25 Sports Celebs Better For Survivor Than Jimmy Johnson

By (Senior Writer) on July 27, 2010

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CINCINNATI - JANUARY 9:  Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on from the sideline late in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets during the 2010 AFC wild-card playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium on January 9, 2010 in Cinc
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Former Dallas Cowboys head coach and current FOX host Jimmy Johnson recently announced that he will join the new cast of CBS' long-running reality series "Survivor". Johnson's season will take place in Guatemala and reportedly not interfere with his current FOX schedule.

Johnson has long been known for his boisterous and out-going personality which should fit very well on the show that demands unique characters (or caricatures). 

While Johnson should be an entertaining choice nonetheless, there are still 25 other sports figures who could take Johnson's spot and bring much more to the show.

Terrell Owens

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The biggest mouthpiece in the NFL over the last decade would sure add a spicy element to the Survivor cast. Owens can be confrontational and emotional. He often speaks without a filter and has a difficulty working well with others. The perfect formula for a reality show contestant.

Chad Ochocinco

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 02:  Chad Ochocinco of the Cincinnati Bengals is interview by Suzy Kolber of ESPN during Super Bowl XLIV Media Day at Sun Life Stadium on February 2, 2010 in Miami Gardens, Florida.  (Photo by Michael Heiman/Getty Images)
Michael Heiman/Getty Images

The ultimate self-promoter, Chad Ochocinco has to be right in there with T.O. Ochocinco loves the camera and the camera loves him.  He already tested his reality show wits with his appearance on Dancing With the Stars where it looked like no competition was to difficult for the Bengals wide receiver. Anything where Ochocinco gets to be himself usually turns to TV gold.

Michael Strahan

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 15:  Former NY Giant and star of upcoming FOX comedy series 'Brothers,' Michael Strahan attends the Fox 'Brothers' Challenge at the New York Giants Timex Performance Center on September 15, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jers
Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Strahan is a loud, out-going character who is excellent in front of a camera. He has a sense of humor but has a suaveness about him that is a great fit for a competitive television atmosphere.

Milton Bradley

NEW YORK - JULY 01:  Milton Bradley #15 of the Seattle Mariners runs against the New York Yankees on July 1, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Mariners 4-2.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Why not? Every reality show needs a contestant that is possible of melting down at any given moment. Bradley could be that proverbial roommate, or in this case jungle-mate, that everyone walks on egg shells around only to have him erupt when he realizes he hates his surroundings.

Ron Artest

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 21:  Los Angeles Lakers small forward Ron Artest waves to the fans while riding in the victory parade for the the NBA basketball champion team on June 21, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 87-79 in
Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

You NEVER know what you're going to get out of Ron Artest which makes him so darn perfect for this situation. Put the always-quirky Artest around a bunch of conniving strangers who are constantly trying to one-up him and his eventual reaction will be great television.

The guy is all over the map at any given moment. Why not drop him on Survivor Island and watch him make a bunch of random people go nuts.

Nick Saban

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07:  Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide walks on the field after winning the Citi BCS National Championship game over the Texas Longhorns at the Rose Bowl on January 7, 2010 in Pasadena, California. The Crimson Tide d
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Oh this would be so rich if Saban had to go deal with a bunch of people he would no doubt look down his nose at.  Saban would be cut from entirely different cloth than the rest of the cast, but you could see how he'd try to justify any behavior and simply play mind games with his castmates.

Urban Meyer

GAINESVILLE, FL - APRIL 10:  Head coach Urban Meyer of the Florida Gators coaches his team during the Orange & Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on April 10, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida.  (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)
Doug Benc/Getty Images

Forget just replacing Jimmy Johnson, put Urban Meyer and Nick Saban on the same cast. You know what, forget that, just put Saban and Meyer on an island together and let fate sort it out. It would be great viewing.

Deion Sanders

NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 17:  Athlete/television personality Deion Sanders at the 57th NBA All-Star Game, part of 2008 NBA All-Star Weekend at the New Orleans Arena on February 17, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Deion, much like Jimmy Johnson, would bring a boisterous and entertaining personality to a show that is usually filled with bark-eating, boring people. Deion's entire rhythm and flair would be a far cry from anyone that's been on the show. Now, could Deion live a few weeks without his flashy fashion sense and live outdoors? Finding the answer would make it all that much more entertaining.

