The world of sports has long been a breeding ground for multi-talented individuals who have ventured beyond the playing field into the realm of music. One recent example is LiAngelo Ball, whose viral hit “Tweaker” has earned him a $13 million deal with Def Jam. This success story highlights how athletes can transcend their sporting careers and make significant impacts in other creative industries.

Many athletes have pursued musical endeavors with varying degrees of success. Barry Zito, a former World Series champion pitcher, explored country music by releasing a six-song EP titled "No Secrets." While it didn't receive critical acclaim, it opened doors for Zito, including co-writing a song for an Eddie Murphy film and performing on "The Masked Singer" as "Rhino."

Oscar De La Hoya, the legendary boxer, ventured into Latin pop with a self-titled album that received a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Album. Despite not winning, the album achieved platinum status and showcased De La Hoya's versatility. Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant, known for his basketball prowess, dabbled in rap music, collaborating with Destiny's Child and Brian McKnight. Although his solo rap career was short-lived, Bryant's multifaceted talents remain undeniable.

Deion Sanders, a dual-sport star, released a rap album titled "Prime Time" through MC Hammer’s label. The singles from this album gained a cult following and even made appearances on "Saturday Night Live." Roy Jones Jr., a world champion boxer, formed the hip-hop group Body Head Bangerz, which produced notable hits like "I Smoke, I Drank," adding to his legacy as both an athlete and rapper.

Bernie Williams, a New York Yankees legend, found success in jazz music, releasing two albums during his playing career. His second album, "Moving Forward," reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album chart and was nominated for a Latin Grammy. Williams also performed at Yankee Stadium, blending his love for baseball and music.

LiAngelo Ball's rise to fame with "Tweaker" underscores the potential for athletes to achieve crossover success. With millions of views and sales, Ball's song has become a cultural phenomenon, celebrated across various sports teams and media outlets. This trend of athletes branching out into music demonstrates the power of talent and perseverance, proving that success in one field can lead to opportunities in another. Athletes like Shaquille O’Neal, who became a platinum-selling rapper and DJ, exemplify this notion. Their stories inspire others to pursue their passions and break boundaries, showing that with dedication and creativity, anything is possible.