A top 10 list of the smartest athletes in the world currently

A top 10 list of the smartest athletes in the world currently

Kevin Omuya
updated at August 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM

Even though almost all professional sports require a certain level of physical fitness, we cannot generalize that all athletes are knowledgeable. Again, the majority of them may be sports-wise. Still, the kind of smarts we are talking about involves the capacity to exercise various mental muscles simultaneously with exercising physical ones in competitive sports. This article will delve into the smartest athletes in the world right now.

Smartest athletes
Michael Jordan (23) of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks on April 12, 2003, at the MCI Center in Washington, DC. Photo: G Fiume
Source: Getty Images

Some athletes have made a name for themselves in other fields, particularly academia, thanks to their aptitude for educational advancement. The best athletes in professional sports are the ones we are about to examine.

Top 10 smartest athletes

Here is a list of the top smartest athletes. They are sportspeople who also aim to become successful, intelligent students.

10. Alan Page

What sport has the smartest athletes?
Defensive tackle Alan Page of the Minnesota Vikings. Photo: James Flores
Source: Getty Images

On his second attempt, he passed the bar exam and earned an advanced Jury's Doctor degree from the University of Minnesota Law School. He set an example for young people debating between choosing their studies, careers, or sports interests by emphasizing doing the right thing at the right time. Now, Alan deserves his spot among the top ten athletes in the sports industry.

Alan Page's transformation from a renowned NFL player to a respected lawyer and education advocate personifies intelligence, tenacity, and service. He is a true inspiration for aspiring athletes and academics because of his ability to succeed in both the legal and sporting worlds. Beyond his athletic achievements, Alan Page has significantly contributed to law, education, and social justice.

9. Greg McElroy

Smartest athletes in the world
Greg McElroy (14) of the New York Jets in action against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo: Jim McIsaac
Source: Getty Images

A full scholarship to the University of Alabama was awarded to him. After completing his undergraduate studies in business marketing in 2009, he also obtained an advanced master's degree in sports administration.

McElroy's analytical approach to the game won him praise. He was renowned for his commitment to thoroughly researching the tactics of his rivals and their opponents, which enabled him to foresee defensive plans and execute accurate passes. He gained the respect of his coaches and teammates due to his aptitude for understanding intricate playbooks and adapting to various game situations.

8. Myron Rolle

Ten smartest athletes
Myron Rolle of the Tennessee Titans poses for his 2010 NFL headshot 2010 at Baptist Sports Park in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: NFL
Source: Getty Images

Despite being a fantastic athlete, this student-athlete spent his first years of school. This athlete is among the most well-known athletes with advanced degrees because he holds an MSc in medical anthropology. He pursued this degree program at Oxford University's St. Edmund Hall in the UK. Rolle is deserving of his position at the top.

His choice to study medicine and his work as a neurosurgeon following his retirement from the NFL demonstrate his dedication to learning and positively impacting society. Even though Myron Rolle is well-known for his intellectual prowess and significant contributions, it is essential to remember that intelligence can take many forms.

7. Michael Jordan

Smartest athletes 2023
Michael Jordan (23) of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Sacramento Kings on November 23, 1997, at Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. Photo: Rocky Widner
Source: Getty Images

He is among the all-time great NBA players. The ideal blend of versatility is found in this man, who is both intelligent and physically fit. However, obtaining a graduate degree was not something he had planned. But he decided to return and finish the degree program in 1985.

In terms of basketball intelligence, Michael Jordan was unmatched in his knowledge of the sport, basketball IQ, and court reading skills. He was a tactical and adaptable player, able to identify and take advantage of his adversary's weaknesses. His basketball team, the Chicago Bulls, won six NBA championships thanks to his team's mental toughness, leadership, and decision-making.

6. Jeff Green

Smartest athletes of all time
Jeff Green (32) of the Denver Nuggets looks on before the game against the Miami Heat during Game Five of the 2023 NBA Finals on June 12, 2023, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler
Source: Getty Images

Jeff Green initially enrolled at Georgetown University but dropped out after three years. After that, he participated in the 2007 NBA Draft. This athlete held advanced degrees, a theology minor, and an English bachelor's degree. He was very interested in literature as well as sports. Green is one of the smartest athletes in 2023.

