“Tailgate”
I grew up in a football family. Every male on my father’s side for the past four generations has played football. My childhood memories are full of tailgate parties where the men compared football injuries with each other over tripas and Coors. I must admit, I never did get the appeal of the game—it seemed to me that I never saw a football game (pro or otherwise) that did not involve a player being carried off the field on a stretcher. And when the game was on TV? BO-RING! That all changed, though, the first time I saw football in Hi-Def. It was like seeing the world in color for the first time after years of black and white. Not that the game was any more alluring, only the players. Let’s just say that HDTV totally changed my definition of the word, “tailgate”.
As you know, we here at Mamiverse love our dads, particularly those of the handsome persuasion. So in the spirit of Father’s Day we’ve compiled a virtual runway show of some of our favorite hot sports dads. Enjoy!
MAMIVERSE FATHER’S DAY TAILGATE PARTY!
1. Tony Gonzales
This, um, tight end for the Atlanta Falcons (What? That’s his position, sheesh!) hails from Torrance, California, where he was raised by his Cuban mom. Tony holds the career tight end records for reception yards and touchdowns. As if that weren’t impressive enough, he totally saved a guy’s life once! That’s right, Gonzales (father of three) once successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on a choking man in a restaurant, even though said man was a Chargers fan. Sigh.
2. Rafa Marquez
Center back and defensive midfielder for the Mexican National Football Team as well as the New York Red Bulls. This father of two was the captain of the Mexican National team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is only the 8th player in history to reach 100 caps for Mexico. Sure he’s hot, but is he hot enough for our list? Just ask Shakira, she featured him in her “This Time For Africa” video for the 2010 World Cup. Waka Waka!
3. Albert Pujols
This Dominican-American first baseman for the Angels is a two time World Series champion (for the Cardinals) and NINE time All-Star! This father of four and his wife are tireless activists for people with Down syndrome (a condition Pujols’ stepdaughter was born with). Pujols became an American citizen in 2007 and in 2008 was voted the most feared hitter in the major leagues. Coincidence?
4. Andres Nocioni
This Argentine baller helped bring his country Olympic gold in 2004, then went on to play in the NBA (for the Bulls, the Kings and the 76ers, respectively) until 2012, before returning to Spain to play for Caja Laboral, with whom he’d played before the Olympics. The father of two has the nickname “Chapu” after El Chapulin Colorado. Let’s all say it together, “Awwwww…”
5. David Beckham
Let’s face it, even if you’ve never watched soccer in your entire life, you know exactly who David Beckham is. He’s just that hot. The soccer megastar is also a megadad, he and his wife Victoria (you remember her, Posh Spice?) have no fewer than FOUR kids. The couple are always being photographed having fiercely fashionable family fun with their kids—and they practically stole the focus of the entire WORLD at the Royal Wedding!
6. Sergio Romero
This Argentine goalkeeper has the nickname “Chiquito” because he’s small compared to his brothers, one of whom plays professional basketball in Argentina. Like Rafa Marquez, he represented his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, playing in all five of Argentina’s matches. Married to actress and model Eliana Guercio, Romero is the newest dad on our list, he became a dad to daughter Yazmin in 2010.
So there you have it, just a few of the sexiest sports dads we know. Got any more to add to the list? Do tell! It’s getting pretty hot up in here at Mamiverse this Father’s Day, no? Now, where did we put those frosty cold beers?
Wishing you love with extra cheese—
Nacho Mama
Photo Credits: Beckham and sons by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images; Gonzalez by Mark Cowan/Icon SMI; Nocioni by Christophe Elise/Icon SMI/Retna Ltd.
