The 10 Funniest Sports Characters On TV

Sports on TV has never been the easiest thing to accomplish. It's hard to watch basketball scenes and not point out that the court is roughly the size of a large living room, or see football plays that go the length of the field, yet still manage to take five minutes.

With FX's new show, The League premiering tonight, it reminds us that sometimes the best characters—nay—the funniest characters are the ones who just talk about sports.

So in honor of fantasy football's prime-time debut, along with the new season of Friday Night Lights, here are the 10 funniest sports characters on TV.

No. 10: Tony Micelli—Who's The Boss?

There are very few sports that Tony Danza could convince us that he played. Major League Baseball second baseman was a stretch, but we bought it. Maybe that's because we didn't see Danza actually throw a ball or, you know, stand next to a normal-sized person.

Either way, Danza made us laugh and showed us who really was the boss, which is really what matters. Although I wouldn't mind seeing him try to turn a double play, that would really make me laugh.

No. 9: Keith Hernandez—Seinfeld

Not only was Keith Hernandez the originator of the most magic loogey in history, but he also graced us with the ultimate line of confidence. When on a date with Elaine, he overcame his self doubt by reminding himself, "I'm Keith Hernandez."

Yes you are my mustachioed friend, yes you are.

No. 8: Wayne Gretzky—Pro Stars

Whoever came up with the idea for Pro Stars is simultaneously a genius and a moron. First he was a genius because seven-year-old me died and went to heaven with a cartoon starring three of my sports heroes.

But he was a moron, because he must have never ever seen Wayne Gretzky talk. In real life, Gretzky is about as milquetoast as they come. On the show, Wayne was the funny jokester who always had a funny line in the face of danger.

I like cartoon Wayne way better.

No. 7: Mark Cooper—Hangin' With Mr. Cooper

Mr. Cooper was a former NBA player who ended up working as a substitute teacher/basketball coach. That seems a little far fetched until you hear about Antoine Walker being bankrupt after making $112 million over his career.

It's entirely possible that we could see a reality show Hanging With 'Toine in the near future. But I sincerely doubt that he would make us laugh half as much as Mr. Cooper, who kept us hanging around for five years.

No. 6: Chad Ochocinco—Hard Knocks

Chad Ochocinco is one of the most unbelievable characters in television history. He's a grown man who, first of all, changed his name to the Spanish version of his jersey number. Then he comes up with ridiculous catch phrases like "child please," or "it's time to kiss the baby."

Then he spends time on his phone, or computer talking with strangers and breaks down in tears when he's told he has to cut back on it. Throw in some gold teeth and a blond mohawk, I'd love to meet the person that thought him up.

Wait, he's a real person? Are you sure? That can't be right.

No. 5: Tim Riggins—Friday Night Lights

Tim Riggins is the guy that all the women want, and all the guys want to be.

Not only is he a great football player and the ultimate ladies man, but he does it all with a sense of humor that keeps us loving him through whatever exploits he gets himself into.

Tim Riggins: You look good, real good...
Lyla Garrity: Thanks, that's probably because yesterday I was baptized and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. What did you do recently, Tim?
Tim Riggins: Uh, I had a three-way with the Stratton sisters...

Even with that exchange, he ended up dating Lyla. Women can't resist the bad boy, much less the funny bad boy.

No. 4: George Steinbrenner—Seinfeld

If you think George Steinbrenner was impulsive as the real life owner of the Yankees, it paled in comparison to how he was as the faceless boss of the Bronx Bombers on Seinfeld.

Not just impulsive either, he had worse ADD than an eight-year-old boy after eating a candy bar. Voiced by Larry David, fictional George Steinbrenner was consistently one of the funniest parts of the show.

No. 3: Kenny Powers—Eastbound & Down

What would happen if Barry Bonds was foul-mouthed, funny, and actually told people what he thought? He might turn out a little something like Kenny Powers.

When he's not dropping an f-bomb every other word, Kenny Powers is telling people how great he is. Somehow we still love him. Maybe Barry should take a page out of his book.

No. 2: Sam Malone—Cheers

Sam Malone is how we wish all of our athletes would be. He's charming, funny, quippy, and he distributes alcohol.

This ex-Red Sox player is one of the biggest reasons that Cheers became our favorite bar where everybody knows your name.

No. 1: Al Bundy—Married With Children

Sure, Al Bundy may not look like your prototypical ex-athlete, but did you know that he once scored four touchdowns in one game?

Dishonerable Mention No. 1: Anyone From Arli$$

Nobody in this show was funny. Even a relentless flow of cameos from athletes and other sports personalities couldn't save this show. It set sports shows back years. Let's move on.

Dishonorable Mention No. 2: Michael Strahan - Brothers

Congratulations, Michael. First you made me hate Subway for your ridiculous commercials, then you wasted an hour of my life watching the premier of your sitcom. I'll be billing you for that time. I look forward to my compensation.

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