With Beyoncé's many hit singles, fierce dance moves, and enjoyable personality, it's hard not to love her — and these 20 athletes know it best.
Cara Owsley/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
Serena Williams has always been a fan of Beyoncé. In addition to hanging out with her and Jay-Z at their lavish A-list parties, Williams also appeared alongside Queen Bey in her music video, "Sorry." In an interview with Ellen, Serena praised Bey as a "genius."
NUCCIO DINUZZO/CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Ochocinco gave Beyoncé her flowers during a chat with Shannon Sharpe on his podcast Nightcap. After her single "Texas Hold 'Em" skyrocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Ocho said he wasn't surprised. "Beyoncé is one of those artists that can lock in and go into any genre of music and be successful because she has range." Facts.
Mark Reis/Colorado Springs Gazette/MCT/Sipa USA
Cincinnati Bengals and NFL legend Carson Palmer showed Beyoncé some love on his Instagram in 2018 after the singer was spotted wearing his jersey. "Ok BeyBey," he wrote. Instantly iconic.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys revealed several years ago how much of a Beyoncé fan he was. "Every time [she] sings, I think it's pretty amazing," he said.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Shannon Sharpe also acknowledged Beyoncé's versatility in the music industry, saying that, for her to branch out and do something different, "not many people can do that." He continued, adding, "So, I commend her."
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Former Kansas City Chiefs player Eric Berry probably gave Beyoncé one of the best compliments, saying she's "the female version of Michael Jackson," pointing out her ability to sing live while dancing and performing an entertaining show.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
NFL player Lorenzo Alexander snagged a spot on this list because when asked to sing his favorite Beyoncé song, he chose a hidden gem from her second studio album, "Freakum Dress."
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
When asked, New England Patriots player Adrian Phillips didn't name just one of his favorite Beyoncé songs; he named four, including "1+1," "HEATED," "Sandcastles," and "All Night."
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Although we don't know who Josh Hayes was speaking to in this Tampa Bay Buccaneers TikTok, he checked somebody with a true statement: "You act like Beyoncé [is] not the one!"
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Bey and LeBron are both the GOATs of their industries and have been fans of each other for years. So, when the NBA legend compared himself never winning Defensive Player of the Year to Beyoncé being the most decorated artist in Grammy's history and never winning Album of the Year, those who get it... got it.
Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
When you're the fiercest gymnast the world has ever seen, it only makes sense that your pre-game playlist includes Beyoncé. "I would say anything by Beyoncé, Rihanna, Meg Thee Stallion," Simone said of her music choices in 2021.
Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK
Olympian Isaiah Jewett might not have a favorite singer, but he certainly enjoys listening to the First Lady of Music before a big race. "Beyoncé is pretty good," he said in 2021.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Like everybody else during the summer of 2023, Coco Gauff had her mind on one thing, and it wasn't the US Open. During her press run, she told reporters she tends to think about everything except for tennis when she's playing. "I was thinking about the Renaissance Tour during my match," she said. "Honestly, it keeps me relaxed. I don't know if it's a coping mechanism or what."
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
When Sabalenka Aryna isn't out here smashing tennis balls during her matches, she's listening to Beyoncé.
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
This NBA shooting guard is such a fan of the Queen that he told Complex Sports during the 2023 draft that he'd like to take her out on a date!
18 of 20
Russell Westbrook
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Beyonce's 2022 single "Break My Soul" was another No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. So, it makes sense Russell Westbrook couldn't help but sing his heart out to it.
Steven M. Falk/Philadelphia Daily News/TNS/Sipa USA
During Kobe's celebration of life, Beyoncé sang her hit "XO." Before performing the song, she explained her reasoning, saying, "I'm here because I love Kobe, and this was one of his favorite songs."
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Dolphins player Jevon Holland couldn't keep contain his excitement for Beyoncé when asked which of her songs he enjoys most. "'Irreplaceable,'" he said. "Actually, 'to the left,' actually, 'If I Were A Boy.'"