In honor of another April Fool’s Day come and gone, let’s take a look back at some of the NFL’s best pranks from days gone by.
“Friar Tim”
It may not have happened on April Fool’s Day or even this year, but this prank is all time. After quarterback Tim Tebow was selected by the Denver Broncos in the 2010 NFL draft, the rookie got the first cut of his career. Tebow was forced to shave the very top of his head and leave the rest, resulting in the traditional Friar styled haircut. However, Tebow had the last laugh as he lead the Broncos to the playoffs during his second season in 2011 thanks to his late season miracle run.
Orton Signs Autograph… For Himself
During the 2005 season, veteran center Olin Kreutz of the Chicago Bears begged newly drafted signal caller Kyle Orton to sign a helmet for Kreutz and his family. Thinking very highly of himself at the time, Orton jumped at the opportunity and scribbled his John Hancock right on the newly polished helmet. Only problem for Orton was that the helmet he signed was actually his, and he had to wear it to practice the next day. Wonder how much it’s worth now?
Primetimes Dinnertime Surprise
A special spineless guest joins Deion Sanders, Mel Hall and Davey Johnson for dinner. Writing about it does the prank no justice so click the link to watch Deion’s blazing forty time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuzU5YWo64o
Check Please
Pete Carroll is infamous for pranks but perhaps his best one came during the 2011 season with Seattle. Carroll brought in police officers to arrest defensive end Raheem Brock, who allegedly had an unpaid hotel bill of nearly three thousand dollars and stayed at the hotel under the alias of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Do you smell what Pete Carroll is cooking?
JHC
During the 2013 season former 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh was the inspiration for a San Francisco clothing line. The name was Jim Harbaugh Collection. They sold three items: Black caps, black fleece sweatshirts and, of course, khaki pants. (Black sharpie sold separately)
The Brady Bunch
Tom Brady has never backed away from being in the spotlight on and off the field. During the 2005 season Tom Brady had a rather odd photoshoot with GQ and his team made sure he knew. During practice his offensive lineman each took a picture from the shoot and taped it to their backs for Brady to see under center. Embarrassed, Brady ripped the pictures off immediately. However, Brady seems to have lightened up towards the end of his illustrious career, and is now notorious for his Facebook game. His most recent stunt? A fake picture of him in a full body cast as an April fool’s joke to scare Patriots fans.
