Can You Identify the Athletes in These Ads?

By: Tasha Moore
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Identify the Athletes in These Ads?
Image: Hennessy / P4PESCO via YouTube

About This Quiz

Avid sports fans, as well as those of you seeking to gain greater pop culture info, will enjoy this quiz. Have a ball as you identify which sports figures have promoted typical athletic apparel, generic doughnuts and fast food snacks. See if you can spot your favorite stars in modern as well as dated ads.

Practically all sports categories are covered here, and female players are prominent among the choices. Expect to see a lot of Nike ads, especially among the basketball greats. When you think of sports ads, a few names, like Michael Jordan or David Beckham, readily come to mind. But what about some of the more obscure, but no less talented players out there? A few of those names are sprinkled in too.

Basketball greats, boxing legends, tennis pros and some of the most domineering wrestlers occupy these ranks. So look out for your prized players among the choices. They are sure to be there. You'll get to match a name to a face for this quiz, which should help you along. Only a few of the questions are super challenging, so buckle up and let the games begin!

Michael Jordan
Hanes / robertpulsan via YouTube
Which basketball master appears in this Hanes underwear ad?
Michael Jordan
Dwayne Wade
Chris Paul
Jimmy Butler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hollywood actor Cuba Gooding Jr. stars opposite Michael Jordan in this chuckle-worthy ad. Gooding pursues Mike to inform him that he is wearing his underwear.

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Manny Pacquiao
Hennessy / P4PESCO via YouTube
Who is the boxing hero in this Hennessy ad?
Floyd Mayweather
Manny Pacquiao
Muhammad Ali
Sugar Ray Leonard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Manny Pacquiao is a highly skilled boxer originally from the Philippines, where he has served in public office. The title of his Hennessy commercial is "What's Your Rabbit."

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Mike Tyson
Foot Locker / Funny Channel via YouTube
This athlete is considered one of the best professional boxers of his generation. Can you identify him in this Foot Locker ad?
Mike Tyson
Conor McGregor
Joe Frazier
Evander Holyfield
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mike Tyson stars in the 2013 Foot Locker ad. The retired boxing great is originally from Brooklyn, New York.

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Larry Bird
Ben-Gay / Beta MAX via YouTube
Which Celtics legend appears in this Ben-Gay ad?
Steve Nash
Joseph Forte
Alvin Gentry
Larry Bird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Larry Bird appears in this 1983 Ben Gay ad for pain relief cream. Bird's height is a towering six feet, nine inches. He attended Indiana State in the late 1970s.

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Magic Johnson
Quality Dairy / Mike Kalush via YouTube
A Los Angeles Lakers legend appears in a rather generic ad. Can you guess who it is?
Kobe Bryant
Magic Johnson
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Wilt Chamberlain
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Former Los Angeles Laker Magic Johnson appears in this 1980 ad. Quality Dairy must have offered Magic the best doughnuts they make to seal this ad deal.

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Odell Beckham Jr
Head & Shoulders / Commercials Funny via YouTube
Who's advertising Head & Shoulders shampoo here?
Mel Branch
Odell Beckham Jr.
Tom Brady
Odell Barry
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Odell Beckham Jr. is the New York Giants wide receiver that appears in the 2017 Head & Shoulders ad. Beckham is one of the most recognizable players in professional American football.

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Cristiano Ronaldo
Armani / ShadesCoffee via YouTube
Which soccer player and international sex symbol is not afraid to show his bare chest in this Emporio Armani ad?
Gareth Bale
David Beckham
Cristiano Ronaldo
Mohamed Salah
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cristiano Ronaldo is a soccer player from Portugal who plays the forward position for Real Madrid. He took on this revealing Armani ad campaign in 2010.

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Michael Jordan Ball Park
Ball Park Franks / that90sguy via YouTube
Who is the Chicago Bulls great who's promoting Ball Park Franks in this ad?
Mike Tyson
Julius Erving
Michael Jordan
Allen Iverson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This Ball Park Franks ad with Michael Jordan appeared in 1998. A popular slogan for the brand was, "They plump when you cook 'em."

