Athletes on The Tonight Show with Leno

SI Staff | Jan 11, 2010

Athletes on The Tonight Show with Leno

Karl Malone

AP

As Jay Leno prepares to move back to his 11:30 p.m. time slot, we look back at some memorable appearances by athletes on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" during its original run from 1992 to 2009. In this photo, Karl Malone shows off his stomach muscles after Leno poked fun at The Mailman's fitness video.

Shaquille O'Neal

AP

Shaquille O'Neal shows off his fighting stance after the Lakers' second consecutive NBA championship.

Serena Williams

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Serena Williams discusses her Wimbledon victory during this 2003 interview.

Boston Red Sox

AP

Dave Roberts, Alan Embree, Mike Timlin, David Ortiz and Derek Lowe share a laugh after Leno reveals a "Big Papi" T-shirt during the Red Sox's visit following their World Series victory.

Vince Young

Paul Drinkwater/Getty Images

After leading the Longhorns to the national championship, Vince Young speaks with Leno and longtime USC fan Will Ferrell, whose Trojans lost to Young's Texas squad.

Kobe Bryant

AP

Before Kobe Bryant became an NBA legend, he made his first appearance with Leno at age 17.

Alex Rodriguez

AP

Texas shortstop Alex Rodriguez joined Leno just prior to the start of the 2003 season, his last with the Rangers.

Carolyn Murphy, Charles Barkley

AP

SI swimsuit cover model Carolyn Murphy compares hand sizes with Charles Barkley during a February 2005 appearance.

John Daly

AP

After shaving his own head following a victory in the 1995 British Open, John Daly shows off his barber skills on a member of the audience.

Josh Beckett

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

World Series MVP Josh Beckett joined Leno after leading the Florida Marlins to the 2003 championship.

Sidney Crosby

AP

Sidney Crosby, 17, shares a laugh with host Leno during an appearance after the 2005 NHL Draft.

Jim Brown, Howie Long and Terry Bradshaw

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Fox commentators Jim Brown, Howie Long and Terry Bradshaw talk football with Leno.

Pete Carroll

Paul Drinkwater/NBC via Getty Images

USC coach Pete Carroll shakes hands with Leno prior to the Trojans' matchup with Michigan at the 2003 Rose Bowl

Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain and Julie Foudy

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Olympic soccer stars players Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain and Julie Foudy appear with Leno before leading the U.S. team to gold in Athens.

Brad Johnson and Keyshawn Johnson

AP

Brad Johnson and Keyshawn Johnson joke with Leno after leading Tampa Bay to a victory in Super Bowl XXXVII.

Michael Jordan

AP

Michael Jordan hugs Leno after being introduced during a taping of The Tonight Show.

Randy Johnson

AP

Randy Johnson talks to Leno about the Diamondbacks upset of the Yankees in the World Series.

Sammy Sosa

AP

Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa gets an ovation from Leno and the studio audience.

Alexi Lalas

AP

Alexi Lalas talks soccer with Leno during a 1996 appearance.

Dennis Rodman

AP

Dennis Rodman joined Leno in January 1999 to discuss his first season away from basketball. Four weeks later, he signed a one-year contract to join the Lakers.

Pete Rose

AP

After publicly admitting that he bet on baseball, Pete Rose chats with Leno about his desire to be reinstated into the game and perhaps manage another team.

Evander Holyfield

AP

Evander Holyfield dressed in a fat suit during this 1997 interview with Leno.

Kenny Smith

AP

Leno displays a broom to Rockets guard Kenny Smith after Houston swept Orlando to capture the NBA championship.