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MORE ON MSN AUTOS
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MSN AUTOS VIDEO
Explore New Cars
Cars of NFL stars
By Kirk Bell of MSN Autos
It's inevitable, really. Give a 20-something guy a few million dollars and the first thing he's going to do is head to the dealership and buy an exotic car or two — or three. Most of the phenomenally gifted athletes who realize their lifelong dream and make it to the National Football League do just that. Some purchase Ferraris or Lamborghinis, while others embrace the hip-hop lifestyle, choosing big SUVs or full-size American cars jacked up to accommodate the largest wheels possible.
Click through this slide show and see how these current and former NFL players express their personality through the cars they drive.
Cars of NFL stars
Jay Cutler, Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Chicago Bears' smirky quarterback makes as many headlines for battling coaches and teammates as he does for his passing exploits. He's also known in the entertainment industry for his relationship with "The Hills" reality TV star Kristin Cavallari. The couple recently had a baby boy, and word has it that fatherhood has prompted Cutler to trade in his white Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG.
Cars of NFL stars
Jimmy Smith, Land Rover Range Rover HSE
The Baltimore Ravens' second-year cornerback put some of his $3.9 million signing bonus into a black Land Rover Range Rover HSE that he promptly outfitted with a tasteful set of matching black wheels. The Range Rover combines the utmost in SUV luxury with the off-road ability of a billy goat, but Smith will likely just use it to unwind after chasing opposing receivers all over the field.
Cars of NFL stars
Ray Rice, Mercedes-Benz CLS
At 5 feet 8 inches and just 212 pounds, Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice is undersized for the NFL, but he's tough as nails and agile as a cat. How else would he top 1,200 yards rushing the past four years? His ride isn't so much about agility as style. His white Mercedes-Benz CLS features sleek looks, thanks to a coupelike roof line and the added touch of 22-inch aftermarket wheels.
Cars of NFL stars
Larry Fitzgerald, BMW 7-Series
If Arizona Cardinal Larry Fitzgerald isn't the best receiver in the NFL, he would be if he had the right quarterback. One thing he can control is what he drives. Among his stable of fine automobiles is a bright red BMW 7-Series with custom wheels. Other rides include a Land Rover Range Rover and a pair of Mercedes-Benzes: an SL and an S.
Cars of NFL stars
Clinton Portis, Maserati GranTurismo
While many NFL stars prefer big SUVs with big wheels, former Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis has tastes that run more to the exotic. While he was playing for the Skins, he cruised around in a Maserati GranTurismo shod with 22-inch Forgiato-brand wheels. Wheels that big wouldn't look right on most cars, but they fit fine under this sleek Italian coupe.
Cars of NFL stars
Chad Johnson, Dodge Challenger
If it isn't flashy, it isn't Chad Johnson. The wide receiver, rampant Tweeter and reality TV star has been spotted in several cars, including a pair of Challengers, one orange and one black with "01" painted on the doors, a la the General Lee from the 1970s' "Dukes of Hazzard" TV series. The former NFL superstar, aka Chad Ochocinco, has also been spotted in at least two Lamborghinis and even a flat-black smart fortwo.
Cars of NFL stars
Tom Brady, Audi R8
Some guys have all the luck. Devastatingly handsome, the New England Patriots quarterback is not only married to supermodel Gisele Bundchen, but he also tools around in an a red Audi R8. Apparently, the three-time Super Bowl champion has an affinity for Audi, as he was involved in a 2010 accident in a borrowed S8. Don't worry, Brady is still perfect. It was the other guy's fault.
Cars of NFL stars
Ndamukong Suh, Chrysler 300
The Detroit Lions may be owned by the Ford family, but hulking defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh lent his name to another Detroit automaker, Chrysler. In a TV spot, Suh drives a Chrysler 300 back to his hometown of Portland, Ore. Suh made other car news when he lost control of his 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle late last year.
Cars of NFL stars
Reggie Bush, Ferrari F430
If you're going to date Kim Kardashian, you're going to have to show some style. A metallic grey Ferrari 430 provided just that for Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush. Kardashian apparently approved — she was photographed behind the wheel. But she has since moved on, and so has the Ferrari, which went up for sale on eBay in late 2011.
Cars of NFL stars
Thomas Jones, Lamborghini Murcielago
Over a 12-year career with five teams, running back Thomas Jones rushed for 10,549 yards, putting him in the elite 10,000-yard club. He parlayed that success into millions of dollars, and the exotic cars followed. A bright yellow Lamborghini Murcielago is perhaps the most flamboyant car among a fleet that also includes the likes of Ferrari, Bentley, Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce.
Cars of NFL stars
Patrick Willis, Aston Martin DB9
Middle linebacker Patrick Willis is the heart of the San Francisco 49ers ferocious defense, but off the field his style is pure James Bond, although with an extra touch of bling. He drives a car from 007's favorite brand, Aston Martin: a DB9 with custom wheels. The five-time Pro Bowler also has a 750i, a Shelby Mustang and a Mercedes-Benz CL63.
Cars of NFL stars
JaMarcus Russell, Bentley Flying Spur
Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell will go down as one of the biggest NFL busts of all time. He lasted only three years before washing out due to poor numbers and a worse work ethic. At least he was able to spend about $200,000 of his $32 million in guaranteed money on a silver Bentley Continental Flying Spur with 22-inch chrome wheels.
Cars of NFL stars
Fred Taylor, Mercedes-Benz CL
Running back Fred Taylor sliced through defenses for 11,695 yards over a 13-year career with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots, putting him 15th on the all-time rushing list. It is alleged that his agent, William "Tank" Blank, stole millions of dollars from him, but Taylor still made enough money to buy a jade green Mercedes-Benz CL and outfit it with 22-inch wheels painted to match.
Cars of NFL stars
Vernon Davis, Cadillac Escalade EXT
San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis is too big to be covered by safeties and too fast for linebackers. His pair of white Cadillac Escalades are also just too big. Both are white, both have custom wheels and grilles, and one is the EXT with a truck bed. The Pro Bowl tight end also has a customized Dodge Challenger painted in Niner red with white stripes.
Cars of NFL stars
For more information on the vehicles in this slideshow, click the links below:
-Mercedes-Benz G55
-Land Rover Range Rover
-Mercedes-Benz CLS
-BMW 7-Series
-Maserati GranTurismo
-Dodge Challenger
-Audi R8
-Chrysler 300
-Ferrari F430
-Lamborghini Murcielago
-Aston Martin DB9
-Ford Crown Victoria
-Bentley Continental Flying Spur
-Mercedes-Benz CL
-Cadillac Escalade
Kirk Bell has served as the associate publisher for Consumer Guide Automotive and editor of Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine. A Midwest native, Bell brings 18 years of automotive journalism experience to MSN,andcurrently contributes to JDPower.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.
