Top 10 Red-Headed Athletes

Did you know red hair only occurs in 1-2 percent of the population?

Although they may need a higher SPF (sun protection factor), red headed athletes are in all of the major sports.

However, before the 2011 NFL Draft, an NFL executive told Sports Illustrated that they had concerns about TCU QB Andy Dalton because of his red hair.  

"Has there ever been a red-headed quarterback in the NFL who's really done well?" It sounds idiotic, but is there any way that could be a factor? We've wondered," the executive said.

Holding reservations about an athlete because of their luscious, copper-adorned locks?

Yes, that does sound idiotic.   

Roy Halladay is a starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies.  He pitched the 20th perfect game in baseball history in 2010.  

Henrik and Daniel Sedin were born in Sweden and play NHL hockey for the Vancouver Canucks. They have both competed in the World Championship and the Olympics.  

Ricky Carmichael can be named the best motocross racer of all time, winning more championships than anyone to date.  He now races stock cars.   

Chuck Norris didn't learn karate.  Karate learned Chuck Norris.

Before he became an Internet sensation, Norris was a well-known American martial artist.  He is a black belt, and was a six time Professional Middleweight Karate champion.  

Norris was offered the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2001.

Brian "The White Mamba" Scalabrine is a backup power forward for the Chicago Bulls.  

Although he is a well-respected player in the NBA, he's treated somewhat like a mascot by fans, often drawing sarcastic "Scal-a-Brine" chants at the end of games.

Scalabrine won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008.     

They call him "Soupy" for obvious reasons.  He helped the Chicago Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2010.  

Although his reputation has been tarnished because of steroid use, Mark McGwire will always be remembered for his power hitting.  In 1998, he hit 70 home runs, beating Roger Maris's record.  

Stock car racer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been awarded NASCAR's most popular driver seven years straight.  

Bill Walton has been winning titles since he was in high school.  Although his red hair has faded over time, it was quite vibrant when he was in the NBA.  

He won a championship with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Boston Celtics as well as numerous awards such as MVP, Finals MVP, NBA All-NBA Team, and Sixth Man Award.

Now retired, Walton still remains active in the basketball community running camps, coaching and giving commentary.     

Shaun White is an extreme sports icon, winning medals in both snowboarding and skateboarding. White is the only person to medal in both the Summer and Winter X Games.

His mane is as recognizable as his athletic achievements.  White has been endorsed since he was seven years old and continues to be a marketer's dream.