List Of Athletes From Hampton Roads

The following is a list of notable people who were born, raised, or closely associated with the Hampton Roads metropolitan area.

Chesapeake

* James Anderson – Carolina Panthers linebacker and 88th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft
* Ed Beard (b. 1939) – professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers
*Dré Bly (b. 1977) – professional football player with the Denver Broncos
*Randy Blythe (b. 1971) – vocalist and lyricist for groove metal band Lamb of God
*Michael Copon (b. 1982) – star of ''One Tree Hill'' and winner of VH1's '' But Can They Sing?''
*Chris Crocker (b. 1980) – professional football player with the Atlanta Falcons
*Michael Cuddyer (b. 1979) – professional baseball right fielder for the New York Mets
*Ras-I Dowling – New England Patriots cornerback 2011–present
*Deon Dyer – Miami Dolphins running back 2003–2004
*Kenny Easley (b. 1959) – professional football player with the Seattle Seahawks and Pro-Football Hall of Fame Member
*Jeff Falk – NASCAR driver
*DeAngelo Hall (b. 1983) – professional football cornerback for the Washington Redskins
*Grant Holloway (b. 1997) - from Chesapeake (Grassfield Highschool) and University of Florida; won silver in the 2020 Olympics
* The Last Bison – indie folk group
* Ashton Lewis (b. 1972) – NASCAR driver
*Alonzo Mourning (b. 1970) – professional basketball player for the Miami Heat
*Darren Perry (b. 1968) – football player with the Pittsburgh Steelers
*Jay Pharoah (b. 1987) – actor, comedian, cast member of ''Saturday Night Live''
*Chris Richardson (b. 1984) – ''American Idol'' season 5 top 5 finalist
*Ricky Rudd (b. 1956) – professional NASCAR race car driver
*Josh Rupe (b. 1982) – professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers
*Elton Sawyer (b. 1959) – NASCAR driver
*Donald Spitz Controversial Christian anti-abortion activist
*Eric Stanley (b. 1991) – violinist and composer
* Darryl Tapp – Seattle Seahawks player and 63rd pick overall in the 2006 NFL Draft
*B. J. Upton (b. 1984) – professional baseball shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays; drafted #2 overall in 2002
*Justin Upton (b. 1987) – professional baseball player drafted #1 overall in 2005 by the Arizona Diamondbacks
*Adrienne Warren (b. 1987) – professional singer, actress and dancer. Portrays Lorrell Robinson in the 2010 National Tour of '' Dreamgirls''; singer for Trans-Siberian Orchestra
*David Wright (b. 1982) – professional baseball starting third baseman for the New York Mets

Hampton

*Xavier Adibi – linebacker with the Houston Texans
* Robert Banks – NFL defensive end
* Nick Bodale (b. 2002) – local legend, former model, musician, and martial artist best known for his role as Rocky DeSantos in ''Mighty Morphin Power Rangers'' and ''Power Rangers Zeo''
*Macey Brooks – wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears
*Elton Brown (b. 1982) – former professional football player for the Arizona Cardinals
*Ronald Curry (b. 1979) – professional football player for the Oakland Raiders
*DRAM (b. 1988) – musician
*Steve Earle (b. 1955) – popular country-rock musician and songwriter
* Chris Ellis – practice team member for the Pittsburgh Steelers
*La'Keshia Frett – professional basketball player and coach
*Shaun Gayle (b. 1962) – professional football player with the San Diego Chargers
*Chris Hanburger (b. 1941) – popular Washington Redskins player in the 1970s
*Dwight Hollier (b. 1969) – professional football player with the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts
* Mike Husted (b. 1970) – former kicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders, and Washington Redskins
*Weldon Irvine (1943–2002) – musician
*Allen Iverson (b. 1975) – former professional basketball player
*John P. Jumper (b. 1945) – former Chief of Staff of the US Air Force
*Jerod Mayo (b. 1986) – professional football player with the New England Patriots drafted 10th overall in 2008
*Francena McCorory (b. 1988) – member of 2012 gold medal Olympic women's 4x400 team
*Dwight Stephenson (b. 1957) – professional football player for the Miami Dolphins and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
*Tyrod Taylor (b.1989) – NFL quarterback for the New York Giants
*Dwight White (1949–2008) – defensive end on the Pittsburgh Steelers during their 1970s glory years
*Jimmy F. Williams (b. 1984) – professional football player with the Atlanta Falcons
* Steve Wilson – jazz musician, alto and soprano saxophones, flute; composer
*Antwoine Womack – drafted by New England Patriots in 2002
* Roy "Future Man" Wooten (b. 1957) – musician

