To all the athletes I’ve loved before…aka who I would give Valentines to

Valentine’s Day is here, and with it comes a constant reminder that love is in the air—or, in this case, on the field, court, rink… you get the idea. If I were handing out Valentines based on a perfect mix of talent and pure aesthetics, here’s who would be getting one.

Joe Burrow

Isabella Marley/UC Communications Photo

Ahhhh, Joey B. The king of cool. The confidence, the swagger, the absolute rocket of an arm—what’s not to love? His pinpoint accuracy, pocket presence and ability to stay cool under pressure make him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league.

Honestly, with the way he commands the field, reads defenses and never cracks under pressure, the only thing smoother than his game might just be my feelings for him. I mean, a guy who can throw dimes and steal hearts? Talk about a dream.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

​​Dominant on the court and an absolute stunner off it. The definition of beauty and buckets. A defensive powerhouse with shot-blocking skills that would make Shaq jealous, she protects the rim like no other.

Her offensive game is just as lethal—smooth footwork, a reliable jumper, and the ability to finish strong at the rim. With her versatility, court vision, and rebounding ability, she’s a game-changer on both ends of the floor. She plays with passion, confidence and undeniable skill.

Jack Hughes

AP Photo/Chris Carlson

Everybody wants a hockey player, and Jack Hughes is the hockey player. The skill, the speed and the flow—just elite. His hands are magic, slicing through defenders like they’re standing still. His vision? Next level.

Whether he’s dangling past a defender or setting up the perfect play, he makes the impossible look effortless. And let’s be real—he’s not just dominating on the ice. With that jawline, those dreamy eyes and effortlessly cool style, he’s got the off-ice appeal to match. A star in every sense.

Julio Rodríguez

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

My god, those EYES. If baseball had a heartthrob category, he’d win it every year. Plus, he’s got the skills to back it up—smooth in the outfield and even smoother at the plate. He’s got power, speed and a swing so strong it could make anyone fall in love.

Whether he’s smashing home runs or flashing that million-dollar smile, he’s impossible to ignore. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate with a guy like Julio?

Paige Bueckers

Gatorade/Dominic DiSaia

An absolute stud on the court and in our hearts since day one and the way she dominates the court is just a chef’s kiss. Her handles are smooth, her shot is concise and her court vision is next level—she makes the game look effortless.

But beyond her game, she’s got that energy and confidence that makes her impossible not to root for. She’s the kind of player who inspires and the kind of person I’d definitely give a Valentine to.

Juju Watkins

Kristianna Saleh

Watkins has been making USC look good right out the jump, dominating the court with every game she plays. The future of women’s basketball, no doubt about it, with over 1,000 career points just as a sophomore. The skill set of a true veteran player with the charm of a cutie, she’s made of the best vibes.

Off the court, her presence is magnetic, drawing attention with not just her skills, but her leadership and passion for the game. Plus, let's be honest, who doesn't secretly love California?

Cooper DeJean

philadelphiaeagles.com

As a wise TikTok once said, “Cooper DeJean is not a safety, DeJean is CB1” The versatility, the athleticism, the highlight-reel plays, I mean who wouldn’t want an Eagle (especially knowing that he’s a Super Bowl champion)? You can always count on him to make a big impact, whether he's shutting down a receiver or coming up with a key play, like a crazy pick-six.

His commitment to excellence and ability to elevate the entire team makes him the kind of player—and person—you'd want in your corner.

Tara Davis-Woodhall

World Athletes

Yeah, she got the Olympic gold and made it look easy. Speed, power and a contagious energy that makes you want to cheer her on forever. She is more than just an Olympic gold medalist; she's a force of nature in the world of athletics.

Her focus, determination and joy in the sport are qualities that not only make her a remarkable athlete but someone you'd love to share a moment with, especially on a day like Valentine’s.

Laney Choboy

@laneychoby on Instagram

Those Nebraskans got it going on. Straight-up volleyball royalty and making the Cornhuskers proud. The way she elevates every play, hustles in every game and inspires those around her is something special.

Off the court, she carries that same fiery passion and confidence. She's someone who deserves admiration, both as an athlete and as a person.

Jayden Daniels

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rookie of the Year? More like Rookie of My Heart. Smooth operator on the field and a future star in the league. Watching him make those jaw-dropping plays could almost make me want to be a Commander's fan. He’s the kind of guy who would not only light up the endzone with his killer dance skills but also steal your heart in the process.

Honorable Mentions

Haley Van Lith – We love a girl who has variety. A true presence on any team, no matter the jersey, she stays elite.

Drew Allar – Don’t worry, interception or not, we still love you.

Suni Lee – Absolute Olympian powerhouse and did it while in school. True resilience and talent with this one.

A perfect roster and just in time for all the delusional singles on Valentine's Day.

Brooke Casey is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email bec5457@psu.edu.