The 2024 presidential election cycle has been marked by intense heat between supporters of both candidates. Former President Trump, the Republican nominee, described the election as more exciting than any football game. The Democratic nominee, Vice President Harris, has also made her mark on the political landscape in the United States. The political discourse has infiltrated the sports world as well, with several major sports figures voicing their endorsements for the candidates.
LeBron James, the star of the Los Angeles Lakers, endorsed Harris for president and made some provocative statements comparing Trump to Nazism and the KKK. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry met Harris as part of the USA men’s basketball team before the Olympics in Paris and endorsed her at the Democratic National Convention in August. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has been a vocal critic of Trump and endorsed Harris at the DNC as well.
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich went on a 15-minute rant against Trump in October, criticizing his behavior and urging people to vote. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker expressed his support for Trump based on his pro-life stance. Former NASCAR and IndyCar star Danica Patrick cast her first vote in a presidential election for Trump and expressed that she believed he was the rational and reasonable choice.
Megan Rapinoe advocated for protection for transgender people and voiced her concerns about the implications of another Trump presidency. Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre and Boxing Hall of Famer Thomas Hearns publicly endorsed Trump at campaign events, praising his leadership qualities. Lawrence Taylor, Ottis Anderson, and Jake Paul also threw their support behind Trump.
Some athletes, like San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa, faced backlash for showing support for Trump. Patrick Mahomes, a prominent athlete, refrained from endorsing a candidate but encouraged people to do their research and use their voices. Former Pittsburgh Steelers stars Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell stumped for Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. UFC fighters, including Justin Gaethje, Henry Cejudo, and Frankie Edgar, also came out in support of Trump.
On the other side of the political spectrum, UFC president Dana White criticized Harris for representing the status quo and advocated for change. WWE legend Hulk Hogan spoke at Republican events and praised Trump’s leadership. Mick Foley raised concerns about Trump’s presidency and voiced his support for Harris. Overall, the intersection of sports and politics has been prominent in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, with various sports figures making their endorsements and statements known.