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Peyton Manning
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company / Nationwide via YouTube
In 2018, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company released this ad starring which football retiree?
J. J. Watt
Peyton Manning
Drew Brees
Tom Brady
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Peyton Manning retired from the Denver Broncos in 2015. In this Nationwide ad, he stars opposite country music star Brad Paisley.

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John McEnroe
Seat / nadalarg via YouTube
Which retired tennis pro stars in this ad for an automotive company?
John McEnroe
Andre Agassi
Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John McEnroe appears in this 2005 ad for Seat. The company is based in Madrid, Spain and manufactures automobiles.

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Tom Brady
Foot Locker / dao Thu via YouTube
A living New England Patriots legend appears in this ad for Foot Locker. Can you identify him?
Adrian Peterson
Russell Wilson
Eli Manning
Tom Brady
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tom Brady, quarterback for the New England Patriots, appears in the Foot Locker ad. In the ad, Brady makes jest of his "deflategate" debacle.

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David Beckham
H&M / FashionSGM via YouTube
Can you identify the Saint-Germain F.C. soccer player in this H&M ad?
David Beckham
Dele Alli
David Silva
Pele
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Beckham is the soccer player who appears in this 2013 ad for H&M underwear. The dashing Englishman is married to former Spice Girls alum Victoria Beckham.

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Frank Gifford
Westinghouse / TELEVISIONARCHIVES via YouTube
Which New York Giants icon appears in this vintage ad?
Bill Belichick
Frank Gifford
Tom Landry
Colt McCoy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The now-deceased Frank Gifford appears in this vintage commercial for Westinghouse air conditioners. Gifford played for the New York Giants and retired after his 1964 season.

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Rafael Nadal
Babolat / Babolat via YouTube
Who is the tennis star seen here in this ad for tennis rackets?
Arthur Ashe
Stefan Edberg
Rafael Nadal
David Ferrer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rafael Nadal stars in this ad for Babolat tennis rackets. This company customizes athletic equipment to suit a specific player's needs.

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LeBron James
Nike / Andjelka L.E. via YouTube
He is, perhaps, one of the most dominate athletes to ever play professional basketball. Can you identify his voice in this Nike ad?
LeBron James
Scottie Pippen
Patrick Ewing
Russell Westbrook
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

LeBron James lends his voice for this 2016 Nike ad titled "Come Out of Nowhere." James is an Ohio native and currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Shaquille O'Neal
Pepsi / Jean-Sebastien Blondel via YouTube
Which very tall professional basketball retiree appears in this Pepsi ad?
Shaquille O'Neal
Jason Kidd
David Robinson
Tim Duncan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shaquille O'Neal is originally from Newark, New Jersey and stands seven feet and one inch tall. He stars in this Pepsi ad, which was released in 1993 when he played for the Orlando Magic.

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Stephen Curry
Brita / Los Angeles Lakers Basketball via YouTube
Can you name the precision three-point-shooter that stars in this ad?
Joel Embiid
Karl Malone
Stephen Curry
Charles Barkley
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Golden State Warriors phenom Stephen Curry appears in this 2018 Brita ad. The company manufactures water filtration products.

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Charles Barkley
Nike / GloopTrekker via YouTube
Which professional basketball retiree and television personality do you see in this ad?
Charles Barkley
Bill Russell
Kevin Garnett
Isiah Thomas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Charles Barkley played for the Phoenix Suns when this ad was released. The 1993 Nike ad is titled "I am Not a Role Model."

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Lawrence Taylor
Midway Games / Matt Grube via YouTube
Which professional football retiree do you see in this ad?
DeMarco Murray
Ben Roethlisberger
Tony Romo
Lawrence Taylor
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Retired New York Giants player No. 56, Lawrence Taylor, promotes Blitz: The League II video game in this ad. L.T.'s position with the New York Giants was linebacker for his entire career.

