5 NFL Athletes Who also Participate in Extreme Adventure Sports

NFL players represent an elite group of exceptional athletes, and several players also compete in adventure and extreme sports that feature their exceptional adaptability and ability in other arenas.

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NFL athletes are some of the most gifted athletes in the world. They're known for incredible toughness, strength, and agility that often defies logic. These athletes run at peak performance - finely tuned and machine-like, seemingly beyond human.

While achieving NFL glory is amazing, some NFL athletes seek more adrenaline through extreme sports. Whether it's skydiving, surfing, snowboarding, or motorsports, these five players add excitement to their professional football careers.

1. Patrick Mahomes – Deep-Sea Fishing and Golfing

Nov 17, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws the ball for a touchdown against Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau (50) during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Patrick Mahomes shines in the NFL. In addition to his stellar play, Mahomes loves deep-sea fishing - an intense and demanding sport that requires skill, patience, and endurance. Fishing might not compare to throwing the winning Superbowl pass, but spending hours fighting a massive fish from the depths of the ocean runs a close second to Mahomes. Beyond deep-sea angling, Mahomes also plays golf, and regularly participates in celebrity tournaments and high-stakes matches.

2. Rob Gronkowski – Motorcross and Skydiving

Dec 5, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after their win against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-Imagn Images / Jason Getz-Imagn Images

Rob Gronkowski, former NFL tight end and four-time Super Bowl Champion, is well known for his big personality and fearless personal drive. He also tends to live life on the crazy side. These are the traits that drive Gronk to extreme sports. Gronk had the pleasure of skydiving with members of the Air Force Academy on live television.

Gronkowski loves skydiving. On numerous occasions, he discussed how his love of everything football pushed him to skydiving and allowed him to take in the moment. Taking a step out of an airplane thousands of feet above the earth isn't for the faint of heart, but Gronk does it with ease.

Beyond skydiving, Gronk also enjoys motocross - a sport that requires split-second decisions, advanced coordination, and quick reflexes. After catching touchdown passes in Super Bowls, the thrill of motocross comes easily for Gronk.

3. J.J. Watt – Rock Climbing and Snowboarding

Dec 12, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt (99) leaves the field after the game against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

J.J. Watt, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, built a Hall of Fame career off explosive quickness, speed, and immeasurable strength. Watt also works well on the fly, commonly changing his assignments during big-time games.

These traits all transfer well to his off-season hobbies, including rock climbing and snowboarding. In rock climbing, Watt faces challenges at every step as the sport requires incredible upper body strength, endurance, and mental focus. These same qualities made J.J. Watt a force of nature in the NFL.

Watt also loves loves snowboarding. He doesn't shy away from speed and hitting jumps with the same fearlessness he displayed hunting down quarterbacks during his NFL career. Although Watt retired from the NFL, he continues to participate in extreme sports to stay fit and active.

4. Russell Wilson – Surfing and Scuba Diving

Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Russell Wilson doesn't just drop passes on a dime in the NFL; he loves dropping in on big waves and big reefs. Wilson loves surfing and scuba diving. Wilson is an avid surfer, often hitting the in the offseason. His skill on the field directly translates to the surf, as surfing requires agility, balance, and quickness.

His love of water doesn't stop at the surf, as Wilson also loves to dip below the surface and travel into the depths of the ocean while scuba diving. Diving also brings the QB some peace, something hard to find in sold-out stadiums.

5. Odell Beckham Jr. – Parkour and Skateboarding

New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) makes a touchdown catch in the second half. The New York Giants defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38-35 on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in East Rutherford. Nyg Vs Tb / Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

Odell Beckham Jr. is the king of the one-handed catch, and one of the most dynamic receivers to ever play in the NFL. His athleticism will go down in the annuals of the Hall of Fame in Canton, forever cementing his legacy. Beckham Jr. translates his skills to multiple sports beyond football, including parkour and skateboarding.

Navigating the urban jungle isn't Beckham Jr.'s only extracurricular activity. He also loves skateboarding, a sport that requires quick reflexes, and the agility and balance of a cat. This is the perfect adventure sport for Beckham, who has a habit for pulling off catches and feats of acrobatics few others could achieve.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees throws a pass during the NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. / SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Content Services, LLC

For these players, their competitive spirit doesn't rest. With all the stresses and rigid training that comes with being in the NFL, it's nice to see some players spreading their wings and thriving in other sports, especially in the adventure world.

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