Newport News

* Willie Armstead (b. 1952) – former professional football player in the Canadian Football League
*Keith Atherton (b. 1959) - former pitcher for the Minnesota Twins and the Oakland Athletics.
*Pearl Bailey (1918–1990) – Tony Award-winning actress and singer
* Antoine Bethea (b. 1984) – professional football strong safety for the San Francisco 49ers
*Larry Bethea (1956–1987) – late professional football player for the Dallas Cowboys
*Darryl Blackstock (b. 1983) – professional football player for the Cincinnati Bengals
* Blind Blake (1896–1934) – blues and ragtime musician (not officially confirmed he was born in Newport News)
* John Ian Bobbitt (b. 1984) - Photorealistic Artist with contributions to Film, Music, Custom Automotive Art, and Tattoo Culture
* Percy “Bud” Bobbitt (1927-2019) - Aeronautical Engineer & Admin. for NACA and NASA; primary contributor to the development of supersonic flight
* Aaron Brooks (b. 1976) – former professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders; land developer
*Joyce Bulifant (b. 1937) – television actress
*Robert Cray (b. 1953) – blues guitarist
*Will Crutchfield (b. 1957) – opera conductor
*Scott Darling (b. 1988) – professional ice hockey goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes
* Ben Edwards (b. 1992) – American football player
* Frankie Faison (b. 1949) – film actor
*Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996) – jazz singer
*The Five Keys – popular soul and doo-wop act in the 1950s; featuring Newport News locals Ripley Ingram, Bernie West, Dickie Threat and Rudy West
*Johnny Gilbert (b. 1924) – announcer for the television quiz show ''Jeopardy!''
*Marques Hagans (b. 1982) – NFL player
*Henry Jordan (1935–1977) – former professional football player for the Green Bay Packers; member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
* Richard Kelly (b. 1975) – film director and writer; films include '' Donnie Darko'' and '' Domino''
*Leroy Keyes (1947–2021) – professional football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles
*J. J. Lankes (1884–1960) – woodcut artist, lived for many years in the Hilton Village neighborhood
*Kwamie Lassiter (b. 1969) – former football safety for the Arizona Cardinals
*David Macklin (b. 1978) – professional football player for the Washington Redskins
* Michael Maguire (b. 1955) – Tony Award-winning actor
*Queen Esther Marrow (b. 1941) – soul and gospel singer
*Masego (musician) (b. 1993) – R&B and traphouse jazz artist
*Lightfoot Solomon Michaux (1885–1969) – evangelist, early radio and television pioneer
*J. Clyde Morris (1909-1987) – first executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel; former city manager of the Warwick, Virginia, City of Warwick
*Hazel R. O'Leary (b. 1937) – former United States Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Energy under President Bill Clinton and President of Fisk University
*Tommy Reamon (b. 1952) – former pro football player and coach
*Austin Roberts (singer), Austin Roberts (b. 1945) – singer and songwriter
*Norm Snead (b. 1939) – former professional football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles
*Sonja Sohn (b. 1964) – actress, ''The Wire'', ''Body of Proof''
*Jon St. John (b. 1960) – voice actor and singer, best known as the voice of Duke Nukem (character), Duke Nukem
*William Styron (1925–2006) – author of ''The Confessions of Nat Turner'' and ''Sophie's Choice (novel), Sophie's Choice''
*Nick "The Goat" Thompson (b. 1981) – professional mixed martial arts fighter; Bodog Fight Welterweight Champion
*Mike Tomlin (b. 1972) – head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers
*Al Toon (b. 1963) – former professional football player for the New York Jets
*Marcus Vick (b. 1984) – former NFL player, quarterback for Virginia Tech
*Michael Vick (b. 1980) – NFL quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
*Victor Wooten (b. 1964) – musician

