Professional athletes are obviously very talented in their respective fields – a lot more than the average Joe. And, hey, that’s pretty awesome but you know what makes some of those athletes even cooler? Their adorable relationship with their pups! Seeing a huge football player or tough boxer, whatever the athlete’s profession, seeing them gush over their pups is enough to melt even a Grinch’s heart. Take a look at these 20 famous athletes who are thankful for their pups.
Manny Pacquiao and Pacman
Boxing legend, Manny Pacquiao, is no stranger to grueling exercise day in, day out. However, when it comes to his little champion, Pacman – it’s Manny who has to keep up. The tiny Jack Russell may be small and ferocious but he’s got plenty strength and speed. In 2015, Manny fought against Floyd Mayweather but it was the appearance of Pacman that was the main event.
Manny Pacquiao And Pacman
George Kottaras and Leo
I’m a proud owner of a Labrador, I mean they’re unbelievably loyal, very loving, and occasionally hilarious with their antics – each one is as unique as it gets. So when Kottaras went out and himself a HUGE Labrador, I couldn’t have been more happy and proud of the catcher (even if he has no idea what he’s getting himself into, they can be super stubborn and devious little pups). What’s more, Kottaras usually uploads a photo of the two weekly and it’s usually a warm and loving photo too.
George Kottaras and Leo
Mick Fanning and Harper
2015 was a rough year for the Aussie surfer – he tragically lost his brother and narrowly survived a shark attack at a competition which was live on television no less. Despite all that, Mick came back stronger than ever, maybe it’s his furry companion that we have to thank for that. Harper is often on Mick’s social media pages and is often pictured doing some hilarious, crazy things. Harper sure does have a sense of humor and we love it!
Mick Fanning And Harper
Michelle Wie and Lola
Michelle Wie is a nothing short of a star on the LPGA circuit. The 27-year old and 4-time tour winner is very popular on the course, but when she comes home to her baby Lola, she is the center of her world. These two are inseparable, Wie even takes Lola on all kinds of trips, to the pool or just on a regular drive, anything to put a smile on that adorable pups face.
Michelle Wie And Lola
Lindsey Vonn and Lucie
Vonn is the World Cup ski racer who has also picked up a little puppy! Vonn already has two dogs, Leo and Bear, but she felt what’s one more – solid logic. She took to Instagram to ask fans what she call the newest addition to her sweet little family. “So excited to welcome this sweetheart into my life!” wrote Vonn. “I’m having a hard time finding a name though …. What do you guys think? Lucy? Cookie? Help!! Xoxo.” Eventually she settled on Lucie which is obviously a great choice.
Lindsey Vonn And Lucie
Kyrie Irving and Drew
Irving might dazzle on the court for the Cleveland Cavaliers but there’s something more dazzling about him…his dog, of course! Take a look at the photo he posted on his Instagram account during National dog day, I mean, Drew couldn’t be more adorable resting on his daddy’s shoe. Plus, Drew is looking all sheepish and cute, while Drew could have just peed on the sofa, we don’t care because he is crazy cute.
Kyrie Irving And Drew
Le’Veon Bell and Beautiful
The Pittsburgh Steelers running back gave his pup the best name, Beautiful. Bell is constantly posting videos of their car trips together or he’s uploading loving photos, whether it’s Valentine’s Day or not. Bell just couldn’t get enough love his dog so he wrote by the video this “beautiful” message, “Beautiful wanted to be on gram today … so make sure y’all (show) her some love, she’s so pretty.” Eek, too cute.
Le’Veon Bell And Beautiful
Mike Conley and Rio
Mike Convey is the point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies and while his NBA career isn’t much to brag about, he has an incredibly loyal and lovable friend to come to every day, his adorable German Sheppard, Rio. Just check out this super cute photo Conley posted on Instagram with his adorable four legged friend. Conley writes, “My boy Rio trying to help put the piano stand together! #mansbestfriend.” Looks like it’s time to send in applications to Julliard.
