Old School Sports Guys Who Are Cooler Than You

There are some pretty cool old school guys in sports right now.

What do I mean by "cool"? To me, cool means doing what you want, being yourself and/or just generally acting like a boss. Examples of coolness here run the gamut—from cutoff sleeves or playing the accordion to winning presidential awards.

Remember when Joe Maddon offered to buy a round of drinks at his Cubs presser? Or that time Vin Scully calmly went about his broadcasting business as a 5.1 earthquake rattled Dodger Stadium?

Listen, don’t take this personally; I’m sure you’re cool. But even if you are, these sports dudes will give you a run for your money.  

Bill Belichick and the Cutoff Sleeves

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

Age: 62

Bill Belichick is cool because he does what he wants, and he doesn’t give a…well, you know what I mean. Seriously, what other coach would rock hoodies with cutoff sleeves to every game?

In November 2014, New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton was spotted sporting Belichick’s patented look. Why? He said (via Mike Triplett of ESPN.com), “Here's the deal. I finally realized why [Belichick dresses that way]. They’re sized where the sleeves come up, so the sleeves aren’t quite long enough. Listen, I don’t have a problem emulating him.”

Gregg Popovich Being Gregg Popovich

Age: 65

Gregg Popovich is constantly doing things that make him cooler than everyone else. He might be a terrifying interview prospect for sports reporters, but for spectators, he’s pure entertainment.

In just one of many examples, Pop embarrassed a poor reporter during the 2014 Western Conference Finals. The first five games were all blowouts, and one reporter wanted to know why.

All Pop can say is, “You’re serious?” And later, “They pay you, don't they?”

To the reporter’s credit, he didn’t get completely buried by Pop. He came back with a witty reply of his own when he said, “Very little.”   

Chip Kelly’s ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Evan Habeeb/Getty Images

Age: 51

Certainly you remember the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge craze of 2014. Many athletes got involved, and the Philadelphia Eagles were no exception. Instead of using buckets, the team decided to jump into a huge pool of cold water.

But head coach Chip Kelly got a jump on the rest of them when he dove into the pool unexpectedly on his own. You have to see the image—I can’t possibly to it justice with words. Check this out.

Phil Jackson Defends His Own

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Age: 69

Old guys aren’t necessarily known for their Twitter prowess, but Phil Jackson held his own when it came to one of his former players.

Early in the 2014 NBA season, Kobe Bryant was taking a lot of heat for attempting too many shots. When ESPN’s Bomani Jones joined in, Jackson took to Twitter, responding, “@bomani_jones you don't get it. Most players can't GET 10 shots let alone 30+ shots. It takes a special athlete to get a good shot in NBA.”

Jackson also backed Flea (yes, that Flea) when he defended Kobe in response to an unflattering ESPN article by Henry Abbott.

Jim Leyland’s Celebration Dance

Age: 70

After the Detroit Tigers wrapped up the American League Central in 2013, there was of course the usual locker room celebration. The star of the show was then-manager Jim Leyland.

Leyland, doused in champagne, whipped out some serious dance moves. It was only for a few seconds, but it was awesome.  

Mike Ditka’s on-Air Nap

Age: 75

Mike Ditka is a surly, grizzled old dude. He cares so little about what anyone thinks that he once fell asleep on-air on Sunday NFL Countdown.

But coolest of all is his no-nonsense attitude in general. Eric Spitznagel of Vanity Fair interviewed the coach back in 2011. He opened the interview by telling Ditka he was a lifelong fan, and Ditka reportedly replied, “Of course you are.” 

Bobby Valentine Rappels

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Age: 64

I know what you’re thinking—Bobby Valentine, cool? But yes, I found something. Every year since 2010, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has rappelled down a building in Stamford, Connecticut, as part of a holiday tree lighting event.

In December 2012, Cashman invited Valentine, a Stamford resident, to join in the fun. Both guys wore elf costumes to get in the holiday spirit, and they both performed the stunt with no net.

Jerry Kill’s Locker Room Dance

Age: 53

Who doesn’t love a coach who can let loose after a big win? Jerry Kill, head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, has done just that on several occasions. In 2013 against Penn State and 2014 against Iowa, Kill was the center of attention in the locker room, just crushing it with his dance moves.

Tom Izzo Plays the Accordion

Frank Franklin II/Associated Press

Age: 59

Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo has a reputation for being a pretty cool dude. After all, his iconic Midnight Madness entrances include a Kiss costume, driving a race car and being shot out of a cannon.

Only someone that boss could get away with playing the accordion as a hobby. Recently, Izzo played “Jingle Bells” for some folks on his radio show, and it was awesome.

Bill Russell Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

Ned Dishman/Getty Images

Age: 80

Has the president of the free world ever personally presented you with an award? If not, Bill Russell is cooler than you (as if he wasn’t anyway).

In 2011, President Obama presented the 11-time NBA champion with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In a statement, the White House said this about Russell:

"

Bill Russell is the former Boston Celtics’ Captain who almost single-handedly redefined the game of basketball.  Russell led the Celtics to a virtually unparalleled string of eleven championships in thirteen years and was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player five times.  The first African American to coach in the NBA—indeed he was the first to coach a major sport at the professional level in the United States—Bill Russell is also an impassioned advocate of human rights.  He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and has been a consistent advocate of equality.

"

Bo Ryan Dances to Soulja Boy

Age: 67

On the basketball sidelines, Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan is all business. Suit on, hair slicked back—he’s got his game face on, and it’s usually a scowl.

So who knew he was a closet dancer? Ryan has been caught on camera showing off his moves several times, but none were better than his 2007 rendition of Soulja Boy's “Crank That.”

Larry Merchant Owns Floyd Mayweather

Warning: language in video NSFW. 

Age: 83

It takes one bold dude to threaten a professional boxer.

In 2011, Larry Merchant interviewed Floyd Mayweather after his victory over Victor Ortiz. Some fans seemed to think that Mayweather took a cheap shot at the end, and Merchant asked the victor about that in the ring. Mayweather didn’t want to answer, but Merchant kept pressing him. Finally, Mayweather blew up and, amid a myriad of expletives, told Merchant that he should be fired.

Merchant responded by saying, “I wish I was 50 years younger, and I'd kick your ass” (at the 2:30 mark). 

Dick Vitale Raises $250,000 for Pediatric Cancer Research

Age: 75

Dick Vitale has long been a supporter of cancer research, and he holds an annual gala on behalf of The V Foundation.

Many sports fans are familiar with the story of Lacey Holsworth, a young cancer patient who befriended Adreian Payne while he played basketball at Michigan State. Holsworth died in April 2014, but her bravery inspired many, including Vitale.

Vitale was able to raise $250,000 for pediatric cancer research in memory of Lacey.

Vin Scully Unfazed by Earthquake

Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images

Age: 87

Not only has Vin Scully been performing the same job for 65 years, but he’s been doing it masterfully. In July 2014, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced that the legend would be back for a 66th season.

A few months prior, Scully proved why he isn’t just durable but damn cool, too. When earthquake tremors were felt at Dodger Stadium during a March 2014 game, Scully was unfazed. Cool as a cucumber, in fact. Watch a clip of the call via USA Today.

Joe Maddon Buys a Round

Age: 60

When two-time AL Manager of the Year Joe Maddon left Tampa for Chicago, Cubs fans rejoiced. Maddon’s introductory press conference was held not at Wrigley Field but at the Cubby Bear, a sports bar across the street.

As the presser wrapped up, Maddon told a bartender he’d like to buy a round for everyone—specifically, a shot and a beer.