NFL Players And Their Beloved Pets 

Given the high-pressure situations they’re put in and the ruthless nature of the sport, it’s hardly surprising to learn that many American football players have pets they love to snuggle up to. After all, many animals are known to reduce stress levels and provide the type of comfort that we needy humans require at times.

From dogs and cats to lemurs and snakes, the variety of pets NFL players have is quite remarkable. For fans who follow their favorite stars on Instagram and enjoy NFL betting on the weekends, it might surprise them to learn that these giant athletes have some furry friends they cuddle. However, it really shouldn’t. After all, despite living in luxury and pulling off massive hits on the field, they’re still like the rest of us.

So, with several American football professionals sharing their beloved pets with the world on social media platforms and in interviews with the press, we highlight some current and former NFL players who adore their pets below.

Carson Steele has a pet alligator. 

Starting with one of the more unusual pets you can own, Carson Steele of the Kansas City Chiefs has a pet alligator he adores. His pal, named Crocky-J, has been with him since the early days. Steele’s wider family also loves the lovable beast, with the alligator providing plenty of entertainment over the years. When Carson Steele isn’t impacting proceedings on the football field, he’s most likely hanging out with Crocky-J.

Russell Wilson has three Great Danes. 

Russell Wilson has had a great career in the NFL, and while he undoubtedly always wants to be the best version of himself on the field, he still has to balance his various training methods with some downtime at home. The New York Giants quarterback has stated numerous times that home time matters most to him, with his three Great Danes being his particular favorite, alongside his family. Wilson wrestles with his giant dogs; he cuddles up to them daily and treats them like they’re integral members of the family, as any dog owner should.

Chad Johnson had exotic pets. 

One of the sport’s real characters, Chad Johnson, had 11 solid seasons in the NFL playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, the New England Patriots, and the Miami Dolphins. Johnson didn’t just have a passion for football, though. His love for exotic animals was evident, with Johnson known to have a lemur and a Bengal tiger during his playing days. Also, Chad Johnson was fascinated by these amazing creatures while housing various exotic pets.

Patrick Mahomes loves his canine buddies. 

When Patrick Mahomes isn’t winning games alone, he’s relaxing at home with his wife, Brittany, and their cane corso, Silver, and their pit bull, Steel. Mahomes has been pictured out and about with his best friends and shared his love for them in various interviews. Speaking to the Kansas City Star in 2019 about Steel, the hugely talented quarterback said: “He’s an awesome dog — very loving, very energetic. He’s like my best friend.”

JuJu Smith-Schuster created an Instagram account for his dog. 

JuJu Smith-Schuster’s love for his French bulldog is terrific to see. The 28-year-old is a key cog in the Kansas City Chiefs’ overall operation wheel, but he’s also an essential part of his dog’s life. Named Boujee, Smith-Schuster has posted video content of himself and his favorite companion, even going one step further by creating an Instagram account for his chum.