Are you ready for some football, Crushers?! This Sunday the New Orleans Saints will face off against the Indianapolis Colts for Super Bowl XLIV. But before all the action starts, we wanted to indulge in some of our favorite hotties in movies and television to ever throw a pigskin around. So, follow with us as we score the all-time best in gridiron guys — they make us wish every day was a game day.
Paul Walker in "Varsity Blues"
James Van Der Beek may have been the star of this Texas high school football melodrama (he didn't want your life!), but it was Paul Walker as injured quarterback Lance Harbor that made us want to take up sports medicine and help the hottie lick his wounds. Figuratively, of course.
Mark Wahlberg in "Invincible"
Based on a true story, Mark Wahlberg plays Vince Papale, a bartender who made it on the Philadelphia Eagles after an open tryout. While the tale certainly is uplifting, we were inspired to seek out any scene with the super studly Mark in a jersey (even with that shaggy 70s do).
Taylor Kitsch in "Friday Night Lights"
If bad boys are your weakness, then Taylor Kitsch as the trouble making Tim Riggins in the fan favorite "Friday Night Lights" will make you feel like you've been tackled by a defensive lineman. There's no doubt Tim is one talented high school football star, but we always look forward to seeing him off the field without that pesky helmet in the way.
John Krasinski in "Leatherheads"
The movie may not have been a total touchdown, but with a cast like George Clooney and John Krasinski it totally scores major points with us. We especially loved John as hotshot football star Carter Rutherford, not only for his slick moves on the field, but those oh-so-adorable expressions we've come to look forward to every week on "The Office."
Ryan Gosling and Donald Faison in "Remember the Titans" (tie)
How can you choose your favorite actor turned football player in this heartwarming Disney drama when you've got Ryan Gosling and Donald Faison on the same team? Simple: you choose both!
Mario Lopez in "Saved By The Bell"
A.C. Slater was the quintessential jock (hey, every group needs one!) of the Bayside gang. Not only did Slater (Mario Lopez) become star quarterback, he was also the second coolest guy in school (sorry, but nobody, not even a football stud, can top Zach Morris!)
Cuba Gooding Jr. in "Jerry Maguire"
Thanks to him we had one of the most overused catchphrases of the '90's — but hey, so what? Cuba Gooding Jr.'s Oscar-winning role as loudmouth football player Rod Tidwell was so endearing we'll let it slide. A man who looks good in a towel and is hopelessly devoted to his wife and kids? Money = shown.
Cory Monteith in "Glee"
It's not hard to see why singing football stud Finn Hudson (Cory Monteith) is one of the most sought-after guys at McKinley High School (he can belt out a tune and score the winning touchdown.) So look out Rachel, Quinn and Kurt, we're all in the Finn cheering section, too.
Keanu Reeves in "The Replacements"
If there's anything Keanu Reeves is good at (besides helping buses leap spectacular distances) it's being one of our favorite sports movie hotties. Keanu made an appearance on our baseball hotties list and won us over again as washed up football player Shane "Footsteps" Falco.
Vince Vaughn in "Rudy"
As much as it pained us that Vince Vaughn was bad guy Jamie O'Hara in this moving classic, those rugged good looks get him off the hook for always ragging on our beloved Rudy (Sean Astin). Who's the wild man now, Vince?!
Click on any of the photos above to peruse our entire celebration of hot movie and tv football players flipbook!
Which of the above players do you prefer to watch on the football field? Did we leave any of your favorites off our list?
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