For some men — most really — it can be hard to admit that another guy is handsome. But if that man is an athlete, it can be easier because most men do admire athlete’s looks; they just won’t admit it. And when the beautiful women said athletes keep time with and their on-field abilities are added to the mix, it becomes a slam-dunk.
This is where the “man crush” comes into play. In case you’ve lived under a rock and never saw the ManCrushMonday (aka MCM) hashtags all over social media, a man crush is a guy that ladies love and men want to be because of their combination of athletics, brilliance and/or looks and style.
Sorry, but we have to face it guys: We like to gossip, too. That’s basically all sports television and radio is, so the sooner we get over it and stop saying only females engage in it, the better. So go ahead and enjoy our 10 man-crush idols — they’re so crush-worthy who cares it’s no longer Monday?
1. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan? Isn’t he old?
Yes, he is, but he must be No. 1 because he’s just a classic, like a white Mercedes-Benz S 500. This man was also the best basketball player that ever lived. He changed the National Basketball Association forever and is a marketing and branding genius along with the help of his loyal friends at Nike.
Oh, he’s also a six-time NBA title winner, and he could dunk from the free throw line. You can’t ever mess with that.
2. Tim Howard
Tim Howard broke from United States World Cup Soccer anonymity to become a star on his own last summer. He broke out nationally and gained the athletic envy of guys with his stellar 16-save performance in the World Cup against Belgium. With many tattoos and a great body, this goalie is definitely a keeper.
3. Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is not only an amazing quarterback and a Super Bowl winner, he’s also a laid-back and cute California dude with a killer smile. He even told the media in freezing-cold Green Bay, Wis., to “R-E-L-A-X” when the team got off to a rough start this season. Highly man-crush worthy.
4. Reggie Bush
Though Reggie Bush was a great college football player at the University of Southern California, he hasn’t been as great in the NFL, where he currently plays for the Detroit Lions. Lucky for him, though, he hasn’t lost his looks or that million-dollar smile that got him Kim K. years ago before she became the most overexposed chick on the planet. At least he continutes to capture our attention off the field.
5. Neymar Jr.
Neymar Jr. of FC Barcelona is super-cute and also Brazilian, so you know he can dance. He’s an awesome goal scorer who seems to be fun-loving and has a boy-next-door cuteness that I’m sure helps when he isn’t finding the back of the net on the pitch.
6. David Beckham
David Beckham, a longtime favorite of hot athlete lovers worldwide, remains a classic. The former world-class midfielder and husband to a Spice Girl has stayed atop the hot athlete list, and here he remains. On the field, he was brilliant setting up teammates, but needs no help staying sexy, obviously. Just one thing Becks: Please don’t talk. Stay looking sexy, and don’t say anything in that weird voice.
7. Lionel Messi
Neymar’s Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi is currently the best soccer player in the world, and he is also pretty damn hot off the field. He has no difficulty cutting through opposing defenses — and apparently right into our hearts.
8. Henrik Lundqvist
New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist is not called the “King Of New York” for nothing. The man can dress, sport a handsome beard and is a wildcat on the ice and, dare I say, in the street.
9. Joakim Noah
This Chicago Bull is an absolute beast on the court. He’s got that wild-man look with the longhair and beard, and his come-as-you-are and if-you-don’t-like-me-I-don’t-care attitude is irresistible. He’s also a great defender, rebounder and an all-around team player.
10. Bryce Harper
This Washington National has a picture-perfect left-handed swing, more power in his bat than he knows what to do with and a great body. Baseball players are lucky they get to wear those tight pants; they are basically chic magnets for some reason. He’s been up and down since making it to Major League Baseball, but his boy-next-door cuteness has not waned. Instead, it’s becoming full-on man-crush worthy.
Noah Zuss is a reporter for TheBlot Magazine.