Tiger Woods

ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND - JULY 18:  Tiger Woods of the USA walks to the second tee during the final round of the 139th Open Championship on the Old Course, St Andrews on July 18, 2010 in St Andrews, Scotland.  (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Warren Little/Getty Images

Tiger could return from his recent recluse behavior and become the alpha male on Survivor. His sheer presence would leave other contestants unsure of what to do or how to even approach Tiger.  Tiger has always been very careful about how he approaches the public and the words he uses publicly, but seeing him go toe-to-toe with some Survivor contestant would be a Tiger with all new stripes.

John Daly

ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND - JULY 17:  John Daly of the USA tees off on the second hole during the third round of the 139th Open Championship on the Old Course, St Andrews on July 17, 2010 in St Andrews, Scotland.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Harry How/Getty Images

John Daly may not be as wild as he was a few years back, but placing him in a rare place with strangers and no means to cigarettes and booze could be a recipe for an absolute tire fire on the set of Survivor. Reality shows bring the worst out of people. It could do the same for Daly which would be bad for him, but a score in the ratings department for the show.

Kim Kardashian

BEL AIR, CA - JULY 12:  Actress Kim Kardashian attends professional tennis player Serena Williams' Pre-ESPYs House Party held at a private residence on July 12, 2010 in Bel Air, California.  (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for SW)
Charley Gallay/Getty Images

It would never happen in a million years, but hey this whole list is hypothetical right? Well, nothing says entertaining like watching a spoiled celebrity be landed into a Guatemalan jungle where she will have roll in the dirt, eat bugs and deal with people she otherwise would care if they existed or not.

Erin Andrews

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 14: ESPN talent Erin Andrews arrives at the 2010 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on July 14, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Erin Andrews has been through a lot in her personal life over the last year, so why not send her to Guatemala where she can down in the mud in as little clothes as possible? Maybe help her release some of that pent up anger and shows us an EA we haven't seen before--personality that is.

Mike Ditka

WASHINGTON - JUNE 26:  During a congressional hearing on the National Football League's system for compensating retired players, Hall of Fame tight end and head coach Mike Ditka listens to testimony June 26, 2007 in Washington, DC. Former players and coac
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Hey, if Jimmy Johnson is going to do it, why not Ditka? Hurricane Ditka would slam Guatemala with his trademark scowl and moustache and infuse fear in all that laid in its way. Yes, Ditka is older than Johnson, but seeing Ditka get riled up with lazy cast member is worth a ticket to the show.

Jeff Van Gundy

HOUSTON - APRIL 21:  Coach Jeff Van Gundy of the Houston Rockets on the sidelines as his teams plays the Utah Jazz in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2007 NBA Playoffs at the Toyota Center April 21, 2007 in Houston, Texas. NOTE
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

So far, all the males on this list have been of a dominating figure. Not so much with the squirrely and somewhat bizarre Van Gundy.  Many NBA fans have grown frustrated with his shtick and his persona on the air. Would they oppose to seeing him treated like the class nerd on an island of people willing to do just about anything?

Alex Rodriguez

CLEVELAND - JULY 26: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees smiles after defeating the Cleveland Indians 3-2 on July 26, 2010 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio.  (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

A-Rod would be a very entertaining fit only to see his prima donna appearance and aura be shot down by a cast of people willing to eat bugs, fight in the dirt, jump off cliffs and do whatever else Survivor contestants do. A-Rod probably showers in Poland Spring. Could he fathom not showering for weeks on end?

Lane Kiffin

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 01:  Head coach Lane Kiffin looks on during the  USC Trojans spring game on  May 1, 2010 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Lane Kiffin's life over the last few years has seemed like one non-stop reality show, so why going on Survivor be any different? From fighting with an old Al Davis, to leaving Tennessee in the lurch to his perceived sliminess makes Kiffin just prime for this kind of situation. Watching Kiffin have to worm his way out of heated Survivor fights would be rich.

