Free Info: Super Bowl to the Stream - NFL Players Who Love Fishing

The Fly Box LLC
Feb 6, 2025
4 min read

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The Super Bowl may be the biggest spectacle in American sports, but when the season ends and the crowds die down, many NFL players trade their helmets for fly rods, seeking peace and adventure on the water. Fly fishing provides a perfect escape from the high-pressure world of professional football, allowing these athletes to reconnect with nature and embrace a different kind of challenge.

Here’s a look at some of the NFL players, past and present, who are avid fly fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts.

Brian Robison – Defensive End Turned Bass Fisherman

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison is one of the most dedicated anglers in the NFL. After his football career, he channeled his passion into the Reel 'Em In Foundation, which raises money for K9s4Cops through fishing tournaments. While his focus is primarily on bass fishing, his deep appreciation for angling extends across various fishing disciplines, including fly fishing.

Willie Young – The Bass Fishing Sack Dance

During his time with the Chicago Bears, defensive end Willie Young made headlines not just for his quarterback sacks, but for his unique way of celebrating them—by mimicking a bass fisherman setting the hook. His love for fishing is well-documented, and he continues to share his fishing adventures on social media.

Julio Jones – Wide Receiver, Big Fish Chaser

Julio Jones, the former Atlanta Falcons star, is as comfortable on the water as he is on the football field. Jones spends much of his free time fishing near his home, often targeting bass and other freshwater species. While he’s more frequently seen with a conventional setup, it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s dabbled in fly fishing as well.

Carson Palmer – Quarterback with a Fly Rod

Retired quarterback Carson Palmer, who played for the Bengals, Raiders, and Cardinals, has always been an avid outdoorsman. Fishing, especially fly fishing, is one of his favorite ways to relax. He has even taken teammates on guided fishing trips, proving that football and fly fishing are a great combination for team bonding.

Sam Barrington – Linebacker with a Love for Big Fish

Former Green Bay Packers linebacker Sam Barrington enjoys fishing for large game fish, often taking part in saltwater expeditions. Though much of his experience is in deep-sea fishing, many saltwater anglers eventually try their hand at fly fishing, particularly for species like tarpon and redfish.

Justin Herbert – The Quarterback Who Casts

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is one of the most well-known anglers in the NFL today. A co-founder of a high school fishing club, Herbert has continued his love for the sport as a professional athlete. He has even participated in fishing tournaments alongside other NFL players

Terry Bradshaw – The Hall of Fame Fly Fisherman

Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and four-time Super Bowl champion Terry Bradshaw is an avid outdoorsman and fly fisherman. Known for his love of the sport, Bradshaw has spent countless hours on the water, embracing the meditative and strategic aspects of fly fishing.

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce – Chiefs on the Water

While Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are not known fly fishermen, they are avid anglers. The duo was spotted fishing together in Port Aransas, Texas, in 2021. Their passion for the outdoors suggests that fly fishing could be a natural next step for them, especially with the growing popularity of the sport among professional athletes.

Why NFL Players Love Fly Fishing

Football and fly fishing may seem like opposites—one is an intense, high-impact sport, while the other requires patience, finesse, and a connection with nature. However, many players find that fly fishing offers a much-needed mental and physical escape from the game. It provides them with solitude, a challenge, and the satisfaction of mastering another skill set.

As fly fishing continues to gain popularity, don’t be surprised if more NFL stars swap their playbooks for fly boxes in the offseason. Whether it’s battling a tarpon on the flats or chasing trout in a mountain stream, the thrill of the catch remains the same—just with a little less tackling involved.