Sports
Holiday gift guide 2024: What to get the sports fan who already has everything
Shopping for sports fans can be harder than one might think. Chances are the fan in your life already has a variety of hats, jerseys and who knows what else to rep their favorite teams and players. But there’s a massive array of sports related items out there that the person on your list may not even know about. So to help you find that perfect gift, we’ve enlisted help from around The Athletic’s newsroom to put together a list of ideas and recommendations to consider. Happy holidays!
—Brooks Peck and David Betancourt, The Athletic’s memorabilia and collectibles editors
(Updated 11/28 with additional items.)
Starting small
Riddell mini football helmets
Riddell has an extensive selection of mini helmets of both NFL and NCAA teams (the University of Colorado section alone is pretty impressive). There are current looks, alternative styles (such as the Washington Commanders’ Hail Mary Black helmets) and throwbacks (the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ creamsicle helmets are always a good look).
Other minis: Rawlings MLB mini batting helmets, Franklin NHL mini goalie helmets, PWHL mini sticks, NBA mini retro basketballs
Sports art
Landing Pond by Jacob Trouba
Jacob Trouba’s hockey art
There’s beauty in the physicality of hockey. New York Rangers defenseman and captain Jacob Trouba knows that more than most. Trouba, known for his hard hits, is also an artist. But he doesn’t use a paint brush. Instead, he slathers paint all over himself — in his hockey equipment — and charges toward a canvas. The collision results in paintings that portray power and dynamic movement. A small print of some of Trouba’s works can be purchased directly from his website for $150. Larger, signed prints go for $1,000 apiece. —Alex Iniguez, NHL Senior Editor
GO DEEPER
How Jacob Trouba, one of the NHL’s most vicious open-ice hitters, found his artistic side
Other sports art: John Battalgazi’s circular athletes, The Golden Hexagon: Where basketball meets geography, Literally Balling: Very fancy basketball, Shelton Art Company, Triple Play Design Company’s retro prints and more
Sports books
The Basketball 100
A comprehensive look at the greatest players, past and present, in NBA history. From a surprising choice at No. 100 to a sprint to the finish at the top of the list by LeBron James and Michael Jordan, “The Basketball 100” features 100 full-length profiles of the game’s greats. Written by David Aldridge and John Hollinger with The Athletic’s NBA staff and a foreword by Charles Barkley, “The Basketball 100” is “guaaar-uuunnn-teeeed!” to satisfy the basketball fan in your life this holiday season. —Rob Peterson, NBA Deputy Managing Editor
The story of the greatest players in NBA history. In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process.
The story of the greatest plays in NBA history.
Buy
Other sports books from The Athletic and its writers: The Football 100 by Mike Sando, Dan Pompei and The NFL Staff; Undeniable: The Kansas City Chiefs’ remarkable 2023 championship season; Garden Party: Inside the Boston Celtics’ run to the 2023-24 NBA Championship; Caitlin Clark: Raising the Game; Extra Time Beckons, Penalties Loom by Adam Hurrey; Who Owns Football? by Nick Miller; The Franchise: The Business of Building Winning Teams by Craig Custance
Did this with BtB and it was really fun, especially when people told me exactly what to write. If you want to give a signed, personalized copy of The Franchise over the holidays as a gift, DM or email me craig [at] theathletic .com and we’ll make it happen. pic.twitter.com/MC3z99vOEv
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) November 27, 2024
Throwbacks
Homage x Starter jackets
The satin bombers represents ’80s sideline sophistication while the pullovers were the coolest thing on the playground in the ’90s. Nostalgia never goes out of style, right?
Other throwbacks: Ebbets Field Flannels, Mitchell and Ness, Classic Football Shirts
Lionel Messi Inter Miami Archive Jersey
On any given day in any given elementary school there are seemingly dozens of kids wearing the pink and black of Inter Miami with Messi’s name and No. 10 on the back. There is no doubt Messi’s move to MLS has an outsized impact on youth fashion, but the next level look is the minty retro third kit that dropped midway through this season. (The only thing more ubiquitous among kids these days might be Stanley cups, and they have a new Messi “Goat” Collection releasing Dec. 3 — complete with mate mug)
GO DEEPER
Five MLS clubs get retro third kits for the remainder of 2024
San Diego Wave Home Jersey
It was the most popular NWSL jersey in the U.S. this year and it’s a design that will still be talked about for years to come.
