The PuraPhy 20 is a ranked list of individuals who fit in different categories who—right now—wield significant influence in the world of hemp oil/CBD be it with consumers, businesses, governmental officials, regulatory agencies or others. PuraPhy believes that to hold genuine power is to have the ability to persuade and influence wide swaths of relevant stakeholders. PuraPhy 20’s categories will include celebrities, politicians, athletes, scientists, influencers and more.
The PuraPhy 20 list below ranks some of the biggest athletes on the planet based on just how influential they are in shaping public opinion about the use of hemp oil/CBD and how it impacts both the exploding industry as well as the sports and pop cultural zeitgeist in the US and beyond. From David Beckham to Rob Gronkowski and from Megan Rapinoe to Paul Pierce, the roster of superstar jocks who use and love CBD is as eclectic as one might expect. And then some.
BY RICHARD PÉREZ-FERIA
*The PuraPhy 20 is meant to illustrate the individual’s public statements about CBD and in no way states or implies any medical benefits from such use.
David Beckham [soccer]
There are certain special individuals that transcend category. Exhibit A…
• + •
Paul Pierce [basketball]
The Boston Celtics, the historic NBA franchise who clearly aren’t lacking for legendary superstars (Bill Russell, John Havlicek, Larry Bird), got themselves another Hall of Famer in Paul Pierce…
• + •
Megan Rapinoe [soccer]
US Women’s soccer most recognizable superstar, Megan Rapinoe continues to also be a force for good in the CBD industry…
• + •
Rob Gronkowski [football]
Way, way, way back, before the global pandemic upended our lives for two years and Rob Gronkowski was still retired from the NFL, he became a strategic partner with CBDMEDIC…
• + •
Mike Tyson [boxing]
Doesn’t Mike Tyson’s life arc feel more like a Netflix series than a Lifetime TV movie (which there was one already)? I mean, Tyson’s epic, tumultuous life can be nothing short of unbelievable…
• + •
Mark Messier [hockey]
I remember being in a fancy restaurant on a balmy evening in Montréal some two decades ago when NHL superstar and former Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers legend, Mark Messier, made an unscheduled appearance at the elegant eatery…
• + •
Carli Lloyd [soccer]
The third soccer player to land on this ranked list’s top seven, Carli Lloyd is nothing less than an American sporting legend…
• + •
Joe Montana [football]
Wait, what?! Could it be that the greatest quarterback of his generation—relax, before Tom Brady—is eyeball-deep in the CBD industry?
• + •
Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson [basketball]
When Earvin “Magic” Johnson, an über successful investor and, yes, an absolute NBA legend, entered a strategic partnership with quirky, powerhouse CBD brand, Uncle Bud’s Hemp & CBD in 2020, a lot of folks sat up and took notice…
• + •
Gabby Douglas [gymnastics]
Remember, before there was Simone Biles and her insanely, out of this world talent and never-before-seen success as the premier gymnast in recorded history, there was Gabby Douglas…
• + •
Klay Thompson [basketball]
I’m not sure about you, but when I watch Golden State Warriors standout Klay Thompson handle a basketball, his confidence and competence are so undeniable, so overwhelming you know his desired result is mere moments away…
• + •
Kerri Walsh Jennings [beach volleyball]
Along with longtime teammate Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh Jennings is, unbelievably, a three-time beach volleyball Olympic gold medalist (she also has a bronze medal). This titanically talented athlete is her sport’s career leader in both victories and winnings…
• + •
Calvin Johnson [football]
Megatron. Even his damn nickname is epic. Calvin Johnson, the former All-Pro wide receiver for the lowly Detroit Lions, was arguably the very best player in the NFL saddled with the worst franchise to play for…
• + •
Bode Miller [downhill skiing]
Alongside fellow Olympian gold medalist, Team USA gymnastics star Gabby Douglas, American downhill superstar Bode Miller has become a strategic partner with MotiveCBD…
• + •
Lolo Jones [track-and-field / bobsledding]
So, cbdMD is apparently a very wise brand since they not only signed iconic American track superstar, Lolo Jones, but also wrangled her fellow Team USA teammate, beach volleyball legend, Kerri Walsh Jennings, to become strategic partners in the CBD company.
• + •
Travis Pastrana [motor sports]
Just Live is the CBD brand co-launched by motorsports mega stud, Travis Pastrana. The former X Games champion in multiple disciplines—supercross, motocross, freestyle motocross and rally racing…
• + •
Alex Morgan [soccer]
When Olympic gold medalist and FIFA World Cup champion Alex Morgan, joined other top athletes to co-launch CBD brand, Just Live, she came to it honestly. Every athlete knows all too well the value of recovery…
• + •
Albee Layer [pro surfer]
I was intrigued to learn that pro surfing superstar Albee Layer had signed on as a brand ambassador with CBDistillery…
• + •
Ross Rebagliati [snowboarding]
It’s curious, if you Google “Ross Rebagliati,” the first thing you see isn’t that he’s a former Olympic snowboard gold medalist for his native Canada, but, rather, that he’s the inspiration behind the infamous “Ross Rebagliati Rule,”…
• + •
Riley Cote [hockey]
Well, there’s no denying, that among the many athletes launching wellness brands—particularly hockey players who know a thing or two of playing in pain—there are few more successful in the CBD industry than Philadelphia Flyers longtime standout Riley Cote…