Introduction
Elvis Presley is arguably the most famous rock and roll singer of all time. He was born in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1935 and achieved worldwide fame and success throughout his career. His music has transcended generations, and he is considered one of the most influential musicians of all time. But, what is lesser known is that Elvis was also an avid sports fan. From football to boxing, Elvis enjoyed watching and playing a variety of sports. This article will explore the various ways that Elvis expressed his love of sports, and how his fandom has been remembered and honored in the years since his death.
Elvis’ Love of Football
Elvis was a big fan of American football, especially the Memphis State University (now University of Memphis) Tigers. He attended many of their home games, along with away games at other universities. He was also a huge fan of the NFL, and in particular, the Los Angeles Rams. Elvis was even seen cheering them on in the stands during several games.
Elvis’ fandom for football was not limited to just watching the games. He was known to play pickup games with his friends and even joined in with several NFL teams for practice. He even had the opportunity to play in an exhibition game for the Rams in 1957, although he declined due to his busy tour schedule.
Boxing
In addition to football, Elvis was a big fan of boxing. He was a spectator of many matches, including the famous “Thrilla in Manila” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. He also had the chance to meet many of the boxers he admired, including Sugar Ray Robinson and Joe Louis.
Elvis was so passionate about boxing that he even trained with the sport. He was an avid student of the martial art of karate, and he even used boxing techniques while performing on stage. Elvis was known to shadowbox while singing and often used exaggerated physical movements to add to the drama of his performances.
Baseball
Elvis was also a fan of baseball, and was a frequent spectator in the stands for both minor and major league games. He was even seen in the stands for some of the World Series games in the 1950s. He also had a personal relationship with the St. Louis Cardinals, as he watched them play in Memphis, and even went to the clubhouse to meet the players.
Elvis was not just a fan of baseball, but he was also a player. He was a member of the Memphis Chicks minor league team, and even played in a few exhibition games. He was known for his powerful swing and even hit a home run in one of the games.
Other Sports
Elvis was also a fan of other sports, including basketball, tennis, and golf. He was known to attend some of the most famous basketball games, such as the NBA Championship between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. He also enjoyed watching tennis matches and was a frequent attendee of the U.S. Open.
Elvis was also an avid golfer, and he was known to play with some of the most famous golfers of his time, such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. He even had a golf course built in his backyard so that he could practice his game.
Elvis’ Legacy as a Sports Fan
Elvis’ love of sports has been remembered and honored in the years since his death. The University of Memphis has a statue of Elvis that stands outside of the school’s football stadium. In addition, the New York Mets have a section of their stadium named after Elvis, where they honor him with a plaque.
Elvis’ fandom has also been remembered in other ways. The Memphis Grizzlies, an NBA team, have a special Elvis night every season, in which they commemorate his love of the game. In addition, the Memphis Redbirds, a minor league baseball team, have an Elvis night every year in which they honor Elvis with a special jersey.
Elvis’ Influence on Sports Culture
Elvis’ love of sports had a significant influence on the culture of sports in the 1950s and 1960s. His presence in the stands at games was often seen as a good luck charm, and teams were known to perform better when he was in attendance.
Elvis’ presence also had an impact on the music of the time. He often wrote songs about the various sports that he was passionate about, such as his hit song “All Shook Up” which was written about boxing. Elvis’ influence on sports culture was also seen in the fashion of the time, as many athletes and fans adopted his iconic look of tight fitting clothes, slicked back hair and aviator sunglasses.
Elvis’ Impact on Sports Media
Elvis’ influence on sports was not just limited to the culture of the time, but it also had an impact on the media. He was featured in many sports magazines, and his presence at games was often mentioned in the sports pages of newspapers. His influence was even seen on television, as he was featured in a number of sports-related programs.
Elvis’ presence in the world of sports also had an impact on the marketing of the time. Companies began to use him as a spokesperson, and he was even featured in a number of commercials for various products.
Elvis’ Sports Memorabilia
Elvis’ love of sports has been remembered in the form of sports memorabilia. Companies have produced dolls and other items that feature Elvis playing sports, or wearing the jerseys of his favorite teams. His signature has also been featured on a number of sports cards and other memorabilia.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley was a passionate sports fan, and his love of the game has been remembered and honored in the years since his death. From attending games to playing pickup games and even writing songs about sports, Elvis was an avid fan of a variety of sports. His influence on the culture of sports in the 1950s and 1960s is still felt today, and his presence in the world of sports media and marketing was significant. Elvis’ love of sports has been remembered in the form of sports memorabilia, and his legacy as a sports fan will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
References
- Elvis Presley, Wikipedia, accessed August 7, 2020.
- Elvis Presley and Sports, Elvis Presley News, accessed August 7, 2020.
- Elvis Presley: A True Sports Fan, Bleacher Report, accessed August 7, 2020.
- Elvis Presley, Sports Fan, Sports Illustrated, accessed August 7, 2020.
- Elvis Presley and the Memphis Chicks, Society for American Baseball Research, accessed August 7, 2020.
- Elvis Presley’s Impact on Sports, ESPN, accessed August 7, 2020.