Other gifts for kids: Shohei Ohtani T-shirt, Little People NFL sets, Lego Formula 1 sets, Future Fans — teach kids about sports in a creative new way
Gifts for WNBA fans
Wilson x Caitlin Clark basketballs
The WNBA surged in popularity this year, bringing in a slew of new fans who are likely still getting up to speed in the gear department. Wilson has had a hard time keeping Caitlin Clark’s signature basketball collection in stock, but if you can snag one it would make a good gift for anyone looking to emulate the WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Other gifts for WNBA fans: Reebok Angel Reese Collection, Kate Martin socks, Playa Society x WNBA
Sports…scents?
For the tennis obsessive in your life — or even the friend who can’t stop talking about Challengers — this is a luxury candle that even the pickiest person will fall in love with. Vacation’s Ball Boy candle combines the sweet smells of uncanned tennis balls with sunscreen and cotton sweatbands. And Otherland’s Matchpoint candle takes you straight to Wimbledon with cut grass and cucumber scents. —Jordan Cohen, Executive Director of External Communications
Cool baseball gear
Victus Pencil Bats
The Pencil Bat became a sensation last year when the Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryson Stott used it in an MLB game and remains a wildly popular twist on the standard baseball bat (it’s available in a variety of sizes for different levels of play). But if that’s not colorful enough, Victus also has a collection of Crayon Bats too.
ARiA Sliding Mitts
Sliding mitts have become a regular part of baseball equipment at this point, and Absolutely Ridiculous has turned something that was frankly rather silly looking into an item on the cutting edge of baseball creativity. Their imaginative designs are enough to make you want to lean into a fastball just so you can get on base and put one on.
For sports/movie fans
Grays Sports Almanac prop replic
OK, so Back to the Future Part II isn’t exactly a sports movie, but the Grays Sports Almanac is an iconic cinematic sports items. This prop replica is filled with actual scores and stats from 1950-2000 (which, sadly, is now the distant past) and comes with a futuristic receipt and shopping bag, just like the one Marty McFly pulled it out of after making his purchase in 2015. It even has the dust jacket!
Other sports movie gifts: Penfold Golf: James Bond’s ball of choice in Goldfinger, The Sandlot Babe Ruth Replica Autograph Baseball (after Hercules got to it)
Home decor
25-layer StadiumView lighted end table
Available for a variety of college and processional stadiums and arenas, these end tables provide a unique way to bring home a favorite team’s home. The tables cost several hundred dollars, but there are also five-layer wall art and 3D coasters available from the same company (YouTheFan) at lower price points.
Other home decor gifts: Golf pencil display cases, NASCAR car hood wall signs
Pickup by Gameflo
If you like Marvel Snap, you will like this. Basketball strategy and chance, as you look to win matchups against your opponent’s weaknesses.
Philters
Non-alcoholic liquor, which we used for cooking, but I’m sure others can find tons of uses for, even just to enjoy alcohol free mixed drinks.
Zora’s Best
Slow-roasted and freeze-dried dog treats. Barkley goes crazy for them, and they’re super nutritious and healthy.
A Very Kelce Christmas
A Philly Special Christmas
Hugely popular among fans of the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Taylor Swift, the New Heights podcast, television commercials, breakfast cereal and a dizzying array of other things, the Kelce brothers are everywhere. Perhaps their most endearing endeavor has been Jason’s series of holiday albums that benefit a variety of Philadelphia charities and includes a surprising mix of notable musicians alongside his former Eagles teammates, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. This year’s edition is the third and supposedly final one they’ll produce and it includes a Jason Kelce and Stevie Nicks duet!
Other Kelce related gifts: McFarlane Toys Super Bowl LVII Kelce brothers figures, Garage Beer Employee of the Month shirtless Jason Kelce chugging T-shirt
eBay insights
The four athletes who were among the 10 most searched on eBay every month so far this year:
So gifts relating to those four should be decent bets.
Other athletes who saw big jumps in searches this year:
- “Anthony Edwards card” had a 1,850 percent increase in searches in May compared to the start of that NBA season as he led the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals.
- Paul Skenes searches increased 620 percent in July, when he was named an MLB All-Star Game starter, compared to when he was called up in April. He remains a hot commodity after being named NL Rookie of the Year and with the Pittsburgh Pirates offering a unique bounty for his Topps Debut Patch card.
- Searches for Freddie Freeman increased almost 1,500 percent the day after his walk-off grand slam to win Game 1 of the World Series for the LA Dodgers on his way to becoming series MVP.
Also, “PSA 10” searches increased 30 percent in October compared to the same time last year, perhaps showing a growing focus for trading card collectors on cards deemed to be in gem-mint condition by the industry largest grading company.