5. Antawn Jamison

Smartest professional athletes
Antawn Jamison (4) of the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on November 24, 2012, in Dallas, Texas. Photo: Ronald Martinez
Source: Getty Images

After his junior year, this athlete transferred out of the University of North Carolina. The most important thing for him then was participating in the NBA draft. But as soon as this educated athlete proved himself a capable competitor, he returned to finish his course. Then he continued his studies for his doctorate in African-American studies. Jamison is among the smartest professional athletes.

4. Leon Lett

What athlete has the highest IQ?
Defensive lineman, Leon Lett of the Dallas Cowboys, looks on during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at 3Com Park in San Francisco, California. Photo: Al Bello /Allsport
Source: Getty Images

This well-educated athlete won the Super Bowl title three times. His family had a high level of education. He was the only one without a degree in education, though.

He opted to become a productive NFL linesman instead. In 2009, almost eight years after ending his football career, he finally enrolled in his long-delayed degree program in sociology and history.

3. Brandon Jacobs

What sport has the smartest athletes?
Brandon Jacobs (27) of the New York Giants looks on during warm-ups against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo: Al Bello
Source: Getty Images

He went to three different schools as an adult. 2005 saw the draft of him. He also solidifies his position among the top 10 sportspeople with the highest IQs. Jacobs earned a sociology bachelor's degree.

Even though he was a seasoned player, he strongly desired this degree because he was the only one to receive it. Nobody in his family had the good fortune to have the opportunity to pursue a college degree. That is what distinguished him. He twice led the New York Giants to the Super Bowl.

2. Vince Carter

Smartest athletes in the world
Vince Carter walks off the 14th green during the Golf with a Purpose Charity Challenge before the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on September 3, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Ben Jared
Source: Getty Images

His sky-high dunks in the NBA were the most well-known ones anyone had ever seen. He left the University of North Carolina in the year 1998. His mother encouraged him to pursue interests outside of sports. He should be among the athletes with advanced degrees, she wished.

Carter kept his promise, returned to school, and finished his studies on African Americans. He received his diploma in 2001. Vince is one of the smartest athletes in the world.

1. Bo Jackson

Top 10 smartest athletes
Closeup of Los Angeles Raiders Bo Jackson (34) on sidelines during game vs Cincinnati Bengals. Los Angeles, CA. Photo: John W. McDonough
Source: Getty Images

One of the greatest athletes to play multiple sports, this athlete is a prime example of versatility. Since he was young, he has had a deep passion for basketball and baseball. A hip injury sustained in an accident permanently altered his career path.

His mother wanted her son to be more robust and adaptable because she had cancer. However, this was not the end for this gifted athlete because he was also a curious learner who yearned to return to school and obtain a degree. Eventually, he earned a doctorate in family and child development. Bo Jackson is the smartest athlete of all time in all sports.

What athlete has the highest IQ?

JaVale McGee has finally developed into a dependable starter for a playoff team after ten years and five teams in the NBA. JaVale McGee has remained physically fit and active over the years, but his flaws, many of which can be seen on Shaqtin' A Fool, have diminished his true worth. Fortunately for the Lakers, McGee was compelled to leave his situation in Oakland and established a "meme team" in Hollywood.

What sport has the smartest athletes?

According to the researcher William Daley, Bowlers scored an average of 129 on typical I.Q. tests. Tennis players averaged 109 points, basketball players 105, football players 103, baseball players 101, and golfers 97, among other sports.

Are swimmers the most intelligent athletes?

Regardless of their sport, intelligence is a complex trait that can vary significantly between people. Athletic intelligence encompasses a range of abilities and features, including strength of body, mental toughness, strategic thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Athletes excel in their respective fields because different sports require different kinds of intelligence.

Like any other sport, swimming calls for a specific set of abilities and knowledge. Swimmers require excellent coordination, technique, endurance, and the capacity to evaluate and modify performance based on various variables, such as competitors and water conditions.

No one will question the players' intelligence, given their accomplishments in other spheres of life, particularly academia. These feats are inherently challenging to accomplish. Most succeeded by combining them with their professional sports career. Therefore, it is accurate to say that they are the smartest athletes around.

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Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.