Norfolk

*Adam Anderson (monster truck driver), Adam Anderson – driver of the Taz and Grave Digger (truck), Grave Digger Monster Trucks, and son of Monster Truck driver
*Dennis Anderson – driver of the Grave Digger (truck), Grave Digger Monster Truck in the Monster Jam series
*Mason Andrews (1919–2006) – physician who delivered America's first in vitro baby; visionary leader of Norfolk's late 20th century renaissance
*Anhayla (b. 1988) – singer-songwriter
*Gordon Banks (musician), Gordon Banks (b. 1955) – guitarist and music director for Marvin Gaye
*Al Barks (b. 1936) – Negro league baseball player
*Benny Blanco (b. 1988) – record producer, DJ, songwriter, and record executive
*Gary "U.S." Bonds (b. 1939) – singer-songwriter
*Plaxico Burress (b. 1977) – professional football wide receiver for the New York Jets
*William Harvey Carney (1840–1908) – African-American soldier of the American Civil War; Medal of Honor recipient for his part in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry's assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina
*Kam Chancellor (b. 1988) – professional football safety for the Seattle Seahawks
*Clarence Clemons – saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band
*Alex Cosmidis – Minor League baseball player and manager and Major League scout
*William Couper (sculptor), William Couper (1853–1942) – sculptor
*Colgate Whitehead Darden, Jr. (1897–1981) – U.S. Representative; Governor of Virginia; Chancellor (education), Chancellor of the College of William and Mary; third President of the University of Virginia
*Mike D'Orso (b. 1953) – author, journalist
*Lefty Driesell, Charles "Lefty" Driesell (b. 1931) – basketball coach at Davidson College, the University of Maryland, College Park, James Madison University, and Georgia State University
*Rob Estes (b. 1963) – actor
*Samuel Face (1923–2001) – inventor
*Ryan Farish (b. 1974) – music composer, artist, publisher, and record executive of Rytone Entertainment
*Florian-Ayala Fauna – artist musician
*Hank Foiles, from Norfolk, Major league All-Star in 1957; played for seven teams; finished his career in 1964 with the expansion Los Angeles Angels
*William Fuller (American football), William Fuller (b. 1962) – professional football defensive end for the Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears
*Stephen Furst (1954–2017) – television actor
*Grant Gustin (b. 1990) – television actor
*Henry Howell (1920–97) – Independent politician, Independent Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
*Lawrence Johnson (athlete), Lawrence "LoJo" Johnson (b. 1974) – Olympic pole vaulter, silver medalist in 2000
*General Norman Johnson (b. 1943) – R&B musician
*Kishi Bashi (b. 1975) – indie rock violinist; solo musician; tour member of Of Montreal and Regina Spektor
*Naomi Long Madgett (b. 1923) – poet
*Mae – indie rock band
*Thomas W. Moss, Jr. (b. 1928) – Democratic Party (United States), Democratic Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, 1992–2000
*Wayne Newton (b. 1942) – aka "Mr. Las Vegas"; singer and songwriter
*Tim Reid (b. 1944) – television actor, director, and film executive
*Jodi Rell (b. 1946) – Republican Party (United States), Republican Governor of Connecticut, 2004–2011
*Joseph Jenkins Roberts (1809–1876) – first President of Liberia
*Dave Robertson (baseball), Dave Robertson (1889–1970) – from Norfolk, two-time National League home run leader; hit .500 in 1917 World Series. He hit .287 over nine seasons with the Giants, Cubs and Pirates. A product of Norfolk Academy, he played four sports at Wake Forest and N.C. State and managed the minor league Norfolk Tars for several years in the 1920s.
*Larry Sabato (b. 1952) – political pundit and professor at the University of Virginia
*Ed Schultz (1954–2018) – Pundit (expert), pundit and TV personality for MSNBC
*Deborah Shelton (b. 1948) – actress; Miss USA 1970, first runner-up in Miss Universe contest
*John Wesley Shipp (b. 1956) – television actor
*Bruce Smith (defensive end), Bruce Smith (b. 1963) – Pro Football Hall of Fame player for the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins
*Joe Smith (basketball player), Joe Smith (b. 1975) – professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers
*Keely Smith (b. 1932) – nightclub singer, wife and stage partner of Louis Prima
*Margaret Sullavan (1909–1960) – actress and wife of Leland Hayward
*Chuck Swirsky – Chicago Bulls radio play-by-play announcer, previously with Toronto Raptors
*Littleton Waller Tazewell (1774–1860) – U.S. Representative, United States Senate, U.S. Senator and Governor of Virginia
*Antoine Thompson (American football), Antoine Thompson – cornerback with the St. Louis Rams
*Scott Travis (b. 1961) – drummer for rock band Judas Priest
*John Paul Vann (1924–1972) – U.S. soldier and civilian active in Vietnam
*Marc Vann (b. 1954) – actor
*Brandon Vera (b. 1977) – mixed martial artist, currently signed to Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC
*Gene Vincent (1935–1971) – rock-a-billy artist recorded the hit "Be-Bop-a-Lula"
*Benjamin Watson, Ben Watson (b. 1980) – football player for the New England Patriots
*Ernie Watts (b. 1945) – composer, jazz saxophonist, and long-time touring member of The Rolling Stones
*Joe Weatherly (1922–1964) – NASCAR driver
*Pernell Whitaker, Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker (b. 1964) – Boxing, boxer; Boxing at the 1984 Summer Olympics, 1984 Olympic gold medalist, professional champion in four weight classes
* Thomas Wilkins (conductor), Thomas Wilkins (b. 1954) – orchestra conductor, music director of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra
*Patrick Wilson (American actor), Patrick Wilson (b. 1973) – actor
*David Wright (b. 1982) – professional baseball player for the New York MetsDavid Wright: Bio & Stats
" ''New York Mets.'' Retrieved on March 15, 2007.

