Eat like a pro (kind of): 8 athletes with namesake sandwiches

Athletes at the top of their game are recognized for their achievements in countless ways - typically via trophies, plaques, statues, All-Star Games, etc.

Athletes at the top of their game are recognized for their achievements in countless ways - typically via trophies, plaques, statues, All-Star Games, etc. However, no tribute is as delicious as a star getting their very own sandwich, created in their honor.

Derek Jeter’s playing days in New York may be done, but his Hall of Fame career has inspired New York’s Carnegie Deli to create “The Derek Jeter Triple Club Sandwich”  -  a turkey and bacon offering that is almost as monstrous as the legacy the shortstop is leaving behind.

While Jeter is the latest athlete to get his own sandwich, he’s certainly not the first. Here are some other sports stars that have the privilege of being able to order themselves off the menu:

1. Linsanity

Jeremy Lin

New Lakers point guard Jeremy Lin has yet to play a game in the gold & purple but it’s clear that his reputation precedes him. Lin already has his own sandwich – predictably dubbed “Linsanity” – at Ike’s in Los Angeles. The sub features Turkey, Voodoo Heat Chips, GodFather Sauce, Avocado, Havarti and Siracha. Cost: $9.99

2. The Melo Sandwich

Carmelo Anthony

Jeter isn’t the only New York athlete on the board at the Carnegie Deli. Carmelo Anthony also has his own offering, and – like the forward’s new contract with the Knicks – it’s very expensive. “The Melo Sandwich” features Pastrami, Corned Beef, Salami, Bacon, Tomato, and Russian Dressing on Rye Bread, and will run customers a cool $21.95.

3. The 7 (Aka ‘The Roethlisburger’)

Ben Roethlisberger

. The 7 (Aka ‘The Roethlisburger’)

Ben Roethlisberger

4. The Tom Brady

Tom Brady

Whenever the Patriots quarterback goes back to his hometown of San Francisco, he has the ability to stop by local sandwich shop Ike’s and pick his own name off the sandwich board. “The Tom Brady” comes with Avocado, Cheddar, Garlic and Herb Sauce, Mushrooms, and breaded chicken, and is also offered in vegan form. Either one with cost you $13.31

5. The Madison Bumgarner

Madison Bumgarner

. The Madison Bumgarner

Madison Bumgarner

6. The Strasburger

Stephen Strasburg

Like Ben Roethlisberger, Strasburg getting a sandwich named after him was almost too easy. In fact, several places around D.C. have created their own “StrasBurger,” but none is more impressive than the one concocted by the Nationals themselves. The eight-pound monstrosity sold at Nationals Park is an all-beef burger (combination of ground brisket, chuck and short ribs) that comes with American cheese, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced red onions, pickle chips and “secret sauce.” If you want to find out more terrifying information about this burger, please see our Concession Item of the Week post about it. Cost: $59

7. Le Zlatan

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

. Le Zlatan

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

8. Jetbow

Tim Tebow

It’s not on the menu anymore (for obvious reasons) but the Carnegie Deli succumbed to Tebowmania quickly after the former quarterback was traded to the Jets in 2012. The sandwich – a 3.5-pound beast featuring corned beef, pastrami, roast beef, American cheese, lettuce and tomato on white bread – was designed to reflect Tebow’s clean-cut, poster boy image. Cost: $22.22

Pete Blackburn is a writer for Next Impulse Sports