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Andre Agassi
Canon / Keith Richardson via YouTube
Which Las Vegas native and tennis legend is promoting professional series cameras for Canon?
Jim Courier
Andre Agassi
Michael Chang
Ken Rosewall
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A youthful-looking Andre Agassi appears in this 1991 Canon ad. Agassi retired from playing professional tennis in 2006.

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Ryan Lochte
Gatorade / Suzanne Quast via YouTube
Blink, and you might miss this Olympic swimmer zip by in this Gatorade ad. Who is he?
Michael Phelps
Ian Thorpe
Matt Biondi
Ryan Lochte
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Olympic multi-medalist swimmer Ryan Lochte makes a split-second cameo appearance in this Gatorade ad. He attended the University of Florida, and competed in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic games.

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Lance Armstrong
Onnit / Onnit via YouTube
You'll never guess which former cyclist shows his face in a 2018 ad for health supplements. Guess who it is?
Frank Bowden
Sean Kelly
Lance Armstrong
Alberto Contador
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As recently as 2018, former world triathlete Lance Armstrong appears in an ad for supplement company Onnit. Armstrong retired from his racing career at the end of the 2005 Tour de France.

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Grant Hill
McDonald's / ClassicCommercials4U via YouTube
Which former Detroit Pistons star do you see promoting Chicken McNuggets in this ad?
Grant Hill
Kobe Bryant
Dwayne Wade
Isiah Thomas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This 1996 McDonald's Chicken McNuggets ad stars Grant Hill, who played for the Detroit Pistons at the time of the ad's release. After an impressive 19-year career, Hill retired in 2013 while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers.

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Michael Phelps
Talkspace / Talkspace via YouTube
Which retired American competitive swimmer do you see here encouraging others to seek mental counseling if necessary?
Ryan Lochte
Gary Hall Jr.
Ian Thorpe
Michael Phelps
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Michael Phelps appears in this ad for Talkspace, promoting mental counseling services. In the ad, Phelps admits to having suffered depression.

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Isaiah Thomas
Powerhandz / POWERHANDZ via YouTube
This Powerhandz ad features which five-foot-nine basketball player?
Isaiah Thomas
Spud Webb
Muggsy Bogues
Damon Stoudamire
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The 2017 ad features a confident-looking Isaiah Thomas wearing specialized basketball gloves manufactured by Powerhandz. Thomas is a point guard for the Denver Nuggets,

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Isaiah Thomas Toyota
Toyota / Jean-Sebastien Blondel via YouTube
Do you recall this vintage ad set to a sexy saxophone tune? Which currently retired basketball player and coach do you recognize here?
Ray Allen
Scottie Pippen
Isiah Thomas
Michael Jordan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The star of this 1991 Toyota ad is Isiah Thomas. After retiring from playing professional basketball, Thomas enjoyed an extensive coaching career.

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Greg Louganis
Mercantile Bank / Greg Louganis via YouTube
Mercantile Bank showcases which competitive diving champion in this 1982 ad?
Greg Louganis
David Boudia
Sam Dorman
Mark Lenzi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Greg Louganis won numerous gold medals throughout his career. When the 1982 Mercantile Bank ad was released, his winning streak had only begun.

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Mary Lou Retton
American Heart Association / diegel182 via YouTube
Can you guess the name of the former gymnastics champion that you see here?
Carly Patterson
Mary Lou Retton
Shannon Miller
Gabby Douglas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This 1987 American Heart Association anti-smoking ad features Olympic gold medal winner and gymnast Mary Lou Retton. Dubbed "America's Sweetheart," Retton is the first American female to win the all-around gold medal at the Olympics.

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Dominique Dawes
Kodak / USA Gymnastics via YouTube
This ad for Kodak was released in 1996. Do you recognize the athlete in the starring role here?
Simone Biles
Dominique Dawes
Gabby Douglas
Shannon Miller
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Former gymnast Dominique Dawes appears in this 1996 ad for Kodak. Dawes has promoted physical fitness and good nutrition for many years.