Portsmouth

*V. C. Andrews (1923–1986) – mystery and horror writer
*Marty Brennaman (b. 1942) – sportscaster for the Cincinnati Reds
*Karen Briggs (musician), Karen Briggs (b. 1963) – violinist
*Ruth Brown (1928–2006) – Grammy Award-winning singer and entertainer
*Bebe Buell (b. 1953) – fashion model, famous groupie and mother of Liv Tyler
*Mahlon Clark (1923–2007) – musician
*LaTasha Colander (b. 1976) – track and field sprint star, 2000 Olympics, 2000 Olympic gold medalist (4 × 400 m)
*Jamin Elliott (b. 1979) – former NFL wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons
*Missy Elliott (b. 1971) – rapper
*Perry Ellis (1940–1986) – fashion designer
*John Facenda (1913–1984) – WCAU news anchor from 1948 to 1973; known as the "Voice of NFL Films" until his death in 1984
*Clifton C. Garvin (b. 1922) – President and CEO of Exxon
*Chandler Harper (1914–2004) – golfer
*Chad Hugo (b. 1974) – musician and producer in the Neptunes and N.E.R.D.
*Ben L. Jones (b. 1941) – actor and politician
*T. J. Jordan (b. 1986) – basketball player
*LaShawn Merritt (b. 1986) – 2008 Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter
*Shadow Morton, George "Shadow" Morton (b. 1944) – record producer and songwriter
*Bismarck Myrick (b. 1940) – U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia, U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho
*Tommy Newsom (1929–2007) – musician featured in Johnny Carson's ''The Tonight Show'' band with Doc Severinsen
*Patton Oswalt (b. 1969) – comedian and television actor
*Ace Parker (b. 1912) – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback; also played baseball with the Philadelphia Athletics
*William Russ (b. 1950) – actor
*Bill Schneider (journalist), Bill Schneider (b. 1944) – political commentator for CNN
*Dorian Finney-Smith – basketball player for the University of Florida and Dallas Mavericks
*Dorin Spivey – NBA World and NABA Lightweight Boxing Champion
*Wanda Sykes (b. 1964) – actress, comedian, and comedy writer
*Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr., Ted Thomas, Sr. (b. 1935) – Pentecostalism, Pentecostal preacher and pastor of the New Community Temple Church of God in Christ; General board member of the Church of God in Christ, Church of God in Christ, Inc. Denomination (Christianity), denomination
*Mike Watt (b. 1957) – musician, founding member and bassist of SST Records, SST hardcore punk band Minutemen (band), Minutemen; current bassist for recently reunited 60s band The Stooges
*Nicole Wray (b. 1980) – rapper and protégé of Missy Elliott

