Older Sports Dudes We Want to Hang With

There aren't too many people that I know who actually look forward to getting older, but when you're as cool as some of these guys in sports, it's something that isn't so bad.

Like a fine wine that just gets older over time, these guys in sports have proven that they still have an "it" factor that sports fans flock to.

And while we would all like to grab a beer with our favorite current player, those guys don't have the stories that these old dudes do. Their years of experience and accomplishments make them some of the most interesting in the sports world.

Bill Russell

Jack Plunkett/Associated Press

Is there a more respected former NBA baller than Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell? Some players can stake a claim, but it's tough to think of anyone more revered than Russell.

With an amazing 11 NBA titles in his 13 Hall of Fame seasons, the big man not only dominated his opponents but also transformed the game, becoming the most devastating presence inside that the league had seen.

Not only is his knowledge of the sport unmatched, seeing the game evolve since his playing days, but with the league naming the NBA Finals MVP in his honor—the ultimate sign of greatness—he is still around each postseason to hand the award to the recipient.

A chance to talk with the 81-year-old to hear the stories and soak up everything he has to say would be incredible.

Jerry Jones

Want to know what it takes to acquire real OG status? Having some minion actually clean your eyeglasses for you during an NFL game.

That's just one reason why Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys owner, general manager and team president, is so damn cool.

While another reason could be his $4.2 billion net worth, the fact that he's one of the most brash and outlandish owners in sports history should be enough. Jones is never shy to voice his opinion and get what he wants.

Jones is like a 21-year-old frat boy trapped in a 72-year-old's body, making him someone who would be fun as all hell to hit up a bar with.

Micky Arison

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Since taking over the ownership duties of the Miami Heat in 1995, Micky Arison has seen plenty of memories that a sports fan would want to hear all about.

Included in those moments are all five of the franchise's trips to the NBA Finals—with four straight from 2011-14—three titles and a reputation as being one of the best owners in the sport.

And while Arison doesn't do it anymore, he made his money from cruise ships, meaning he has treated his 65 years as a vacation—which isn't a bad way to approach each day if you ask me.

Oh, and he has a little bit of an edgy side, as he showed with a small dig towards former employee LeBron James in a tweet earlier this season—even if it wasn't "meant" to be.

Dick Vitale

Joe Raymond/Associated Press

Although he has one of the loudest mouths in sports history, college hoops announcer Dick Vitale is one of the hippest dudes going today.

At 75 years old, Vitale still calls games and gives analysis as if he's a freshman in college who's enjoying his first semester at a major university, giddy about everything in the college basketball scene.

Starring in commercials for companies like Hooters and smooching with A-list actresses like Ashley Judd isn't a bad deal either, as Vitale continues to show that he has some of the best enthusiasm and fanaticism in college sports.

Even more badass is the fact that Vitale might just go on TV pantless, if one of his recent tweets is any indication.

Pete Carroll

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Looking at Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, would you guess that he's the second-oldest current NFL head coach at age 63?

Seeing his energy before each and every game—which includes him tossing the football around—probably not.

Epitomizing the idea of being young at heart, Carroll uses his enthusiasm, passion and savvy to lead his players, reminding them to embrace every opportunity no matter how big of a stage.

And seeing as how Carroll was voted the most popular coach other NFL players would want to suit up for in a poll in 2014, it's no surprise why his team rallies around him.

Active on social media and one of the most positive people in sports, what fan wouldn't want to hangout with the Pete Carroll?

Walt 'Clyde' Frazier

John Minchillo/Associated Press

Current NBA players might think they're really pushing the style boundary with some of the trends going around these days, but, even today, no one has it like Walt "Clyde" Frazier has it.

A seven-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion during his 13 years in the league, the Hall of Fame point guard had the same flash off of the floor as he did on it, displaying a sartorial genius that was unmatched.

Continuing his dominance as, arguably, the best-dressed athlete ever, Clyde strutted around New York City with a swagger that only he could.

A play-by-play guy for his Knicks these days, the 69-year-old is still trying to be smooth but should probably just focus on landing the ladies with his outfits instead.

Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

I don't care that the youngest of the trio is still 75 years old—what wouldn't a sports fan give to be part of a foursome on the golf course with legendary players Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer?

With 34 career major titles combined, the three old guys would surely be able to provide some tips on how to straighten out your drive and find that perfect putting touch while telling some ridiculous stories of theirs from the past 50-plus years.

Add in the fact that Nicklaus and Palmer are still as sharp as a tack with their wit, and that Player was bold enough to pose for ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue" at 77 years old in 2013, and playing 18 holes while smoking a cigar and drinking some beers with them would be quite the day.

Robert Kraft

There's exclusive, and then there's Robert Kraft's owner's box exclusive, which is the party to be at during fall Sundays in Foxborough.

With some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment and politics as guests each week to watch his New England Patriots play, if you're in Kraft's inner circle, you're doing something right.

For that reason, what sports fan wouldn't want to enjoy the luxury of the four-time Super Bowl champion owner?

Oh, and this all goes without mention that the 73-year-old also seems to still have the ability to spit game to a younger lady crowd too, as he showed when he made model Ricki Lander his girlfriend back in 2013. Lander is nearly 40 years his minor.

Pele

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Even if you forget for a second that former Brazilian superstar Pele is the greatest soccer player to ever step foot on the pitch, you still would look at him and think he would be pretty darn cool to chill with.

Always flashing a trademark smile on his face, the 74-year-old can't help but showing his enthusiasm for everything that he does.

A lot of that includes traveling to numerous countries and helping to promote the beautiful game that gave him all he has, including three FIFA World Cup titles and numerous awards.

For those looking to be jet-setters, who better than Pele to have as a travel companion?

Tommy Lasorda

Managing the Los Angeles Dodgers his entire 21-year head coaching career, Tommy Lasorda is still one of the most iconic figures in the esteemed history of the franchise.

Winning 1,599 games and two World Series titles during his tenure, he also happens to be one of the most accomplished.

But Lasorda proved that he was more than just a solid baseball man when he performed the song "Turn Down For What" and posted it onto his Instagram account, showing that, even at 87 years old, he still has some serious moves.

For that reason, who else but he to bring to the club with you?

Pat Riley

You want to know what's really cool? Winning.

And over the course of his entire basketball career, former player and current Miami Heat President Pat Riley has done it quite a bit, first winning an NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1972, then again as an assistant coach with the team in 1980 and, after a 1,210-win coaching career, adding five more rings as head coach.

More than the winning, though, Riles has some serious style and charisma, capable of walking into any room with his slicked-back hair and leaving as the most popular guy.

While he was unable to convince LeBron James to re-up with Miami last offseason, Riley is still about as sly as they come among old dudes in sports right now.

Joe Maddon

With Chicago being named America's best drinking city by GQ for 2014, newly hired Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon knew exactly what he would offer reporters during his introductory news conference—the first round on him.

After agreeing to take the position with the North Siders and help try and end over a century of heartache, Maddon extended the invite for a shot and a beer at the popular bar Cubby Bear, located right across the street from Wrigley Field's main entrance.

With success as a manager during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays and a personality that is both laid-back and humorous, Cubs fans should enjoy the time with Maddon at the helm—and see if they can squeeze a champagne shower out of him following a Cubs World Series title.