ESPN Body Issue 2012: Gronkowski, Rousey, Chandler Highlight Athletes in Spread
ESPN The Magazine's annual body issue will feature 27 of the best and most well-groomed athletes from around the world this year. The network recently released a full list of everyone who will be posing for its showcase issue, which will hit stands on July 13.
We will have plenty of time to discuss the photos themselves, but for now we just want to take a look at some of the notable athletes appearing in the magazine, as well as why they belong in this unique class.
Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots
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If there was ever a no-brainer for this issue, it is Gronkowski. The Patriots star tight end has built a reputation as being all about flare. He wants to be a star on and off the field, so what better way to introduce yourself to the world than by baring all for ESPN?
As long as he still catches touchdowns, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady probably won't care what Gronk does in this spread.
Ronda Rousey, Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion
The face of women's mixed martial arts, Rousey's inclusion in the issue is a major coup for both her and the sport. She has captivated the nation with her brash, confident attitude and impressive judo skills that helped her destroy the arms of her opponents inside the cage.
While the UFC ponders what to do with women's mixed martial arts, Rousey is doing her best to prove to Dana White that there is a market for them.
For now, Rousey will have to settle for being the most dangerous woman in the world and being in ESPN The Magazine.
Tyson Chandler, C, New York Knicks
What better way to showcase the different sizes and shapes that athletes come in than putting 7'1", 240-pound Tyson Chandler in the issue?
The center will join the likes of Dwight Howard and Blake Griffin as NBA big men who have posed for the annual Body Issue. He has made a lot of headlines in the past year by signing a contract with New York Knicks and winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.
Now he gets a spotlight with ESPN The Magazine.
| Rob Gronkowski (NFL) |
| Ronda Rousey (MMA) |
| Tyson Chandler (NBA) |
| Carlos Bocanegra (MLS, SPL) |
| Abby Wambach (US Soccer) |
| Candace Parker (WNBA) |
| Maurice Jones-Drew (NFL) |
| Jose Bautista (MLB) |
| Brad Richards (NHL) |
| Maya Gabiera (Surfing) |
| Daniela Hantuchova (Tennis) |
| Mike Smith (Horse Racing Jockey) |
| Tim Morehouse (Fencing) |
| Walter Dix (Track) |
| Danell Leyva (Gymnastics) |
| Suzann Pettersen (LPGA) |
| Ashton Eaton (Decathlon) |
| Carmelita Jeter (Track) |
| Anna Tunnicliffe (Sailing) |
| Oksana Masters (Paralympic Sailing) |
| Destinee Hooker (Volleyball) |
| Stacy Sykora (Volleyball) |
| Alisha Glass (Volleyball) |
| Cynthia Barboza (Volleyball) |
| Megan Hodge (Volleyball) |
| Nellie Spicer (Volleyball) |
| Heather Bown (Volleyball) |
This full list of athletes is courtesy of ESPN.com.
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