Did Elvis Play Any Sports?
The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, is often remembered for his unique music style, fashion sense, and iconic performances. But what many people don’t know is that Elvis was an avid sports fan and actually did play several sports throughout his life.
In this article, we’ll explore the sports Elvis played, how he used sports to stay in shape, and how his love of sports influenced his career.
1. Sports Elvis Played
Elvis Presley was an active sports enthusiast who enjoyed a variety of sports. He took part in a variety of activities including boxing, basketball, football, golf, and martial arts.
- Boxing: Elvis was a fan of boxing and spent many hours in the gym with his trainer, Hank Snow. He even had a professional boxing match against his bodyguard at Graceland in 1957.
- Basketball: Elvis was an avid basketball player and played with friends in his younger years. He even had a full-sized basketball court in the backyard of Graceland.
- Football: Elvis was a big fan of football, and he often played pickup games with his friends. He also had season tickets to the Memphis Southmen and attended many games.
- Golf: Elvis was an avid golfer and was said to have taken lessons from golf legend Harvey Penick. He even had a full-sized golf course at Graceland.
- Martial Arts: Elvis was a fan of karate, and he trained in the martial art for many years. He was even given a black belt in karate in 1960.
2. Staying in Shape
Elvis was always conscious of his health and fitness, and he used sports to stay in shape. He was known to run several miles a day and worked out regularly. He was also known to practice martial arts and boxing to stay fit.
Elvis also had a strict diet which he followed to stay healthy. He was known to eat healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, and he avoided processed foods and sugar.
3. Musical Inspiration
Elvis’ love of sports was not just for health and fitness, but also for musical inspiration. He was known to use sports and physical activity to get ideas for his music. For example, he was inspired to write the song “Hound Dog” after watching a dogfight at a local sports bar.
Elvis also used sports metaphors in his songs. He often compared love to sports, such as calling his love a “home run” or a “touchdown”.
4. Music and Movies
Elvis’ love of sports also extended to the music and movies he was involved in. He was known to wear a jersey or other sports-related clothing in many of his films, and he often sang songs with sports-related lyrics.
For example, he sang the song “C’mon Everybody” in the movie Viva Las Vegas. The song featured lyrics about playing football and basketball.
Elvis also sang the song “G.I. Blues” for the movie of the same name. The song was about a soldier who was a fan of boxing and martial arts.
5. Dedicated Sports Fan
Elvis was a dedicated sports fan who often attended professional sporting events. He was known to attend Memphis Southmen football games and Memphis Chicks baseball games. He was also known to attend boxing matches, basketball games, and golf tournaments.
Elvis was often seen cheering for his favorite teams, and he was known to be a great fan of the Memphis Southmen. He even had a special seat reserved for him at the Southmen’s games.
6. Charitable Contributions
Elvis was a charitable man who often gave back to the community. He was known to make donations to various charities, including sports charities.
He was known to donate money to the Special Olympics and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He was also known to host charity golf tournaments at Graceland and to donate sports equipment to underprivileged children.
7. Elvis’ Legacy
Elvis’ love of sports has continued to live on in his legacy. His passion for sports can be seen in the many books, films, and documentaries about him.
The Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation was established to honor Elvis’ legacy and to support youth sports programs. The foundation has awarded over $4 million in grants to youth sports programs, helping to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
8. Fans in the Sports World
Elvis’ influence is still felt in the sports world today. Many professional athletes have cited Elvis as an influence, including basketball star Shaquille O’Neal, baseball star Hank Aaron, and football star Joe Montana.
Several professional teams have paid homage to Elvis, including the Memphis Grizzlies, the Memphis Redbirds, and the Memphis Southmen. The teams often feature Elvis-inspired songs and images at their games and events.
9. Elvis’ Influence on Pop Culture
Elvis’ influence on pop culture extends beyond the world of sports. His unique style of music and fashion has inspired countless musicians and fashion designers. The phrase “Elvis has left the building” has become a popular catchphrase in pop culture.
Elvis’ influence is also seen in the many tribute shows and events held in his honor. His fans gather each year in Memphis to celebrate his life and his music.
10. Conclusion
Elvis Presley was an avid sports fan and athlete who enjoyed a variety of sports. He used sports as a way to stay in shape, to get musical inspiration, and to give back to the community.
Elvis’ influence is still felt in the sports world today, and his legacy continues to live on through his music, films, and fashion.
No matter how you look at it, Elvis was an important figure in the world of sports and pop culture, and his legacy will continue to live on.