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Lisa Leslie
Nike / Jean-Sebastien Blondel via YouTube
The tall beauty in this Nike ad is a former Los Angeles Sparks player. What is her name?
Lisa Leslie
Candace Parker
Sheryl Swoopes
Sue Bird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Former Los Angeles Sparks basketball star Lisa Leslie appeared in this 1996 ad for Nike at the height of her career. And speaking of height, Leslie is six feet and five inches tall!

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Scottie Pippen
Nike / Jean-Sebastien Blondel via YouTube
See if you can recognize the former NBA basketball player in this Nike ad. Can you identify him?
Wilt Chamberlain
Scottie Pippen
Michael Jordan
Karl Malone
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

At the time this 1991 Nike ad was released, Scottie Pippen's career with the Chicago Bulls had taken off. He, along with Michael Jordan, led the team to win a few championships during his tenure.

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Serena Williams
JPMorgan Chase / Sonic Boom The Hedgehog via YouTube
A recent Chase ad showcases a tennis superstar. What is her name?
Kim Sands
Sloane Stephens
Venus Williams
Serena Williams
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Serena Williams stars in this 2018 ad for Chase financial products. Williams has won over 20 Grand Slam titles within the span of her impressive career.

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Venus Williams
Amercian Express / Abby Church via YouTube
An American Express ad presents a fashionable tennis wonder. Can you guess her name?
Venus Williams
Serena Williams
Maria Sharapova
Chris Evert
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2017, American Express released this ad staring Venus Williams, sister to Serena Williams and a mega tennis star in her own right. Both Williams sisters began training at an early age for their tennis successes.

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Conor McGregor
Budweiser / FIGHT ASTROLOGY PREDICTIONS & ANALYSIS via YouTube
Try to identify the mixed martial artist in this Budweiser ad. What is his name?
Nathan Aber
Cory Tait
Conor McGregor
Steve Gable
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This 2016 Budweiser ad features boxer and MMA fighter Conor McGregor. The ad reveals the underdog persona that has endeared McGregor to his fans.

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Floyd Mayweather, Jr
ESPN / ESPNTheCommercials via YouTube
ESPN called on which powerful "Pretty Boy" fighter to promote their network in this ad?
Oscar De La Hoya
Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Manny Pacquiao
Lennox Lewis
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

He is young and is already perceived as one of the most skilled boxers to ever play the sport. Floyd Mayweather Jr. stars in this ESPN ad.

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Tiger Woods
Nike / Nike via YouTube
What golfer returns to grace amid a scandalous past in this moving Nike ad?
Tiger Woods
Justin Rose
Jason Day
Bubba Watson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Golfer Tiger Woods bares his soul in this Nike ad. His apparent honesty confirms how dedicated he has long been to the sport.

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Jack Nicklaus
Rolex / ROLEX via YouTube
Who among the golf legends promotes Rolex timepieces in this ad?
Bubba Watson
Ernie Els
Jack Nicklaus
Tom Watson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jack Nicklaus is the retired golfer in this Rolex ad. His nickname is "The Golden Bear," so it seems apt that he would promote fine jewelry. Nicklaus's name is synonymous with great American golf.

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Ronda Rousey
Twizzlers / Ronda Rousey Reactions via YouTube
Who is the mighty and gorgeous wrestler in this Twizzlers ad?
Ronda Rousey
Holly Holm
Cat Zingano
Sarah Kaufman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ronda Rousey is a seriously fierce competitor, but she shows off her playful side in this 2018 Twizzlers ad. Rousey was inducted into the WWE Hall of fame in 2018.

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Julie Johnston
Muscle Milk / Funny Commercials via YouTube
Which Chicago Red Stars soccer player appears in this Muscle Milk ad?
Mia Hamm
Julie Johnston
Sydney Leroux
Alex Morgan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Muscle Milk released this ad in 2017, and it features soccer star Julie Johnston. Johnston married in 2017 and is now Julie Ertz.

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You Got:
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Hennessy / P4PESCO via YouTube