Carolina Panthers quarterback may have been grimacing in pain following a scary car accident in Charlotte earlier in December, but it sure looked like he was a happy camper. It may have been because he was extremely lucky to escape serious injuries. Then again, Newton just seems like a happy guy, so that could have played a role.
In any event, it got us thinking here at Sportsnaut about which professional athletes have the best smiles. It may sound like a ridiculous thought, but it definitely does go into who has the most fun making millions for playing a game he/she loves.
So let’s take a gander.
Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Washington Redskins
Courtesy of Bleacher Report
What happened to this happy-go-lucky RGIII? It seems that upon entering the NFL as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 draft, the former Heisman winner was all about the smiles and taking in his new-found fortune with all the happiness that millions can bring.
Unfortunately, those times seem like so long ago. Now, RGIII is viewed as a malcontent in the Washington Redskins locker room, and has struggled to make an impact on the field. This goes to show us how much things can change in just a short period of time.
Pablo Sandoval, Third Base, Boston Red Sox
Courtesy of SF Gate
Sandoval looks like a certain cuddly animal when smiling (or all the time)…can’t point our finger on it. Anyway, the new Red Sox $100 million man has a lot to smile about. Three championships in five seasons and going from an amazing city in San Francisco to another great American location in Boston. Did we mention the $100 million?
Stephen Curry, Guard, Golden State Warriors
Okay ladies. That drool flowing down your arm on to the keyboard right now. Wipe it up, because Curry is taken by this amazingly awesome lady. Curry and his Splash Brothers partner in crime, Klay Thompson, seem to look like they’re having a ton of fun on the basketball court. And why not? They are currently the two-best players on the best team in the Association.
Tony Romo, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
Courtesy of SI.com
Carrie Underwood. Check. Jessica Simpson. Check. Million-dollar checks. Well, check. America’s Team quarterback. Check. There isn’t a reason in this world why Tony Romo shouldn’t be smiling 24/7. And obviously, he’s darn close to doing just that. As with most athletes in this article, Romo seems happy playing a game he loves.
Alana Blanchard, Professional Surfer
We had to include at least one great here. Alana Blanchard is a professional athlete. And if you think surfing doesn’t count, maybe go ride a wave at Maverick. She’s also visually stunning, which helps.
Alex Ovechkin, Forward, Washington Capitals
Courtesy of Washington Post
It amazes me that some of these hockey players go through an entire season without fixing their teeth. Then again, they probably ask themselves what the actual point of going through oral surgery is when it’s bound to happen again. Here, Alex Ovechkin looks more like he’s recreating a “here’s Johnny” scene without the pearly whites.
Derek Jeter, Former New York Yankees Shortstop
Courtesy of MLB.com
The Captain. Who cares if Jeter is officially retired? His smile has been enough to melt the hearts of so many leading ladies that it’s hard for us regular folk to comprehend. And to be honest, Jeter just seems like a happy guy.
Tim Lincecum, Pitcher, San Francisco Giants
,Courtesy of Zimbio.com
Edward Furlong in Terminator or even that one dude in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Either way, Lincecum’s smile looks like it comes directly from a smoke-filled basement akin to this one.
Erik Gudbranson, Defense, Florida Panthers
Okay, now that’s a cute photo of the Canadian defenseman and his young child. And in comparison to the OTHER NHL player we showed here, well…
Pete Carroll, Head Coach, Seattle Seahawks
Courtesy of USA Today
Sarcastic. Smug. Goofy. Any of these three terms could be used to describe Carroll’s smile. It really depends on what you think of the head coach and 9/11 truther.
Charlie Whitehurst, Quarterback, Houston Texans
Courtesy of Oregonlive.com
When Charlie Whitehurst smiles, we pay attention. After all, there is no reason to risk being on the receiving end of a spite by his doppelgänger.
Lorenzo Cain, Outfielder, Kansas City Royals
Courtesy of Kansas City Star
We could just tell that the Royals were having a blast during their run to the World Series this past October. Without a doubt, Cain was one of the reasons for that.
Cam Newton, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers
Courtesy of USA Today
Talk about a smile that can light up a room. Since his Auburn days, you knew Cam had fun paying the game of football. And while he does sulk at times, it’s refreshing to see a quarterback not play uptight.
Photo: ESPN.com