Gamer Koala

29 Pros Who Turned Postgame Pressers Into Performance Art

Not every athlete treats the postgame press conference like a chore. Some turn that mic time into a must-watch event—whether it’s through comedy, chaos, cryptic quotes, or complete silence.

This list isn’t just about the players who gave good soundbites. These pros made the media room their stage, leaving fans entertained, confused, or both. Let’s count down the kings and queens of the postgame podium.

29. Richard Sherman

Richard Sherman
Richard Sherman/ Keith Allison, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

You get a TED Talk and a wrestling promo when Sherman hits the mic. No one combines intelligence and intimidation quite like him.

28. Serena Williams

Serena Williams
Serena Williams/Doha Stadium Plus, via Openverse, CC BY 2.0

She can be gracious, fiery, sarcastic, or deeply reflective—all in one interview. Serena always knows how to command the room without ever raising her voice.

27. Marshawn Lynch

Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch with Lombardi Trophy
Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch with Lombardi Trophy/andrewtat94, via Openverse, CC BY-SA 2.0.

The man showed up just so he wouldn’t get fined, and somehow, that became iconic. Every non-answer was a masterclass in trolling with a purpose.

26. Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid/All-Pro Reels, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

He’ll drop 40 on you, then roast your entire franchise with a smile. No one mixes dominance and deadpan quite like The Process.

25. John McEnroe

John McEnroe
John McEnroe at the 2009 US Open/Edwin Martinez, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

He was just as likely to smash a racket as he was to snap at a reporter. If there was a podium, McEnroe was turning it into a one-person show.

24. Sue Bird

Sue Bird
Sue Bird/Fuzheado, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Calm, composed, and cuttingly clever—Sue always knew how to mix poise with punchlines. She never raised her voice, but you always listened.

23. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook/Tim Shelby, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

He could be ice-cold with a single word or fire off a monologue of thinly veiled disdain. Either way, it was always memorable.

22. Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios/Carine06, via Openverse, CC BY-SA 2.0

You never knew what you were walking into with Nick—a heartfelt reflection or a chaotic spiral. Either way, he would speak his truth and light some fires.

21. Patrick Beverley

Patrick Beverley
Patrick Beverley/Frenchieinportland, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

He brings the same energy to the mic that he does to guarding your favorite player—aggressive, chaotic, and relentless. Pressers with Pat Bev are more vibe than content.

20. Diana Taurasi

Diana Taurasi
Diana Taurasi/John Mac, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

She could go whole scorched earth or keep it cool with a grin. Either way, she knew how to own the room with a few choice words.

19. Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving/Erik Drost, via Openverse, CC BY 2.0.

From flat-earth takes to philosophical detours, Kyrie treats postgame interviews like a college seminar. Sometimes insightful, sometimes confusing—always an experience.

18. Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho/Bendoni communication, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

A master of media manipulation, Mourinho often made the press room feel like his personal theater. Whether playing victim or villain, he always had the script.

17. Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler/All-Pro Reels, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

He could show up in a complete cowboy outfit and still deliver cold truths about basketball. Jimmy doesn’t just give pressers—he performs.

16. Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka/Tatiana, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Soft-spoken and sincere, she brought a rare vulnerability to the mic. Even in silence, Osaka said plenty.

15. Cam Newton

Cam Newton
Cam newton 2016/ Keith Allison, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

He showed up in outfits worthy of the Met Gala, then dropped press conference bombs like a pro. Cam’s style and soundbites were both top tier.

14. Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick
Bill Belichick 2019 (cropped)/AlexanderJonesi, via Openverse, CC BY-SA 2.0.

Short answers. Death stares. Strategic silences. Belichick turned saying nothing into an art form.

13. Angel Reese

Angel Reese
Angel Reese September 2024 (cropped)/John Mac, via Openverse, CC BY-SA 2.0.

She’s unapologetically herself every time she steps behind the mic. Angel’s pressers are a blend of confidence, clapbacks, and charisma.

12. Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley/Gallery 2 Images, via Openverse, CC BY-SA 2.0

Even as a player, Chuck was already auditioning for TNT. His pressers had punchlines before the game highlights even rolled.

11. Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov/Airotcivss, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

From stone-faced shade to philosophical musings, Khabib made every word count. His pressers often felt like final statements before closing the case.

10. Megan Rapinoe

Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe/Lorie Shaull, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Confident, unfiltered, and fearless, Rapinoe never shrank from the spotlight. Every microphone in front of her was an opportunity for a moment.

9. Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor/Andrius Petrucenia, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

He didn’t just talk trash—he delivered full-on theatrical productions. McGregor turned pressers into primetime pay-per-view events.

8. Draymond Green

Draymond Green
Draymond Green/User:Lpdrew, via Openverse, CC BY-SA 2.0

If you wanted honesty with a side of pettiness, Draymond had you covered. Every presser felt like a sit-down with the NBA’s most chaotic professor.

7. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal speaks onstage during TechCrunch Disrupt 2023/TechCrunch, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Shaq was equal parts jokes, jabs, and joy behind the mic. He might give you a serious answer—or rap his stats instead.

6. Venus Williams

Venus Williams
Venus Williams/jdlasica, via Openverse, CC BY 2.0.

Venus was elegant with an edge. She had a way of politely roasting reporters that made you laugh and wince simultaneously

5. Terrell Owens

Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens/Collision Conf, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

He cried for his quarterback, flexed for the cameras, and delivered drama like a soap opera star. Pressers with T.O. were can’t-miss television.

4. LeBron James

LeBron James
LeBron James Homecoming/Erik Drost, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

He’s been cryptic, comedic, and controversial—all within the same series. LeBron knows the power of the mic and uses it like a chessboard.

3. Ja Morant

Ja Morant
Ja Morant/Gamecock Central, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

His confidence at the podium mirrors his game—high-flying and bold. Whether he’s talking smack or dodging drama, it’s always must-watch.

Read More: 27 NBA Stars Who Loved Their Own Highlights a Little Too Much

2. Tom Brady

Tom Brady
Tom Brady/Barcex, via Openverse, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Yes, even Mr. Polished has had his share of legendary pressers. From “Next question” moments to subtle barbs, Brady’s calm control was a kind of performance.

Read More: The 10 Whiniest NFL Quarterbacks of All Time

1. Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson and Nelly
Allen Iverson and Nelly/reeb0k2008, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

We’re talking about practice. One of the most quoted and misunderstood pressers in sports history was pure Iverson: raw, honest, and unforgettable.

Read More: 28 NFL Stars Who’d Crush It as Commentators

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