What does opera have to do with football? More than you’d expect

Perhaps you saw that Dr. Pepper ad in which Ravens kicker Justin Tucker shows off his opera chops, singing in a quite lovely bass-baritone voice:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3tiMrkqaEE

Well, we saw it, and it got us thinking: have there been other opera-singing American football players? How often does the mandolin solo from Don Giovanni appear in football-related ads? The answer to the first question is “yes, a surprising number.” In no particular order, here are some golden-throated pigskin hurlers:

Ta’u Pupu’a, former NFL defensive lineman and Juilliard School graduate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npSfrC7JxoE

Keith Miller, former University of Colorado fullback making regular appearances at the Metropolitan Opera.

Morris DeRhon Robinson, former Citadel offensive guard and prolific concert singer.

Lawrence “Larry” Harris, former offensive lineman for the Houston Oilers, who has appeared in productions throughout the United States.

Paul Robeson, former Rutgers University player, who was less focused on opera as a singer, but too good not to include here.

The answer to the second question? We’ll just go with “not very”.

So maybe listening to Don Giovanni isn’t the best way to prepare for the big game. But with legendary soprano Renée Fleming singing the national anthem before the Seahawks and Broncos face off this weekend — the first time an opera singer has ever sung the anthem at the Superbowl — there’s never been a better time to crack open a beer, grab some nachos, and listen to your favorite aria.