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From AI-Generated Photos To Popcorn Filled Cars And Trick Plays, Sports’ Greatest Pranks

For April Fools’ Day, we’re looking back at the cleverest ways athletes have been fooled.

Sports have always embraced the art of the "gotcha" moment, where a meticulously rehearsed trick play or a perfectly timed locker room prank reminds us that even the biggest stars know how to have a little fun.  In the spirit of April Fools' Day, we’re looking back at some of the most hilarious highlights and moments that left defenders frozen.

  • Jameis Winston pranks Jayden Daniels

    In a hilarious digital deception, Jameis Winston tricked the young quarterback with a fake AI-generated image of himself. 

  • Popcorn prank

    Donovan Mitchell completely filled rookie Jaylon Tyson’s luxury vehicle with buttered popcorn. The sight of a high-end car transformed into a giant snack bowl is the ultimate rookie hazing classic that never gets old.

  • The Bengals mannequin

    The Cincinnati Bengals took the "living statue" approach to the next level by placing a disguised person in their facility to jump out at unsuspecting players. The reactions were priceless as some of the league’s toughest athletes were reduced to pure shock by a motionless figure.

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  • The hidden cricket

    In one of the most annoying pranks imaginable, a cricket was hidden in the room of Patrick Mahomes with orders to go off every 10 minutes. 

  • "Ugly Christmas" Uniforms

    The Rams organization tricked their roster into believing they would be taking the field in eyesore-inducing "ugly sweater" themed jerseys. The sheer horror and confusion on the players' faces during the fake reveal proved that some fashion choices are truly a crime.

  • Mannequin and mascot mayhem

    The Texans doubled down on the frights by using both a "frozen" mannequin and their mascot to jump-scare players entering the building. The combination of a silent statue and a giant bull lunging at them created a gauntlet of hilarity for the Houston roster and staff. 

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  • The magician and the snake

    Known for his fearless play on the court, Jimmy Butler met his match when a magician spooked him with a realistic fake snake.

  • Watch out for the clown

    The Charlotte Hornets decided to test the nerves of LaMelo Ball by having a terrifying clown jump out at him in the facility. The high-energy guard’s genuine fright showed that the Hornets’ social media team knows exactly how to keep their stars on their toes.

  • Thanksgiving trickery

    On a national stage against the Dallas Cowboys, the Buffalo Bills executed a brilliant trick play that left the defense in the dust. 

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  • Rivalry games 101

    The Giants dug deep into the playbook for a high-risk trick play that caught the Dallas secondary completely off guard.

  • Never scared

    The Lions proved they aren't afraid of a gamble by pulling off a sophisticated trick play against the San Francisco 49ers. The execution showed exactly why this Detroit squad is one of the most unpredictable and exciting teams to watch in the league.

  • Role reversal

    In a total role reversal, the Giants utilized Jameis Winston in a trick play that resulted in the quarterback hauling in a receiving touchdown against the Lions. Seeing a signal-caller cross the goal line as a target is the ultimate "did that just happen?" moment for any fan.

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