Athletes Who Really Love Superheroes

From the big boys, Marvel and DC, on down to the small and independent publishers, it's no exaggeration to say comic books are enjoying a solid start to the 21st century.

During the 80s and 90s, enigmatic superheroes like the X-Men and Thor, were largely confined to the insular world of comic book collectors and gamers. Most movies based on superheroes were notoriously bad flops, or perpetually in pre-production, with a few notable exceptions.

Since then, however, blockbuster hits like Spiderman, The Avengers and Sin City, along with beloved prime-time television shows like Smallville and The Walking Dead, have expanded the superhero universe far beyond Comic-Con and helped create a genre renaissance.

Obviously, the awesome and interesting characters that comic book fans have always loved were an easy sale. 

So, it's no surprise there are athletes out there who make no secret of their fanboy (or fangirl) status, whether they're sporting an iconic logo or they proudly own their superhero-inspired nickname.

These are athletes who really love superheroes.

DeMarcus Ware, Denver Broncos

Instagram ID: demarcusware

Caption: Happy Halloween from me & my super heroes

Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners

Instagram ID: miajeremy

Caption: Batman party for my boy

Sean Weatherspoon, Atlanta Falcons

Instagram ID: spoonjones56

Caption: The groom again

Earl Bennett, NFL Free Agent

Instagram ID: earlbbennett

Caption: The cool kids...

Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets

Instagram ID: tylawson3

Caption: Happy Halloween lol

Serena Williams, Tennis

Instagram ID: serenawilliams 

Caption: Up up and away!!!

Kenny Britt, St. Louis Rams

Instagram ID: kennybritt18

Caption: Time to go save the world

Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

Instagram ID: dwighthoward

Caption: Great day of work with low rider and also nice to meet u @kristenledlow can't wait to see the show.

Lardarius Webb, Baltimore Ravens

Instagram ID: l_webb21

Caption: My Spider Man swagggg!!! #UA

Nick Young, Los Angeles Lakers

Instagram ID: swaggyp1

Caption: What's The diff between a hero and super hero ?..... Cape ! Lol

Evan Mathis, Philadelphia Eagles

Instagram ID: evanmathis69

Caption: Superfamily.

Daniel Gibson, NBA Free Agent

Instagram ID: boobygang

Caption: DadMan & MunchMan. Just here to Spread a lil Luv one day at a time.

Jared Odrick, Miami Dolphins

Instagram ID: jaredodrick98

Caption: Yes, yes I know Michelangelo had nunchucks. You don't think I was pissed?

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, WWE

Instagram ID: therock

Caption: Been a big and wild 2013. Lets close it out with a bang and usher in 2014 with... a bigger bang. Bring your funderwear... #RockTalk

http://instagram.com/p/eDuyKuoh_w/?modal=true

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins

Instagram ID: rgiii

Caption: Protect Your City-Play with a Fire In Your Heart-Do Your Part-Be Cool Under Pressure-Be Amazing-Be Unstoppable This is what I will see everyday when I walk to my locker. This is what my teammates expect out of me & what I expect out of them #KnowYourWhy #Ambition @wale @redskins

Shaquille O’Neal, Retired NBA

Instagram ID: shaq

Caption: Don't compare me to nobody I rather not be mentioned, I'm offended. There can only be one

Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears

Instagram ID: btm15

Caption: My nephews are ready. @underarmour