Suffolk

* James Avery (actor), James Avery (1955–2013) – actor best known for his portrayal of the patriarch and attorney (later judge) "Philip Banks", in the TV sitcom ''The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air''
*Johnnie Barnes (b. 1968) – graduate of Hampton University; former football player for the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers
*Charlie Byrd (1925–1999) – jazz guitarist
*Mills Edwin Godwin, Jr. (1914–1999) – two time Governor of Virginia
*Lex Luger (producer), Lex Luger (b. 1991) – hip-hop music producer; produced tracks on Rick Ross (rapper), Rick Ross's ''Teflon Don (album), Teflon Don'', Waka Flocka Flame's ''Flockaveli'', Slim Thug's ''Tha Thug Show'', and Kanye West and Jay-Z's ''Watch the Throne''
*Joe Maphis (1921–1986) – country music singer and songwriter
*Terrence Warren (b. 1969) – former National Football League, NFL player and All-American sprinter at Hampton University

Virginia Beach

* Corey Ashe (b. 1986), professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo
* Wade Barrett (soccer), Wade Barrett (b. 1976), professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo
* Felicia Barton, semi-finalist on ''American Idol (season 8), American Idol''
* Kharlton Belmar, professional soccer player for Portland Timbers 2
* Rudy Boesch, retired United States Navy SEALs, Navy SEAL and contestant on ''Survivor: Borneo, Survivor''
* Jamelle Bouie, journalist, ''New York Times'' columnist, and political analyst
* Bill Bray, MLB player
* Jon Busch, Hampton Roads Mariner; Major League Soccer
* Curtis Bush, kickboxer
* Darren Caskey, Hampton Roads Mariner; Tottenham Hotspur; Reading
* Gabby Douglas, Olympic gymnastics gold medalist
* D.J. Dozier, football / baseball from Virginia Beach; Penn State All-American, first-round NFL draft 14th pick by Minnesota Vikings who was also drafted by major league baseball by the Detroit Tigers in the 18th round in 1983 (459th overall)
* Jason Dubois, MLB player
* Genesis the Greykid, artist, creative, poet, writer
* Percy Harvin, National Football League, NFL player
* Michael Hearst, author, musician, and composer
* Angela Hucles, sports executive and former professional soccer player
* Daniel Hudson, MLB player
* Jay Hoffman (soccer), Jay Hoffman, coached Hampton Roads Mariners; played professionally in the Canadian National Soccer League
* Bubba Jenkins, NCAA Division I wrestling national champion and MMA fighter
* Roy Lassiter, Hampton Roads Mariner; Major League Soccer; USA National Team
* B. J. Leiderman, composer of themes for NPR shows
* Marc Leishman, professional golfer
* Darin Lewis, Hampton Roads Mariner; MLS New York MetroStars
* EJ Manuel, NFL quarterback for the Oakland Raiders
* Evan Marriott, actor in ''Joe Millionaire''
* Bob McDonnell, former Governor of Virginia
* Shane McFaul, Hampton Roads Mariner; Republic of Ireland U21
* Ryan McGinness, artist
* Darryl Monroe, professional basketball player, 2016 Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP
* Shawn Morimando, MLB player
* Guy Morgan (basketball), Guy Morgan, former NBA player
* Lenda Murray, IFBB professional bodybuilder
* Jamia Nash, singer, actress
* Juice Newton, singer, songwriter
* Derrick Nnadi, NFL defensive tackle
* Pusha T, rapper
* David Robinson, 10x All-star, NBA MVP, 2x NBA Champion, 2x Olympic Gold medalist, Member of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, briefly grew up in Virginia Beach
* Neil Ramírez, MLB player
* J.R. Reid, NBA player
