20 Coolest Tricks in Sports

The number of championships won is usually how we determine the level of success for an athlete. For example: Michael Jordan is successful and LeBron James (thus far) is unsuccessful.

Well, not every athlete gets to distinguish himself via winning a championship, so what are the other options?

How about novelty tricks that take off on YouTube? One viral video can attract millions of hits and a shocking amount of attention.

Here are 20 of the coolest tricks in sports.

20. Cam Newton's Fumblerooski

In December 2011, surefire NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Cam Newton helped pull off one of the oldest (and what's supposed to be illegal) trick plays in football—the fumblerooski.

On the snap, Newton stuck the football between FB Richie Brockel's legs and faked a QB run around the right side of the line.

The Texans bit, playing Newton, while Brockel grabbed the ball and and raced around the left side for an easy touchdown.

19. Alexander Ovechkin Practices His Trick Shot

In April 2009, Capitals superstar Alexander Ovechkin practiced some of the trick shots that would win him the Super Skills Competition at the NHL All-Star game.

18. Chris Ferguson Cuts Vegetables with Cards

Professional poker player Chris "Jesus" Ferguson has been implicated an elaborate Ponzi scheme. Full Tilt Poker, the online poker site for which Ferguson serves on the board of directors, has been accused of bilking $3 billion from its users.

"Jesus" (ironic because Proverbs 13:11 says: Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow) is actually in an awful lot of trouble and could be facing federal prison time in the United States...where I suspect this card trick could come in handy.

17. Laurence Maroney Jumps Through Car

Former running back Laurence Maroney was drafted 21st overall by the Patriots in the 2006 NFL Draft.

After an injury-plagued four seasons with the Patriots, Maroney was traded to the Broncos in September 2010, who chose not to re-sign him in 2011.

Maroney may not have made it as a running back in the NFL, but it wasn't due to his lack of ability to jump through cars. If only that were a professional sport.

16. Blake Griffin's Half-Court Shot

In December 2011, Clippers star Blake Griffin proved he is one of the baddest young ballers in the game when he made a half-court shot at practice…by casually chucking the ball while sitting.

As a heaver of air-ball layups, I'm beyond impressed.

15. Adam "Pac-Man" Jones Fields 6 Punts

Adam "Pac-Man" Jones hasn't had the illustrious and profitable career in the NFL that he maybe have anticipated when he was drafted sixth overall by the Titans in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Jones' off-the-field issues have submarined his career, but his athletic potential was never questioned. Certainly not after he proved his ability to field six punts without dropping a ball, while with the Cowboys.

14. Tiger Woods Juggles Golf Ball

In 2007, way before Tiger Woods was the struggling golfer with the sordid history of personal problems, he was the most remarkable golfer in the world.

Here, Woods is juggling a golf ball for a Nike ad.

13. Shea Weber's Trick Shot

In December 2011, Nashville Predators star defender Shea Weber buried a shot from the stands at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

Weber is known for his serious slapper, and managed to fire the puck over a few dozens rows of seats, clear across the 200-foot rink into the net.

12. Drew Brees Will Hunt You with a Football

In March 2010 , Saints quarterback Drew Brees appeared on the show Sports Science to determine whether Brees was more accurate than an Olympic archer.

Guess what! He was.

11. Sidney Crosby Owns a Water Bottle

In March 2011, Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby showed and unsuspecting water bottle that he was not someone to be messed with.

A head injury may tragically end Croby's career at a ridiculously young age, but his greatness will never be denied.

10. Johnny MacEntee's Trick Shots

In February 2011, University of Connecticut quarterback Johnny McEntee proved he was better at making trick shots than throwing an actual football.

9. Roger Federer's Trickshot

In August 2010, tennis great Roger Federer knocked a metal water bottle off a man's head with a powerful serve during filming for a Gillette ad…twice.

8. Darren Sproles Thinks He's a Video Game

In summer 2009, pint-sized running back Darren Sproles showed off his seemingly superhuman abilities in a display that Super Mario himself would have been impressed by.

Obviously the Chargers management never saw this video, otherwise they would have never let him ditch town and sign with the Saints.

(This video might not be real, but I choose to believe it is)

7. Dwight Howard Breaks World Record

In February 2010, Magic's Dwight Howard heaved his way into the Guinness Book of World Records with a seated half-court shot at the NBA All-Star Game.

The record didn't stand for long...

6. Vince Carter Breaks World Record

In February 2010, the (then) Magic's Vince Carter chucked his way into the Guinness Book of World Records with a seated 86-foot half-court shot.

Carter didn't just break the world record with his shot, he also showed up his former teammate Dwight Howard, who had set the record just two weeks prior.

5. Jarron Gilbert Jumps out of Pool

Tight end Jarron Gilbert was selected in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Bears. He played part of two seasons without he Bears and Jets before being signed by the Bills in December 2011.

Gilbert is probably most famous for his 2009 YouTube video, which featured him jumping out of a swimming pool from a standing position. Ridiculous.

4. Josh Womack's Bat Trick

Former MLB prospect Josh Womack was drafted by the Seattle Mariners but has yet to make a name for himself in the majors.

Well, he's made a name for himself on the Internet, at least.

3. Lassi Hurskainen Goalkeeper Tricks

In February 2011, UNC-Ashville goalie Lassi Hurskainen became a global sensation when his video of trick shots went viral.

Hurskainen hits targets from long range, kicks balls into trash cans and pulls off some wicked awesome tricks on a basketball court.

2. Keith Eloi Jumps into a Pickup

In 2009, UFL receiver Keith Eloi made the biggest headlines of his career when he posted a video of him jumping off the ground into the back of a pickup truck on YouTube.

Eloi's career in the NFL was short-lived, but most of us will never forget this video.

1. Keith Eloi Jumps out of a Pool...Backwards

The truck was impressive, but this is substantially more impressive.