Offbeat sports gifts:
A patron holds a Masters Gnome during the first round of the 2024 Masters Tournament. (Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Interest in The Masters annual garden gnome continues to grow — the only item in the official Masters gift shop to carry a purchase limit. The only place to buy them at their retail price of $50 is on site at the tournament each year, but on eBay the full-size 2024 edition is selling for around $250-$300.
Searches for vintage NFL gear spiked after Taylor Swift wore an old Chiefs jacket that was bought on eBay to a game in early November.
The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and Decoy bobblehead giveaway was arguably one of the most coveted (and cutest) sports-related items of the year — the day after the giveaway eBay users searched for “Shohei Ohtani bobblehead” at a rate of more than 1,750 times per hour. There’s even a rare gold variation.
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage. When you click or make purchases through our links, we may earn a commission.
Follow our sports memorabilia and collectibles coverage for more gift ideas (even if they’re gifts for yourself).
(Top photo: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images)
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Conor Daly will roll off pit road at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500 with the obvious goal in mind – win the race and cement himself in racing lore for the rest of time.
A victory will do more than just make him a part of Indy 500 history forever; he will become a folk hero for his native Indiana, which is itching to see a lengthy drought end.
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Conor Daly, #76, high-fives crew members on Saturday, May 17, 2025 during qualifying for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
It has been 85 years since an Indiana-born race car driver won the illustrious race. Daly will be driving the No. 76 ampm-sponsored Chevrolet with Wilbur Shaw on his mind, almost literally. Shaw won three Indy 500 races, but no one from Indiana has won it since 1940.
He will be wearing a helmet that honors the legendary driver on Sunday.
“It’s crazy, 85 years since the last Indy 500 winner from Indiana. That just seems wrong. It just seems sad. So we’ve got to change that,” Daly, who was born in Noblesville, told Fox News Digital. “It was just a cool idea that I came up with my helmet painter.
“I try to come up with something unique every year for the Indy 500 helmet because it’s just a special event, and we put a couple old picture of his car from back in the day – 1940 was the last winner, which is crazy. Put the 1940 ticket on top of the helmet as well with a couple of little small details.”
Daly qualified 11th for the race and is set to start in between Scott McLaughlin and Alexander Rossi, who have both won the race in the past.
He touted how fast the car has been for him. His average speed during qualifying was around 231 mph.
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Conor Daly, #76, sits on the wall on Monday, May 19, 2025 after practice for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis on May 19, 2025. (Grace Hollars-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
INDYCAR DRIVER CONOR DALY GOES RACING WITH AMPM FOR THE INDY 500
“I feel really good,” he said. “This is one of the best cars I’ve had in my IndyCar career here, and I know that’s a bold statement to say, but it’s truly been a pleasure to drive all week. I’ve equaled my best starting position with 11th. We’re right alongside the pole-sitter from last year, Scott McLaughlin. We’re in the fight. … This car is just flat out fast and that’s really, really special.”
He called driving at such a high rate of speed “truly crazy.”
“I don’t know why you wouldn’t watch what we’re doing here because it truly is crazy,” he explained. “We’re at that level where cars are flying through the air, crashing at a high level, because we are putting these things on the absolute ragged edge of control and that’s what it takes to win the biggest race out there.
“It’s the biggest race that there is across motorsports. Some people like to argue that but physically, if you ask any racing drivers who have been around the sport for a long time, the Indy 500, that’s the big one. It’s crazy and what we’re doing out there is wild.”
Daly said winning the Indy 500 would be a realization of all the hard work he has put in throughout his entire career.
“It’s why I wake up every morning,” the Juncos Hollinger Racing driver told Fox News Digital.
Most importantly, he already has the milk picked out that he will chug should he be able to.
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Conor Daly, #76, makes his way out of turn one on Monday, May 19, 2025 during practice for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis. (Mykal McEldowney-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
“I’ve gone whole milk the last few years, but I haven’t won yet,” he said. “So, I decided to switch it up. We’re gonna go 2% because why not? Let’s pick something different and maybe that’ll get us the win.”
The Indy 500 will be broadcast May 25 on FOX with coverage starting at 10 a.m. ET. It will also be available to stream live on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
NFL owners have decided to keep the “Tush Push,” the signature short-yardage play of the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, after a vote Wednesday at their spring meeting in Eagan, Minnesota.
Multiple media outlets are reporting that the vote was 22-10 in favor of the ban, falling short of the 24 votes it needed to go into effect. The teams that are said to have joined the Eagles in voting against the proposal were the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets and Tennessee Titans.
