15 Pro Athletes Who Drive Ridiculously Cheap Cars
Pro athletes are known for extravagant rides that cost more than most homes. But not all of them follow the playbook. Some of the biggest names in sports cruise around in hand-me-down sedans and rust-speckled vans, despite massive contracts and endorsement deals. Here’s a look at the players who keep their wheels surprisingly ordinary.
Kirk Cousins – Van
Credit: Wikimedia Commons/X
Forget Lamborghinis because Kirk Cousins drives a $5,000 GMC Savana van he bought from his grandma. The dented ride has over 100,000 miles and zero style, but Cousins is more interested in value than vanity. Early in his career, he lived in his parents’ basement. He’s just as practical off the field as he is under center.
Daniel Norris – Van
Credit: Wikimedia Commons/X
Most pitchers invest their signing bonuses in homes. But Daniel Norris bought a 1978 VW van and hit the road. With $2 million in the bank, he still preferred sleeping in parking lots during the offseason. The van doesn’t offer much comfort, but it’s where Norris finds the balance between fastballs and everyday stillness.
Alfred Morris – Sedan
Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Instagram
Alfred Morris named his car “Bentley,” but don’t get the wrong idea. It’s a 1991 Mazda 626 he bought for two bucks in college. The car’s value never mattered to Morris. Instead, it reminded him of his roots. Even during his NFL prime, he kept that old sedan like it was part of the team.
Ron Artest (Metta World Peace) – Hyundai Genesis
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Artest’s car, a Hyundai Genesis, was a gift from comedian George Lopez. Considering it’s painted in Lakers purple and gold, it’s definitely one-of-a-kind but far from high-end. Artest’s unpredictable history makes this low-key move feel on brand.
James Harrison – Smart Car
Credit: Wikimedia Commons/pexels
At over 240 pounds of NFL muscle, linebacker James Harrison barely fits in the Smart Car he drives—but he makes it work. Harrison’s choice to zip around in one of the smallest cars on the road is a hilarious contrast to his massive presence on the field. He prefers function, even if he needs a shoehorn to sit down.
Kawhi Leonard – Tahoe
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Kawhi Leonard isn’t into symbols of status. And it’s evident from his ride, which is a 1997 Chevy Tahoe inherited from his grandmother. It’s got decades behind it, but Leonard says it’s paid off and runs fine. That’s all he needs. When your NBA contract’s worth $90 million, that’s a rare attitude.
Mitchell Trubisky – Beige Camry
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
When the Bears drafted Trubisky No. 2 overall, he showed up in a 1997 Toyota Camry his grandmother gave him. It’s beige, boxy, and far from sleek, so the car made headlines at training camp. The Bears’ GM even challenged him to drive it if they drafted him, and Trubisky did exactly that.
Ryan Kerrigan – Chevy Tahoe
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
A $57.5 million contract didn’t change Ryan Kerrigan much. He drives a basic Chevy Tahoe and lives with a childhood friend. Instead of splurging on penthouses and private chefs, he cooks his own meals and keeps life predictable.
Brandon Jennings – Ford Edge
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Brandon Jennings skipped college to play pro ball overseas, then made a splash as an NBA rookie. But when the money came in, he didn’t go wild. He bought a Ford Edge, stayed close to family, and avoided big-ticket temptations. Considering how brief NBA careers can be, that decision aged well.
LeBron James – Bikes and Kias
Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Facebook
He’s one of the most recognizable athletes alive, but LeBron James didn’t mind simpler rides. He’s been spotted biking to games and proudly backing up his Kia endorsement. Despite a net worth north of $400 million, LeBron often chooses function and loyalty. And maybe avoiding traffic without a motorcade.
Ben Zobrist – Cycle
Credit: Wikimedia Commons/X
Chicago Cubs icon Ben Zobrist lives close enough to Wrigley Field to pedal to work. He’s often spotted riding through the neighborhood in full uniform. While his contract is worth $56 million, his wheels remain two with no engine. Pedaling past fans on game day made him a familiar, welcome sight in Wrigleyville.
Marshawn Lynch – Train
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Lynch once got ejected from a game and didn’t call a car service. He hopped on the BART train home with teammate Marcus Peters. His down-to-earth, community-first style makes the story perfectly “Beast Mode.”
Antonio Garay – Smart Car
Credit: Wikimedia Commons/X
A 300-pound NFL lineman driving a Smart Car is already an odd fit. Add Hello Kitty decals, and you’ll get Antonio Garay’s San Diego commute. Garay turned heads with his sense of humor and maybe a bit of smart financial thinking behind the cartoon wheels.
Giovani Bernard – Minivan
Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Instagram
Bengals running back Gio Bernard has been known to drive a borrowed minivan and live modestly near the stadium. Despite making over $1.5 million a year, Bernard avoids big spending.
Steve Young – Toyota Sienna
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Steve Young, a Hall of Fame quarterback, drives a Toyota Sienna with over 130,000 miles. The van has been kept in the family thanks to his daughter, who refuses to give up her favorite seat. Young’s dad told him years ago to value what lasts.