A lot of times athletes who were not one of the best players ever don't get remembered after they retire. One second they were in the spotlight a couple of times a week, and the next, many times they don't see the television again unless… they get themselves on TV. It might be more common than you think for former athletes to find themselves on reality television shows after their athletic days are over. Here is a list of 8 athletes who were on reality TV:

1. Mitch Berger

Mitch Berger was an NFL punter and won a Superbowl with the Steelers in 2008. He played college football at Tyler Junior College and UC Boulder. In 2013, Berger was on an episode of Bravo's reality TV show “The Millionaire Matchmaker.” The show ended up working out for Berger, as he is still married to his match to this day. 

2. Freddie Mitchell

Freddie Mitchell is another NFL player who appeared on the “Millionaire Matchmaker.” Mitchell played college football at UCLA and was drafted in the first round to the NFL. In 2011, the wide receiver appeared on the show.

3. Glenn Pakulak

Glenn Pakulak is a former NFL punter who played college football at the University of Rochester and the University of Kentucky. In 2011, Pakulak starred on the reality show “The Most Eligible: Dallas.” Pakulak appeared in 8 episodes. 

4. Jesse Palmer

Jesse Palmer is a former NFL quarterback for the New York Giants and the San Fransisco 49ers. Palmer played college football at the University of Florida for 4 years before getting drafted to the NFL. In 2004, Palmer was cast as the Bachelor. None of the contestants worked out for Palmer, but the Bachelor certainly boosted his stardom.

5. Christian Okoye

Christian Okoye is a former NFL running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. Okoye was a two-sport athlete at Azuza Pacific University where he hoped to go to the Olympics for discus throwing. He became a 9-time NAIA champion in track and field and a 2-time first-team All-American for football. In 2007, Okoye appeared on “Pirate Master” where Okoye and other contestants competed to find hidden treasure. 

6. Hannah Berner

Hannah Berner is a former tennis player at the University of Wisconsin. She was the team MVP in 2013 after playing singles and doubles for four years. Berner was cast on Bravo's reality TV show “Summer House” for seasons 3-5. She also briefly hosted Bravo's Chat Room show. Berner is now a stand-up comedian.

7. Victor Oladipo

Victor Oladipo is an NBA player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oladipo played college basketball at Indiana University Bloomington. In 2019, Oladipo starred in “The Masked Singer.” Oladipo was the character “Thingamajig” and surprised many fans with his impressive singing voice.

8. Scot Pollard

Scot Pollard is a former NBA player. Pollard played college basketball for the University of Kansas before he was selected in the first round of the 1997 NBA Draft. In 2016, Pollard was a contestant in the 32 season of “Survivor.” After one of his fellow allies screwed him over, Pollard was eliminated in 8th place.

Image Credit: Bravo/The Masked Singer Wiki/Survivor Wiki/ABC

* Originally published on July 13, 2023, by Bella Nevin