Hip to be square: The nerdiest athletes in sports

Author:
Andrew Doughty
Publish date:
Oct 10, 2014

Do the terms "jock" and "nerd" have to be mutually exclusive? While the two powerful identifications lie on complete opposite ends of the spectrum of social stereotypes, there are plenty of athletes who are as good at LARPing as they are at offensive tackles. Here are 9 athletes who might have to shove themselves in their own lockers.

1. Ameer Abdullah and Kenny Bell

. Ameer Abdullah and Kenny Bell

3. Jimmy Walker

Professional golfer Jimmy Walker was practically unknown until three early 2014 PGA Tour wins thrust him into the national conversation. The former Baylor golfer has been a professional player since 2001, but he’s been enamored with astrophotography his entire life. That fascination with astronomy and photography was given a steroid-like jolt when his wife, Erin, bought him a fancy new telescope a few years ago.

4. Ross Ohlendorf

Ross Ohlendorf is not a household name, but he might be a farmstead name. The now-minor league journeyman pitcher has appeared in 124 ballgames, with 80 starts, over seven big league seasons with four clubs and is better known for being a huge off-the-field overachiever. The agriculture-obsessed Princeton grad has spent off-seasons as a volunteer intern in the U.S. Department of Agriculture and completing various individual research projects.

5. Wayne Bridge

. Wayne Bridge

6. Tim Duncan

Everyone knows Tim Duncan is a nerd and the future Hall of Famer loves it. From his passion for Dungeons & Dragons, Renaissance fairs and video games to nerdy tattoos and a resume that includes co-authoring a psychology textbook chapter, the Spurs big man is the definition of successful athletic nerd.