Most Adorable Sports Moments on Instagram

"Adorable" isn't a word often used to describe athletes who aren't wearing leotards and chalking up their hands. In fact, most adult men and women in sports seem to go out of their way to avoid being perceived as adorable.

Who can blame them? Competition is the lifeblood of sports, and unless cradling a puppy during warm-ups has been proved to provide a clear edge over an opponent, all puppy-cradling is going to achieve is giving your rival a good reason to include the puppy in all the vile, obscenity-laced things he says about you.

Despite the pitfalls, there are plenty of circumstances when being adorable is not only acceptable but a refreshing and welcome change. Despite what Ray Lewis would like you to think, most of an athlete's life unfolds off the field and after the game.

Thanks to the wondrous magic of social media, sites and apps such as Twitter and Instagram offer fans an often candid glimpse into the daily lives of our favorite athletes—even capturing those moments of dangerous adorableness.

Let's take a look at a few such moments, shall we? 

Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers

Truth be told, Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell is a bit of a mixed bag on Instagram. But as long as he keep balancing the many workout videos, ab shots and selfies with pictures of him and his dogs—such as this, this, and this) he’ll always be worth a follow. 

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James is a surprisingly polarizing figure—surprising in that out of that whole The Decision debacle, he’s one of the most accessible and innocuous athletes in the biz. When the King isn’t hanging out with his queen or his little ones, he’s apparently out buying his mom some new wheels. 

Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers forward Blake Griffin has no shortage of picture-perfectly adorable #TBT photos on Instagram. While most of them feature him and/or his older brother, also known as the only kid to look comically unhappy while riding a pony, this one of Griffin about to go ham on that T-ball is definitely the standout. 

Bark in the Park

Bark in the Park has become an annual traditional at ballparks around the country, allowing dedicated dog owners to bring their pooches out to see a game every now and again. With thousands of #BarkInThePark posts on Instagram, it’s clearly become a hit.

Bark in the Park Encore

It was too difficult to narrow it down to just one, so here’s an extra #BarkInThePark photo for good measure. It looks like those two dogs came together and are stressed out because another couple of dogs were inconsiderate and sitting in their seats.

Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers

Pitcher Justin Verlander has been off the radar for a while—probably because his Detroit Tigers have fallen off the radar too. That is why now is as good a time as any to be reminded what an adorable couple he and model Kate Upton make. Look at them with their lobster bibs!

Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR

Not previously known for being anywhere near the neighborhood of adorable, in 2012, NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson appeared in an ESPN commercial that would change that perception forever. His heart-wrenching—if not entirely truthful—saga with an orphaned porcupine named Prickle Bear will never be forgotten.

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

You may recall that earlier this season that Panthers quarterback found himself in the very unfortunate position of having to defend a photo of him and his friends he posted to Instagram after a number of comments alleging it was a “gang” picture. Seriously—does that look like a guy in a gang? 

Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips remains one of the most likable athletes with a presence on social media. Here he is getting up close and personal with the Reds’ notorious creepy spring trainnig mascot, Zizzy. Neither has ever looked happier.

Mark Sanchez, Philadelphia Eagles

We may not see much of Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Mark Sanchez on the football field, but it’s clear from this photo he’s been leading a rich and fulfilling life off it.

TJ Oshie, Washington Capitals

As someone who is a decidedly non-baby person, following so many years of constant exposure to these little humans on social media, I thought I had become immune to their tricks and charms. But I will admit that when I came across this photo of Washington Capitals forward TJ Oshie’s little girl on Instagram, I was like, "Wow: That is one stunningly adorable little person."

PK Subban, Montreal Canadiens

Stud Habs defenseman PK Subban remains the apple of his mother’s eye. Seriously, could the two of them be any more adorable?

Jonathan the Husky

The University of Connecticut has gotten some pretty bad press lately, with that angry mac-and-cheese student who got arrested—but not expelled—for his drunken tirade that brought shame on Husky Nation. Even during their darkest days, however, at least they always have one of the cutest college mascots in the nation to lift their spirits. 

Chris Bosh, Miami Heat

After spending the last few NBA offseasons documenting his family’s enviable globetrotting lifestyle on Instagram, Heat big man Chris Bosh recently decided that was just the place to announce that he and his wife, Adrienne, are expecting two additions to their family early next year. The Bosh twins will round out the photogenic family's starting lineup nicely.

Todd Gurley, St. Louis Rams

Rookie St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley is having himself quite a season so far. This goat with sunglasses has absolutely nothing to do with any of that, but there is simply no denying its adorableness. 

Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals slugger Bryce Harper takes a lot of heat, particularly from teammate Jonathan Papelbon, for aspects of his personality that rub people the wrong way. But for a guy who inspires such levels of vitriol, his Instagram account is surprisingly precious. 

Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors

Unlike Bryce Harper, Golden State Warriors superstar point guard Steph Curry’s Instagram page is exactly as precious as you’d expect it to be. He may be the NBA’s reigning MVP, but Curry’s wife and adorable little girls are clearly the only superstars in his life.