Al Davis

ALAMEDA, CA - SEPTEMBER 30:  Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis speaks during a press conference to announce the firing of head coach Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders at thier training facility on Septemer 30, 2008 in Alameda, California.  (Photo by Jed Jac
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Al Davis couldn't do much on Survivor, but one thing he wouldn't do is play by the rules. Al Davis would lord over that island with his jungle throne as he commands the rest of the Survivor cast to serve as his minions. Throw him off the island will you? Well, he'll just call a press conference, take out an overhead projector and tell you all the reasons why you're a liar and you should be kicked off.

Tim Tebow

ENGLEWOOD, CO - APRIL 23:  Tim Tebow is introduced by the Denver Broncos at a press conference at the Broncos Headquarters in Dove Valley on April 23, 2010 in Englewood, Colorado. The Broncos picked Tebow in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft.  (Photo
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Tebow is no stranger to being in the wild, living off the land and spending time in the outdoors. Tebow would be the complete opposite of the standard, expected crazed reality show member. However, seeing how much another cast member could push his buttons and if Tebow would blow up in a fit of genuine rage would be something to see.

Charles Barkley

BIRMINGHAM, AL - MAY 14:  Former basketball star Charles Barkley prepares to tee off on the first hole during the Thursday Pro-AM of the Regions Charity Classic at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge on May 14, 2009  in Birmingham, Alabama.
Dave Martin/Getty Images

Charles Barkley is a walking comedy act. He is in many ways the caricature for the retired athlete. He says virtually what he wants, when he wants and does so in such a unique way that people can't help but be drawn to him.

Michael Jordan

CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 28:  Basketball legend Michael Jordan looks on during the pro-am for the Quail Hollow Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on April 28, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Talk about the alpha male in a group. Jordan could still be the same always-imposing presence on the set of Survivor even when he's away from his $100,000 craps tables, Gulfstream and fine cigars.  Jordan, the ultra-competitor, could probably outlast any island crawler on Survivor.

LeBron James

MIAMI - JULY 09:  LeBron James #6, of the Miami Heat smiles during a press conference after a welcome party at American Airlines Arena on July 9, 2010 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)
Doug Benc/Getty Images

Many have knocked LeBron James for taking the easy way out when it comes to his professional career. So, let's see what LeBron is made of by making it very hard on him. Stick him on island where nothing will come easy, including meals, and let's see what kind of competitor LeBron truly is.

Mark Cuban

DALLAS - NOVEMBER 03:  Owner Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks on November 3, 2009 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting t
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Mark Cuban too is like a walking reality show. The Mavericks owner has little in the way of a filter for his often combative personality and is ripe for a reality show where everyone is as cutthroat as can be.

Shaquille O'Neal

BOSTON - MAY 13:  Shaquille O'Neal #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers waits to shoot a free throw in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2010 NBA playoffs at TD Garden on May 13, 2010 in Bo
Elsa/Getty Images

Perhaps if Shaquille O'Neal can't find another team to play for this upcoming season, he could just go on a reality show circuit. His immense presence would certainly draw ratings and his personality and sense of humor, which made him the most entertaining soundbite in sports, will worth watching every week.

Chuck Liddell

SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 13:  UFC fighter Chuck Liddell looks on before the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers Major League Baseball game at AT&T Park on September 13, 2009 in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

You want to install a little fear and intimidation on the set of Survivor? Swap Jimmy Johnson for Chuck Liddell. Nothing says pending drama like an MMA fight with a short fuse just waiting to go off on some unsuspecting cast member.

Jose Canseco

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - MAY 26:  Former Oakland Athletics slugger Jose Canseco warms up prior to the match with Choi Hong-man at first Round of Super Hulk Tournament during Dream.9 at Yokohama Arena on May 26, 2009 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. Canseco lost at
Getty Images/Getty Images

Why Jose? Because it appears the guy will do just about anything to earn a paycheck nowadays. This is a guy who fought a 60-year-old local high school coach at a minor league game in Arkansas for a minimal appearance fee.  Canseco is a walking train wreck. Why not put that on Survivor and see how it far it takes him?

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