Beefy Athletes . . .

Bill Pearl

Perhaps the world's best known vegetarian bodybuilder, Bill Pearl is a four-time Mr. Universe winner. He was notorious for his bombastic strongman antics: He had a penchant for ripping license plates and bending penny spike nails. Pearl became a vegetarian at age 39--and won his last Mr. Universe title at age 41 two years later. His books on bodybuilding are still considered essential reading for aspiring bodybuilders, and his vegetarianism is an inspiration to healthy athletes everywhere.

Joe Namath

The legendary quarterback Joe Namath is probably the most famous vegetarian football player. Inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1985, he was also one of the best players, period. In his words, "I have been a vegetarian for a few years. Fred Dryer of the Rams has been one for ten years. It shows you don't need meat to play football." Namath serves as a role model for aspiring gridironers everywhere.

Martina Navratilova

The Czech born legend Martina Navratilova is one of the greatest tennis players of the 20th century. She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles and 31 doubles titles--a record she still holds today. A vegetarian for most of her career, she's a vocal PETA supporter--though recent reports find her occasionally venturing into fish meals.

. . . that pass on the Meat ! Beefy Athletes . . . Prince Fielder

One of the youngest vegetarian champs on our list, Prince Fielder is the first baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers. He has been a strict vegetarian since early 2008--and hasn't looked back since. His father was also a baseball player in the MLB, and they're the only father- son duo to each have scored more than 50 home runs in their careers--and at a scant 24 years old, Prince Fielder is just getting warmed up.

Tony Gonzalez A superstar tight end for the Atlanta Falcons, Tony Gonzales isn't necessarily a strict vegetarian. He holds NFL records for most single season receptions and most touchdowns by a tight end, and most career receptions and reception yards by a tight end. And he did it during various experiments with veganism and cutting red meat out of his diet entirely. Though he eventually decided to eat chicken and fish, he still gets kudos here for giving veg a go.

Robert Parish

One of the greatest NBA players in history, vegetarian Robert Parish played for the alongside . He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003. Measuring over 7 feet tall, he was an imposing force on the court, yet was renowned for his versatility as well--and his high release was legendary.

. . . that pass on the Meat ! Beefy Athletes . . . Dave Scott Dave Scott holds the record for most Iron Man World Championship victories ever (along with his rival Mark Allen, who managed to rack up an equal number of wins). The Iron Man competition, which consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26 mile marathon run, is one of the most strenuous physical feats in the world. And Scott won six of them, all while vegetarian. He even came out of retirement at 40 to compete again, and took second place. Today, at age 55, he still participates. In other words, this is one gnarly vegetarian dude.

Ricky Williams

A Heisman Trophy-winner who played for the University of Texas (go Longhorns!), Williams left the game during the height of his career to explore yoga and marijuana, among other things. He co-owns a restaurant in Miami that serves meat, but he makes sure that there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly options on the menu.

Carmello Anthony

New York’s most recent sports celebrity after being traded to the Knicks from Denver a few months ago, Anthony turns vegetarian when he’s on a diet. He’s also husband to celebrity wife and former MTV VJ Lala.

. . . that pass on the Meat !