From Playbooks to Playbills: The Troy Boltons of the Sports World
He sang. He scored. He shattered stereotypes.
Troy Bolton is the love of our life (Disney)
Troy Bolton may have been fictional, but his story resonates far beyond East High. In real life, plenty of athletes are proving you don’t have to choose between the stage and the scoreboard. From football fields to recording studios, we’re spotlighting the multi-talented stars who prove to us how cool it is when you don’t stick to the status quo.
Jordan Mailata: Philadelphia Eagles
Jordan Mailata is nothing if not full of surprises. Beginning as a rugby player, Jordan decided to try out American football through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, where he was selected in the seventh round by the Eagles. Now he’s recognized as one of the top offensive tackles in the league, and in case you haven’t heard, he’s a reigning Super Bowl champion. As a 6’8 365-pound man, Mailata is clearly a beast on the field– but did you know he also has the voice of an angel?
That’s right! Mailata first went viral for his incredible singing voice after he released a Christmas album with his teammates Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson. Though we loved his teammates' effort on A Philly Special Christmas, Mailata certainly stood out as the star. Just this past week, he sang “Tennessee Whiskey” to Chris Stapleton himself backstage at his concert, and we can’t believe how angelic he sounds live. Chills.
Flau’Jae Johnson: LSU Women’s Basketball
You may know Flau’Jae Johnson as LSU women’s basketball 2023 National Champion, but do you know her as America’s Got Talent golden buzzer winner and All-Star competitor? Flau’Jae signed a record deal with Roc Nation at 14, before she signed to play D1 basketball with LSU. The name of her most recent album, Best of Both Worlds, says it all: she’s not choosing between her passions– she’s owning them both. Flau'jae Teen Rapper Becomes a BEAST on AGT All Stars 2023!
Laurie Hernandez: Olympic Gymnast
Laurie Hernandez, our favorite Olympic gymnastics gold and silver medalist, is quite the Renaissance woman. After proving herself on the floor in Rio, she then went on to show her moves on the dance floor, becoming the 2016 Dancing with the Stars Mirrorball Champion. Now, she has her heart set on becoming an actress, and currently attends NYU Tisch School of the Arts as a drama major. Oh, and did we mention she also sings and plays guitar? Whether it's gymnastics, dance, or theater, Laurie Hernandez is the epitome of an all-around performer.
Cody Simpson: Australian National Team Swimmer
Cody Simpson starring in Guys and Dolls in Sydney (The Australian)
Pop star– check. National team swimmer– check. Broadway star– check. Cody Simpson is proof that you can do it all– and steal some hearts while you’re at it. After touring the world as a teenage pop star, Cody traded the stadiums for the theatre by starring in Anastasia on Broadway. He then shocked the world by diving into a competitive swimming career, qualifying for the Australian Olympic Trials. While he was just shy of making it to the Olympics, he certainly made a statement. Now he’s out of the pool and back in the spotlight, set to star in Guys and Dolls on Sydney Harbour.