Cigars and Sports: Legends Who Smoked

Sports and cigars have a long, intertwined history. From championship celebrations to moments of quiet reflection, cigars have been a symbol of success, luxury, and relaxation for some of the greatest athletes in history. From the baseball fields of Babe Ruth’s era to Michael Jordan’s NBA dynasty, cigars have been an enduring part of sports culture. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most famous athletes who have indulged in the ritual of cigar smoking, why cigars became a status symbol in the sports world, and how they continue to be associated with victory and prestige.

The Connection Between Cigars and Sports

Before diving into the individual athletes, it’s important to understand why cigars and sports are so closely linked. Winning in professional sports is an achievement that requires years of dedication, skill, and sacrifice. When an athlete reaches the pinnacle of success—be it a championship, an MVP award, or a career milestone—there is often a desire to mark the occasion with a fitting celebration. Cigars, with their history of sophistication and indulgence, have become the perfect way to savor these triumphant moments.

In addition, cigars are about more than just celebration; they embody a sense of tradition, camaraderie, and personal reward. Many athletes develop a deep appreciation for cigars as part of their post-game rituals or personal time to reflect and unwind.

Babe Ruth: The Sultan of Swat and His Love for Cigars

When it comes to sports legends who loved cigars, Babe Ruth stands at the forefront. The baseball icon was not only known for his home run prowess but also for his larger-than-life personality, which included a penchant for fine cigars. Throughout his career, Ruth was frequently photographed with a cigar in hand, often after a victorious game or during a leisurely moment off the field.

Ruth’s affinity for cigars was part of his overall image as a larger-than-life sports figure. He loved Cuban cigars in particular, often favoring expensive, hand-rolled smokes. His love for cigars was well-documented, and it became a signature part of his persona. Whether he was at a nightclub, a ballpark, or making public appearances, Ruth’s cigar was always close by.

Michael Jordan: The Basketball Icon and His Legendary Cigar Ritual

Perhaps no modern athlete is as closely associated with cigars as Michael Jordan. The six-time NBA champion and Chicago Bulls legend is an avid cigar smoker, often seen enjoying a fine cigar before and after games. Jordan has spoken openly about his love for cigars, stating that he developed the habit in the mid-1990s as a way to relax and prepare mentally before games.

Jordan’s love for cigars was so profound that it became a defining part of his image. His Airness was often photographed in his tailored suits, lounging with a premium cigar in hand. He even famously smoked a cigar while driving to games, reinforcing the idea that cigars were an integral part of his pre-game routine.

One of Jordan’s favorite cigars is the Partagás Lusitania, a Cuban cigar known for its bold and full-bodied flavor. His passion for cigars extended beyond his playing days, as he has continued to indulge in them in retirement, frequently pairing them with his love for golf.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: The Cigar-Smoking Bodybuilder and Action Star

While not a traditional professional athlete, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s status as a world-class bodybuilder and one of the most recognizable figures in sports and entertainment earns him a spot on this list. The seven-time Mr. Olympia champion is a known cigar aficionado and has been vocal about his passion for premium cigars.

Schwarzenegger was introduced to cigars in the 1970s by his then-father-in-law, the late Sargent Shriver. Since then, he has been a dedicated smoker, often featuring cigars in his movies and public appearances. His cigar of choice is typically a Cuban Montecristo, but he has also expressed appreciation for Davidoff and other premium brands.

Whether on a movie set, at a charity event, or in his private lounge, Schwarzenegger’s love for cigars remains as strong as ever. His passion helped elevate cigars as a lifestyle choice associated with strength, power, and relaxation.

LeBron James: A Modern-Day Legend Keeping the Cigar Tradition Alive

LeBron James, another NBA legend, has continued the tradition of celebrating victories with cigars. Following in the footsteps of Michael Jordan, LeBron has been seen on multiple occasions celebrating NBA championships with cigars in hand.

LeBron has openly embraced the cigar lifestyle, sharing images on social media of himself enjoying premium cigars, especially after big wins. One of his most famous moments was when he was photographed celebrating the 2020 NBA Championship with a lit cigar, adding to the growing image of cigars as an emblem of success in sports.

While LeBron may not be as deeply involved in cigar culture as Jordan, his public embrace of cigars reinforces their association with basketball excellence.

Joe Burrow: The Young NFL Star with a Classic Taste

Cigar culture isn’t just for retired or veteran athletes; young stars like Joe Burrow, the quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, have embraced the tradition as well. Burrow made headlines after leading the LSU Tigers to a national championship in 2019 when he was seen confidently smoking a cigar in the locker room during the celebrations.

That moment helped cement Burrow’s reputation as a poised and charismatic leader. Since then, he has continued the tradition, often seen with a cigar after major victories. His appreciation for cigars shows that the next generation of athletes is keeping the tradition alive.

The Role of Cigars in Celebrations and Victory

Cigars have become synonymous with celebrating championships and major milestones in sports. Many teams have cigar-smoking traditions after winning titles, and the locker-room celebration with cigars has become an iconic image in professional sports.

Some notable examples include:

• The Boston Red Sox celebrating their 2004 World Series win with cigars in the clubhouse.
• The Los Angeles Lakers’ championship celebrations often featuring cigars.
• The NFL’s Super Bowl-winning teams indulging in victory cigars in post-game locker room celebrations.

Beyond championships, cigars are often enjoyed during golf outings, charity events, and private gatherings, further solidifying their place in the sports world.

Conclusion: A Lasting Tradition

Cigars and sports legends have shared a long-standing relationship that continues to evolve with each generation. From Babe Ruth’s classic Cuban cigars to Michael Jordan’s meticulous pre-game smokes and Joe Burrow’s modern-day celebrations, cigars remain a powerful symbol of triumph, relaxation, and the good life.

While smoking habits have changed over the years, the ritual of lighting a fine cigar to commemorate a significant achievement remains an enduring tradition in the world of sports. Whether it’s in a champagne-soaked locker room or on the golf course in retirement, cigars will always have a place in the culture of champions.

Written with the help of AI.