectacularly. The sketch really teaches people to never challenge Lebron James in a pick-up basketball game.
Derek Jeter: Derek Jeter's Taco Hole
Derek Jeter is one of the best New York Yankees players ever, so it only fits that he would host the show that is live from New York. This sketch is a commercial for a fake restaurant called "Derek Jeter's Taco Hole." What makes the sketch is great is that the cast is singing a parody of The Beach Boys "Kokomo," where the lyrics are themed to Mexican cuisine. It's a hilarious sketch, but what's more impressive is that the jingle will get stuck in your head, making you hungry for some of Derek Jeter's tacos.
Eli Manning: Little Brothers
Athletes often want to be inspirational figures to kids everywhere. Eli Manning wants to be a brotherly figure for these kids by getting revenge on the older brothers who pick on their little brothers. While Eli has good intentions in the beginning, it's clear that he may be using this organization as a way to vent his frustrations with his own older brother, especially when he accidentally calls one of the other older brothers "Peyton" while throwing him in the trunk of his car. It's a funny sketch that also serves as a spiritual sequel to a famous sketch starring Eli's older brother.
John Cena: Science Presentation
This sketch criticizes an all-too-real idea that colleges are way nicer to their student-athletes than to the rest of their students who pay expensive tuitions. John Cena, who has shown his comedic chops in several films, plays a star Alabama football player who is dedicated to getting all A's in his classes.
However, the professors are clearly being favorable towards the player as Cena's project consisted of nailing bananas to plywood. One of the bananas is actually orange. However, he still gets an A. Alabama football is important to many, even the professors.
Peyton Manning: United Way
When people think of athletes on SNL, this is probably the first one that comes to mind. Manning is one of the best quarterbacks ever, but, in this sketch, he is an absolute nightmare to kids. He repeatedly pegs the ball at them, insults them, and punishes them by making them sit in a porta-potty. He even tries to teach the kids how to steal a car and run from the cops.
The NFL loves to show their players doing nice things for kids and their community, and Peyton genuinely does a convincing job at portraying a horrible role model for kids.