Our favorite athlete TV cameos of 2025, from 'Landman' to 'Abbott Elementary'
A well-placed on-screen cameo elevates a show like few other bits can. Here are our favorite TV drop-ins from the sports world across 2025.
A well-placed on-screen cameo elevates a show like few other bits can. The effect is two-toned: There’s instant familiarity with the guest star, then a disorientation around their sudden presence. It’s both “you’re here!” and “you’re here?”
Pro athletes have been making scripted television appearances for a while now. Bill Russell had a memorable turn as a corrupt judge on “Miami Vice.” Cheryl Miller played Queen Latifah’s high school nemesis on “Living Single.” J.J. Watt even sung a ballad about hot dogs on “New Girl.” This year’s cameos were delivered in that same spirit, a proper mix of comedic and compelling.
Here are our favorite TV drop-ins from the sports world across 2025. We’re sticking to the smaller screen, so novelties like Travis Kelce in the “Happy Gilmore” sequel aren’t included. And we won’t get into the vast muck of reality TV or competition shows — though Nick Young and Randall Cobb did go full-fledged on “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.” Let’s cue the lights and roll the camera.
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Kyle Schwarber, “Abbott Elementary”
How did the Philadelphia Phillies slugger commemorate his four-homer supernova in late August? By linking up with fictional public school teachers, of course. The “Abbott Elementary” producers picked the ideal night to stage an episode at Citizens Bank Park. Schwarber agreed to guest star on the Philly-based ABC sitcom a few months before this Aug. 28 game, and judging by the results, he should do it more often.
Just 53 minutes after his historic performance, Schwarber ran lines with lead actress Quinta Brunson. According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, everything was knocked out within five or six takes. The “Ballgame” episode also featured dance cam shenanigans and a doomed “9-9-9” challenge.
Lamar Jackson, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan”
The two-time NFL MVP is celebrated as a dual threat for his passing and rushing skills. This year, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback added a third element to his scouting report. Jackson is an ardent follower of the “Power” prequel series on Starz, and he about his desire to cameo on “Raising Kanan” back in 2023.