The “Tush Push” is a version of a quarterback sneak in which two or three players line up behind the signal caller and help drive him forward in short-yardage situations.
The Eagles — who also call the play the “Brotherly Shove” — have been nearly flawless in executing the push since 2022, with two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Jalen Hurts carrying the ball. During that span, ESPN reports, the Eagles and Buffalo Bills have run the play more than the rest of the NFL combined, with a far greater success rate (87% for Philadelphia and Buffalo compared to 71% for the rest of the league).
Also during the past three seasons, the Eagles have scored 27 touchdowns and recorded 92 first downs using the play, according to ESPN.
A proposal by the Green Bay Packers to ban the play was tabled at the NFL’s annual league meeting in April. The Packers submitted a revision this week to prohibit “an offensive player from pushing, pulling, lifting or assisting the runner except by individually blocking opponents for him.”
The initial proposal had called for those restrictions only to be in effect “immediately at the snap.”
After the results of the vote came out, the Eagles posted a graphic on X showing Hurts and the Philadelphia offense lining up against the Packers defense, with the caption, “Push on.” The Eagles also posted a 26-minute video of “Tush Push” highlights on YouTube.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters he did not take a stance on the proposal.
The proposal cited “player safety” and “pace of play” as reasons for the ban, although many opponents of the play seem to focus on the former argument. The NFL has no conclusive data that shows a link between the push and an increased injury risk.
Others have questioned the play’s place in football, suggesting it is more of a rugby move, and that its perceived automatic nature, at least when the Eagles run it, is bad for the game.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni defended his team’s use of the play while speaking with reporters in February.
“We work really, really hard, and our guys are talented at this play. And so it’s a little insulting to say just because we’re good at it, it’s automatic,” he said.
“The fact that it’s a successful play for the Eagles and people want to take that away, I think it’s a little unfair.”
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and retired Philadelphia center Jason Kelce addressed the team owners Wednesday before the vote. Kelce had explained on the most recent episode on his and brother Travis Kelce‘s “New Heights” podcast that he was going to Minneapolis “to answer any questions people have” about the safety of the play.
“I’m just going to offer, if anybody has any questions about the tush push, or whether I retired because of the tush push, I’ll tell you, I’ll come out of retirement today if you tell me, ‘All you gotta do is run 80 tush pushes to play in the NFL,’” Kelce said. “I’ll do that gladly. It’ll be the easiest job in the world.”
Sports
Jordan Mailata, other Eagles stars downplay tush push as NFL vote on team's signature play looms
Should the Eagles’ Tush Push be banned? | Breakfast Ball
The Green Bay Packers have proposed a rule to ban the “Tush Push”, and the Philadelphia Eagles felt “insulted” by this. Craig Carton, Danny Parkins, and Mark Schlereth debate over whether or not the tush push should be banned.
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The NFL owners are expected to reengage in talks about the polarizing tush push on Wednesday at league meetings.
Last month, owners tabled the vote on a proposal to ban the play that became the Philadelphia Eagles’ calling card over the past couple of seasons. As the vote nears, some prominent Philadelphia Eagles spoke out about the controversial short yardage play.
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata (68) celebrates during the Super Bowl LIX championship parade and rally. (Caean Couto-Imagn Images)
“I don’t have any thoughts on it,” Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown said. “It’s only one yard.”
Offensive lineman Jordan Mailata echoed similar sentiments, saying: “They’re ruling [on] the push? I guess we’ll just do it with no push.
“In terms of them banning the tush push, I hate that name, so I hope they do ban it — it’s a stupid name,” the All-Pro tackle joked.
COMMANDERS’ FRANKIE LUVU CHIMES IN ON ‘CHEAPO’ PUSH AS NFL TEAM OWNERS WEIGH BAN
“But I can’t control it. We can’t control it. So, we don’t even worry about it. Right now, we’re just installing our schemes, whatever [offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo] is installing that day, that’s what we’re focused on because worrying about if they’re going to ban the tush push or not ain’t going to win us a championship.”
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) lines up for the tush push play on the goal line against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
.The Green Bay Packers submitted a proposal to ban the tush push.
“We’ll see where that goes,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “We’re not waiting very long to figure it out. It’s going to be public [Wednesday]. And you know how I feel about it.”
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scores on the tush push during a game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 3, 2023. (Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
At last month’s league meetings, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie described the tush push as “precision play” and credited quarterback Jalen Hurts for helping make the play routinely successful.
ESPN reported that the tush push was utilized in just 0.28% of total plays last season.
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