* Mark Reynolds (baseball), Mark Reynolds, third baseman/first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles from Virginia Beach; drafted in 2004 by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 16th round (476th overall)
* Pat Robertson, television preacher
* Aaron Rouse, NFL Player
* Mark Ruffalo, Oscar-nominated actor; raised in Virginia Beach
* Todd Schnitt, radio personality
* Herbert Scott – Kellam High School, Virginia Union University, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman in NFL for 10 seasons, 3× Pro Bowl, 2× First-team All-Pro, winner of Super Bowl XII
* Rhea Seehorn, actress known for role as Kim Wexler in ''Better Call Saul''
* Julie Shiflet, professional tennis player
* Scott Sizemore, Major League Baseball, MLB player
* Chris Taylor (baseball), Chris Taylor, Major League Baseball, MLB player
* Ian Thomas (baseball), Ian Thomas, MLB player
* Shamarko Thomas – Pittsburgh Steelers safety and 111th pick overall in the 2013 NFL Draft; starred at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach
* Timbaland, music producer
* Lil Tracy, rapper, singer and songwriter
* Turnover (band), Turnover, indie rock band
* Travis Wall, choreographer and contestant on ''So You Think You Can Dance''
* Elizabeth Williams (basketball), Elizabeth Williams, played college basketball at Duke University, WNBA player for Atlanta Dream
* Matthew E. White, songwriter and producer
* Matt Williams (left-handed pitcher), Matt Williams, MLB player
* Pharrell Williams, rapper, singer, record producer, composer and fashion designer
* Glenn Yates Jr., architect snd Virginia state legislator
* Hunter Yeany, racing driver
* Glenn Youngkin, elected governor of Virginia in 2021
* Ryan Zimmerman, Major League Baseball, MLB player

Williamsburg

*Jimmy Fortune (b. 1955) – vocalist with the Statler Brothers
*Mel Gray (return specialist), Mel Gray (b. 1961) – professional football player and member of NFL all decade team of 1990s
*Bruce Hornsby (b. 1954) – singer and songwriter
*Linda Lavin (b. 1937) – actress
*Seven Mary Three – alternative rock band
*Canaan Smith (b. 1984) – country music artist
*Ron Springs (b. 1956) – running back for the Dallas Cowboys and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
*Shawn Springs (b. 1975) – football player for the Washington Redskins
*Lawrence Taylor (b. 1959) – former professional football player for the New York Giants; professional wrestler; member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
*George Wythe (1726–1806) – first professor of law at The College of William & Mary, William and Mary; taught future presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, and future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, Supreme Court John Marshall; signer of the United States Declaration of Independence, Declaration of Independence

York County

*Terry Kirby (b. 1970) – professional football player for the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders
*Wayne Kirby (b. 1964) – Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians
*Thomas Nelson, Jr. (1738–1789) – signer of the United States Declaration of Independence, Declaration of Independence
*Bryan Randall (b. 1983) – 2005 ACC Football Player of the Year
*Chris Slade (football player), Chris Slade (b. 1971) – professional football player for the New England Patriots

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:people from Hampton Roads, Virginia
Lists of people by city in the United States, Hampton Roads
Lists of people from Virginia, Hampton
Hampton Roads