Pro Athletes ‘Take Over’ The Mag

NFL star running back Adrian Peterson and NBA center and power forward Amar’e Stoudemire assume new (guest-starring) roles with gusto, as Editor-in-Chief and Fashion Editor, respectively in the fifth edition of ESPN The Magazine’s “Revenge of the Jocks.”

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In what some would call an uncertain climate in the world of sports, ESPN The Magazine sheds some light on two pro standouts who have shifted their collective energies – to peers and fans – in this week’s issue on newsstands Friday, July 29.

In features such as “Adrian Peterson Takes Charge,” the Editor-in-Chief calls upon his NFL pals to report on how they’ve stayed game-ready during the lockout. Or haven’t. The piece brings to light how NFL friendships took on new roles during the lockout, and how even though players could not use team facilities or talk to coaches and trainers, they found a way to help each other – be it finding the right training partner, organizing workouts, or sending messages to ensure guys stayed on track. The Minnesota Vikings RB speaks with five pals including Seattle Seahawks WR Sidney Rice, Detroit Lions DT Ndamukong Suh, St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford, San Francisco 49ers LB Patrick Willis, and Tennessee Titans QB (for now) Vince Young. The issue also offers an emotional twist with “Think You Still Got It?” which details a surprise meeting between Peterson and NBA legend Reggie Miller, who resembles the big brother he tragically lost.

In addition, with not much else to do, New York Knicks’ star Amar’e Stoudemire tries his hand as The Mag’s Fashion Editor and styles ESPYs nominees freestyle skier Sarah Burke and the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch in “Elements of Style.”

Additional items in this week’s ESPN The Magazine include “Fielders’ Choice,” a comprehensive look into the mechanics and psychology of this year’s must-see pitcher, Justin Verlander – and how his ‘nasty stuff’ turns hitters into haters (and that’s just one reason his teammates love him), “Lolo Jones Goes Speed Dating,” which documents one of the fastest female hurdlers in the world on her speed-dating quest, and “The History of the High Five,” a deep-routed account of how everybody does it, though finding out who did it first is a complex and sometimes sordid tale.

“Revenge of the Jocks Issue” Features:  

Pass The Mic
What do you get when you give athletes an open forum? Sports talk, sure, but also rants on fingernail clippings and tips on how to find a good woman.

For The Win or The Save.
In a bromantic twist on our game, we quiz Braves starters and relievers to see who knows Brian McCann better. By Anna Katherine Clemmons

Where There’s A Will!
It might be news to you, but linebacker Ernie Sims is a beast. By Eddie Matz

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