The Masked Singer has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut in January 2019, blending mystery, music, and elaborate costumes to create a captivating experience for viewers. While The Masked Singer primarily features professional singers and entertainers, numerous NFL players have also participated, showcasing hidden talents beyond the football field.
From standout vocalists like Kobie Turner in season 12, and Le’Veon Bell in season 8, to comedic performers like Rob Gronkowski in season 3, these athletes have left their mark on The Masked Singer.
Meet the 10 NFL players who joined The Masked Singer
1) Kobie Turner – Goo (season 12)
Kobie Turner, a defensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams, competed in The Masked Singer season 12 as "Goo," a green slime creature with a bowtie that featured a ram emblem. His performances included songs such as Lose Control by Teddy Swims and House of the Rising Sun by The Animals.
Turner advanced to the quarterfinals, making him the farthest-advancing NFL player in the show's history before being unmasked. The panelists, including Robin Thicke and Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, were impressed by his vocal ability. Only McCarthy-Wahlberg could guess his identity correctly.
Turner’s Masked Ambassador was fellow NFL player and season 9 participant Keenan Allen, who offered clues about Goo’s identity throughout the show.
2) John Elway as Leaf Sheep (season 12)
Legendary NFL quarterback John Elway appeared in The Masked Singer season 12 as "Leaf Sheep," a costume inspired by a rare sea slug. Elway, who won two Super Bowl titles during his career with the Denver Broncos, performed I Like It, I Love It by Tim McGraw.
Although Elway was eliminated after his first act, his Masked Ambassador, DeMarcus Ware, provided hints to the panel about his identity. Panelist Ken Jeong correctly guessed Elway, while other panelists speculated about other football greats like Tom Brady and Troy Aikman.
3) DeMarcus Ware as Koala (season 11)
DeMarcus Ware, a former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion competed in The Masked Singer season 11 as "Koala." His costume featured a musketeer outfit, and he performed Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears.
Ware joined as a wild card contestant but was eliminated after one episode. Although the panelists identified him as an athlete, they guessed incorrectly, naming figures like Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders. Ware returned as a Masked Ambassador in season 12.
4) Keenan Allen as Gargoyle (season 9)
Keenan Allen, a wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers, joined The Masked Singer season 9 as "Gargoyle." He performed One Call Away by Charlie Puth and Centuries by Fall Out Boy, advancing to the Battle Royale round.
Despite his impressive stage presence, Allen was eventually unmasked after competing against Bishop Briggs (Medusa). None of the panelists correctly identified him, with guesses ranging from Anthony Mackie to Marshawn Lynch. Allen later returned in season 12 as a Masked Ambassador for Kobie Turner.
5) Le’Veon Bell as Milkshake (season 8)
Le’Veon Bell, a retired NFL running back, competed as "Milkshake" in season 12 of The Masked Singer. His acts included a rap rendition of Jump On It by Sir Mix-A-Lot and a duet of What Is Love by Haddaway in the Battle Royale.
Bell's identity was unveiled after the Battle Royale round, with panelists incorrectly guessing figures like LL Cool J and DeSean Jackson. Bell returned for season 10 during NFL Night to perform I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas.
6) Jordan Mailata as Thingamabob (season 7)
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata performed as "Thingamabob" in The Masked Singer Season 7. The lime-green creature captivated audiences with renditions of Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi and Classic by MKTO.
Mailata was unmasked after advancing to the later rounds of the season. The panelists speculated about his identity but were unable to recognize him correctly, with guesses including J.J. Watt and Liam Hemsworth.
7) Mark Sanchez as Baby Alien (season 4)
Mark Sanchez, a retired NFL quarterback, appeared in season 4 as "Baby Alien," the show’s first puppet-based costume. He performed Faith by George Michael and It’s Time by Imagine Dragons.
Sanchez was unmasked after a few rounds, with none of the panelists guessing his identity. They thought the person behind the mask was Nick Kroll or Jeff Dunham.
8) Rob Gronkowski as White Tiger (season 3)
Rob Gronkowski, known as "Gronk," competed in season 3 as "White Tiger." The costume was designed as an Egyptian Pharaoh with blue and gold accents. Gronkowski performed songs like Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice and I’m Too Sexy by Right Said Fred.
Despite his limited vocal range, Gronkowski advanced through several rounds due to his energetic performances before being unmasked. His identity was correctly guessed by Robin Thicke and Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg.
9) Terry Bradshaw as Deer (season 1)
NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw competed as "Deer" in the inaugural season. The four-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback performed Thunder by Imagine Dragons and Get Your Shine On by Florida Georgia Line.
Bradshaw was unmasked early in season 1, and his identity was correctly guessed by some of the panelists. As one of the first NFL players on the show, Bradshaw helped set the stage for future athletes to participate.
10) Antonio Brown as Hippo (season 1)
Wide receiver Antonio Brown competed in season 1 as "Hippo," wearing a silver outfit with golden accents. He performed My Prerogative by Bobby Brown but was eliminated after his first act.
None of the panelists correctly identified him, with guesses including Odell Beckham Jr. and Deion Sanders. Brown was the first-ever contestant to be unmasked on the show.
The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8 PM EST on FOX.