The Super Bowl is over and Peyton Manning has another ring. While that’s fascinating, the buzz is already dying down and people are ready to focus on something else. One topic that’s always a great conversation is cars. With all the funds being thrown around the NFL, it’s important to look at some of the hottest players’ vehicle IQs. After a close inspection, there are a few standouts who show an elevated intelligence when it comes to their rides. Here are some of the top whips and their NFL cohorts.
Antrel Rolle, the Maserati GranTurismo
Antrel Rolle may have been most recently on the injured reserve list for the Bears, but the first round draft pick has had a pretty amazing career. As one of the highest paid safeties in the NFL, he has spent some of his cash on a sweet little Maserati GranTurismo. The beautiful red ride may not be rare, but it’s a nice vehicle. The 2009 ride was customized with matching red rims, and housed a nice array of features like custom Maserati Stability Programme Software, iPod interface and plenty of other bells and whistles. Of course, performance is one of the most outstanding perks of owning a Maserati. Rolle’s himself has also inspired customized vehicles.
Russell Wilson, the Mercedes Benz G-Class
Squeaky clean Russell Wilson often makes news for his famous gal pal Ciara, his commitment to visiting sick kids and the fact that he’s chosen to abstain from getting horizontal until he’s married. The likeable quarterback of the Seahawks also happens to have a pretty nice vehicle, the Mercedes Benz G-Class. Now it’s not 100% confirmed that it is his vehicle, but it’s a little-known fact that he supports a local Mercedes dealership. Could that be the source of his ride? The G-Class starts with a price tag around $120,000 and goes up to over $200,000. You can be pretty sure a top NFL QB would have all the extras thrown in. Although the G-Class was built to command any terrain, the innovative technology-infused, boxy-yet-stylish vehicle that’s beloved by celebrities everywhere probably hasn’t seen much action other than battling city traffic.
Patrick Willis, the Aston Martin DB9
49er’s Patrick Willis has a few cars in his collection, and you have to give him credit for the refreshingly not-as-popular Aston Martin DB9. In the celebrity world you hear about Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Land Rover and a few others ad nauseum. The Aston Martin is like a breath of fresh air. The DB9 is a sleek coupe that has top marks from car critics. The smoothly rounded exterior offers a different aesthetic than many others in its class, and with an improved designed, performance is excellent. It’s rumored that Willis’s 2013 model retailed for over $198,000, but with his customizations, the price tag probably easily entered the realm of $200,000 plus. It looks like this linebacker enjoys a daily dose of power in his ride.
Audi R8, Tom Brady and Jay Cutler
QB Tom Brady has long been an Audi fan. He’s faithfully driven the R8, and he’s even starred in some commercials—although it’s important to realize he’s done some work for Dodge as well, so he must be open to alternative whips. As for Jay Cutler, his orange and white R8 definitely makes a statement. Overall, Audi’s R8 is a nice little $100,000 ride. It boasts excellent horsepower, has a pretty design and is a roadster filled with toys. As reviewers have stated, it’s a dream to drive and represents everything a sports car should.
Frank Gore, Phantom Drophead
Rolls-Royce is the pinnacle of celebrity. It simply shouts to everyone, “I’ve made it.” As a star running back of the 49ers (and now the Colts), Gore has been able to demand enough money to afford a few added luxuries. The Phantom Drophead is luxury defined. As Rolls-Royce puts it, it’s top-down driving at its finest.
Reggie Bush, the Lamborghini Aventador and Shelby Mustang GT500
Does anyone remember that before Ciara dated RW, she made a video that had Reggie Bush in it? All thoughts of NFL fangirls aside, Reggie Bush is an excellent addition to a car conversation. His collection has been interesting, and a little more unique. Although he sold his 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500, he has a love of buying, restoring and selling classic muscle cars. Any true car aficionado will see the honor in his efforts. Reggie also happens to like newer sports cars as well. His Lamborghini Aventador is a sought after celebrity ride that boasts fantastic performance, luxurious detailing and a hefty price tag. Other cars associated with Reggie are a 1971 Chevy Chevelle, Ferrari F430, Maserati Quattroportre and classic Plymouth Barracuda. He's definitely earned the title of NFL car collector to watch.
