We’ve made it to the official start of Summer around these parts, Memorial Day Weekend. This is the time of year that folks take off for the shore, hitting beaches from Wildwood up to Long Branch. Maybe you’re a backyard pool BBQ type of person instead, or maybe you’re up to something in between. Whatever it is, though, just remember that athletes are people too. There are certainly some current Philly athletes that will feel right at home during MDW celebrations, so here are the top 10 that would be most likely to crash your BBQ or pool party this weekend!
10.) PJ Tucker
PJ would 100% be the guy in the socks and sandals that guards the grill with his life. Nobody is getting within 20 feet of a spatula without PJ knowing about it. As the resident old head, he’s there for one thing and one thing only: making sure everything is grilled to perfection. Hey, somebody’s got to put in the work to make the BBQ happen.
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9.) Kevin Hayes
Ice Hockey and BBQs don’t exactly go hand in hand, but Hayes is the type of jokester that could fit in at any party. He’s constantly got some type of funny chirp ready to rip, and that’s what these types of events are about right? Getting together, having some beverages, and cracking a couple jokes at the expense of your friends.
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8 & 7.) Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh
You know the Phillies daycare had to make the list. Stott and Marsh have some of the best vibes of any athlete in the city right now, and they’re young enough to still enjoy every aspect of the BBQ. They’d 100% be the annoying kids that keep cannonballing into the pool and splashing everyone just sitting around. Just look out for them sneaking up behind you and pouring a beer down your back!
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6.) Paul Reed
Couple dunks, couple rebounds, couple steals, MDW BBQs, that’s what Bball Paul does. I’m not sure how Reed fits into the dynamic of a BBQ, but it doesn’t matter. He has to be there because Paul Reed just makes magic happen in totally unnecessary places. Have a can to throw away? He’ll find a way to bounce it off 2 gutters and a deck umbrella on its way to a recycling can. I can’t imagine Bball Paul ever having a bad time.
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5.) Brandon Graham
I can see Brandon Graham in a pair of Bermuda shorts lounging on a pool chair with that huge smile just shooting the breeze with anyone who wanders by. Graham seems like the type of guy who has never had a bad day in his life, and he would be the life of any Memorial Day party just like he’s the life of the Eagles’ defense.
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4.) Lane Johnson
I mean, the guy has his teammates over his “Bro Barn” all off-season to workout and probably crush a bunch of beers after. That’s a guy that knows how to handle a good BBQ. Plus, I’m sure he knows how to whip up some good southern style grub. Lane seems like the type of guy who would pull up in his lifted truck towing a smoker ready to make some of the tastiest brisket you’ve ever had. A good party needs a guy like Lane.
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3.) Kyle Schwarber
Ok, now we’re into the heavy hitters. A lot of people think Kyle Schwarber was put on this earth to crush baseballs, but it was also to crush BBQs. You better make sure the cooler is stocked if Schwarber is going to be around your party this weekend. He doesn’t cannonball, he Schwarbombs the deep end of the pool, and he can put down an adult beverage or two. A 10/10 BBQ guest for sure.
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
2.) Jordan Mailata
I mean, come on. The guy is AUSTRALIAN. One of their most parroted phrases is “Put another shrimp on the barbie”. That country is one big BBQ all year long, and Jordan Mailata embodies that with his easy-going, fun-loving attitude. Also, if the speaker ever has issues, don’t worry. Mailata will just break out his guitar and play the most beautiful song you’ve ever heard. He was born to BBQ, and I’m sure he’d easily get an invite for the next year too.
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
1.) Jason Kelce
Let’s not pretend like we all didn’t know who was going to take the top spot on this list. Jason Kelce is as Philly area as it gets from a pro athlete, and he’s proven he belongs with his guest bartending shifts at the Ocean Drive down in Sea Isle, among numerous other appearances and moments. Kelce is an everyman in an all-pro body, and he would be the ultimate Philly sports guest at your MDW festivities.
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