Mike Conley And Rio
Russell Wilson and Tyson and Texas
Russell Wilson may have won the Superbowl and married singer, Ciara, but his real jackpot win is that of his two large canines! Don’t worry, Tyson and Texas may look unhappy but that’s just their complexion not how they’re actually feeling. We adore that he gives so much love and attention to both canines, it’s too cute to bear.
Russell Wilson And Tyson And Texas
Joseph Fauria and Pomsky
Former Detroit Lions and Cardinals footballer, Joseph Fauria hit a bit of rough patch when he was forced to leave the New England Patriots roster, which makes it hard to get excited about anything after that. Until, of course, Fauria met his adorable husky, Pomsky, who is just too precious for words. Actually, Pomsky received the blame when Fauria was injured while trying to potty train the little guy – that’s actually kind of hilarious. We’re totally team Pomsky, no way is he to blame!
Joseph Fauria And Pomsky
Roy Hibbert and Nala
The Charlotte Hornets center player is a bit of a character off the court. We are of course referring to his stint on Jimmy Kimmel four years ago. He was in the middle of the ‘Skype Scavenger Hunt’ when his session was interrupted by his $3,000 French Bulldog. This of course stole the whole show – just look how cute Nala is, my heart is melting.
Roy Hibbert And Nala
David Price and Astro
Of course, David Price created a Twitter account for his lovable pup, Astro. Why wouldn’t he, that dog is amazing. Astro’s account already has over 5,700 followers, check him out at @Astro_DPsDog already. I mean, come on, the Red Sox official Twitter account even tweeted about Astro joining the social media channel! That’s just so sweet.
David Price And Astro
Paula Creamer and Studley
Paula Creamer’s dog, Studley, goes everywhere with her – including her wedding! Doesn’t matter to the 10-time LPGA Tour winner if she’s going out of town or just to the golf course, Studley is coming too. She adores her dog so much that there are thousands of photos of their relationship for us to admire, now that’s love. But we wonder, how does her husband, Derek Heath, cope with the jealously?!
Paula Creamer And Studley
Caroline Wozniacki and Bruno
Caroline Wozniacki’s relationship with her pup, Bruno, often takes the headlines for everything relating to this tennis player’s total puppy love. The media even goes on to say that the Pomeranian pooch is the best companion to have around after her split with Rory McIlroy. What with posts of the pair hanging around the kitchen and the practice court, Bruno is the perfect guy to mend a broken heart.
Caroline Wozniacki And Bruno
Kevin Durant and YoungZo
Oklahoma City star has created a social media frenzy with his delightful bulldog, YoungZo. Durant refers to the little cutie as “my girl” which just causes me to gush because come on, people, that’s freaking adorable.
Kevin Durant And YoungZo
Vernon Davis and Cookie
There is no separating these two and that’s just precious. Cookie looks to be Davis’s pride and joy – they’re the best buds there ever was.
Vernon Davis And Cookie
Kraig Urbik and Henry
It just honestly can’t get cuter than these two – no, really, look at ’em! Urbik’s pug, Henry, is a riot, so much so that he even has his own Instagram account! Follow the little rugrat immediately at @henryurbik – you know you want to. I just love Urbik’s honesty about Henry’s account, “It’s true. I’ve made Henry his own Instagram so mine isn’t only photos of our dog.” We totally get it.
Kraig Urbik And Henry
Pau Gasol and Linda
Gasol may be a strong, tall center for the Bulls but he’s actually a total softie. This Spanish basketball star and his dog, Linda, are the sweetest little family.
Pau Gasol And Linda
David Ortiz and Happy
No we aren’t joking, David Ortiz really does a super tiny white chihuahua. This baseball player is a huge fan of canines which is not surprising that his tiny pride and joy can be seen at numerous VIP events. Plus he gave the little bundle of joy a special name, Happy. Doesn’t get cuter than that.
David Ortiz and Happy
Klay Thompson and Rocco
Where Klay goes, Rocco goes. Isn’t that just so sweet? Thompson’s loyal bulldog loves his Golden State Warriors daddy, he tags along to walks on the beach, runs in the park, watching films or taking naps. Thompson’s Instagram account is of course littered with photos of adorable little Rocco and we don’t blame him.
Klay Thompson And Rocco
