No Huddle

2012: Sexiest Athletes 

Photo Credit: People

Every year People Magazine releases who it thinks is the Sexiest Man Alive. This year, it's the former-stripper, Step Up dancer, Vow loving, Dear John soldier, G.I. Joe fighting, Magic Mike hero: Channing Tatum. How's that for an introduction? He beat out the other hot, sexy men like Ben Affleck, Usher, Matt Bomer, and Chris Hemsworth. 

But, did any athletes cross over from sports fame into mainstream culture to be considered some of the sexiest men nominees? Oh yes, they certain did. 

According to People Magazine, here are five of the hottest male athlete runner-ups:

1. Tom Brady

I feel like Tom Brady, the New England Patriots franchise quarterback, is always in People Magazine's sexiest category. Yes, he's a part-time model, who married an actual supermodel, is a family man, is into charity work, and is good at his job. And he won the award for sexiest man in Michigan. That's cool, I guess. 

The magazine wrote, "While he plays for the New England Patriots and was born in California, Brady honed his athletic prowess as a quarterback for the University of Michigan, shepherding the Wolverines to victory in the Citrus Bowl and the Orange Bowl in the late 1990s."

How is it that Brady has never actually won the Sexiest Man Alive award yet? Well, I know just who to ask! And, it's probably because he has to do some more on-camera work. 

For now, ladies and gentlemen, just enjoy this photo of your favorite New England athlete:

Photo Credit: VMAN Magazine

2. David Beckham

Here's another athlete who, by now, should have won sexiest man alive. He's a prominent underwear model, soccer player, devoted father, and husband to one of the Spice Girls. I'd say that's a pretty successful resume right there. Becks, however, was nominated as one of the sexiest family guys, to which, I say, I wish I had a dad like you! 

Photo Credit: Emporio Armani

3. Mario Chalmers

It's funny, but when asked: "Who do you think the top two hottest male athletes today are?" I'm not sure many of you would have chosen Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers. This nomination shocked me as well; however, that statement is not meant to knock Chalmers as a player or as being a very good-looking basketball player, which he is both. Regardless, Chalmers was nominated in People for being the sexiest man from Alaska. As a matter of fact, he's only the third player to enter the NBA from Alaska. 

Chalmers tells the Miami Herald: "A lot of people say there's nothing in Alaska but snow and ice. So, being from Alaska, being that guy, I just want to [disprove] it." 

Now if I were Chalmers's publicist, I'd be extremely happy right now. As for Chalmers, I'm pretty sure he doesn't mind flashing those pearly whites for the cameras either.

Photo Credit: Miami Herald

4. Apolo Anton Ohno

Good news ladies! The former Dancing with the Stars champion from season 4 is also an eight-time medalist in the short track speed skating category. Plus, he has been named the most decorated American Winter Olympic athlete of all time, and, he's a nominee for sexiest man alive. If that doesn't pack a two-punch, I'm not sure what will. But the greatest thing going for him right now? He's single and ready to mingle. 

He told People: "I haven't been on a date in a long time, so maybe I'll have a little time for that--jeez. With the show, it's so crazy. Your social life and everything gets put on hold." 

Well, I'm pretty sure that now that he's been nominated as one of the sexiest men alive, the number of potential dates has skyrocketed through the roof.

5. Oscar Pistorius

While he's another Olympic athlete who has been nominated, no one really knew who Oscar Pistorius was until after the 2012 London Olympics. The South African runner became the first double-amputee sprinter to compete at the Summer Games. Not only that, but his optimistic attitude and smashing looks have vaulted this 25-year-old into superstardom. 

He tweeted, "Thank you! Haha #8, honoured!" when he received the news.

And everyone wants to know who this guy is. Ever since his nomination in People, the number of searches for "Oscar Pistorius girlfriend" have blown up. For someone also nicknamed Blade Runner (pretty fitting, right?), and whose future looks bright if he decides to compete in the Olympics again, things are looking up for Mr. Pistorius. 

Photo Credit: People Magazine