Top 10 Cases Of The SI Cover Jinx

Top 10 Cases Of The SI Cover Jinx

By Brian Kalchik

October 7, 2014

Top 10 Cases of SI Cover Jinx

Florida Marlins World Series SI Cover Jinx 2003 NLCS — The Sports Illustrated Cover Jinx is one of the biggest curses in the sports world. Some athletes were lucky enough to break the curse, but most athletes have been victims to it. These 10 cases are proof that the SI Cover Jinx strikes and strikes hard.

The Sports Illustrated Cover Jinx is one of the biggest curses in the sports world. Some athletes were lucky enough to break the curse, but most athletes have been victims to it. These 10 cases are proof that the SI Cover Jinx strikes and strikes hard.

10. Jack Lambert

Jack Lambert Pittsburgh Steelers SI Jinx

10. Jack Lambert

Jack Lambert Pittsburgh Steelers SI Jinx — Release Date: July 30, 1984

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker and Hall-of-Famer Jack Lambert appeared on the cover with the headline "The Man of Steel." Lambert would miss most of the 1984 season with a turf toe injury and subsequently retired.

Release Date: July 30, 1984

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker and Hall-of-Famer Jack Lambert appeared on the cover with the headline "The Man of Steel." Lambert would miss most of the 1984 season with a turf toe injury and subsequently retired.

9. Mo'ne Davis

Mo'ne Davis Little League World Series

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9. Mo'ne Davis

Mo'ne Davis Little League World Series — Release Date: August 21, 2014

Mo'ne Davis was on the cover for her dominating performances for Pennsylvania in the 2014 Little League World Series. She was the first Little League player to be on the cover of SI. In her first game afterwards, she pitched 2.1 innings and gave up three runs on six hits, taking an 8-1 loss to Nevada. Pennsylvania would be eliminated in their next game by Illinois.

Release Date: August 21, 2014

Mo'ne Davis was on the cover for her dominating performances for Pennsylvania in the 2014 Little League World Series. She was the first Little League player to be on the cover of SI. In her first game afterwards, she pitched 2.1 innings and gave up three runs on six hits, taking an 8-1 loss to Nevada. Pennsylvania would be eliminated in their next game by Illinois.

8. Tony Mandarich

Tony Mandarich Packers

8. Tony Mandarich

Tony Mandarich Packers — Release Date: April 24, 1989

In the preview issue for the 1989 NFL Draft, Michigan State offensive lineman Tony Mandarich was featured on the cover with the label of "best offensive line prospect ever." Mandarich was widely regarded as a bust in the NFL, and would appear on the cover again three years later under the headline "Incredible Bust."

Release Date: April 24, 1989

In the preview issue for the 1989 NFL Draft, Michigan State offensive lineman Tony Mandarich was featured on the cover with the label of "best offensive line prospect ever." Mandarich was widely regarded as a bust in the NFL, and would appear on the cover again three years later under the headline "Incredible Bust."

7. The Core Four

Derek Jeter Yankees

7. The Core Four

Derek Jeter Yankees — Release Date: April 27, 2010

The "Core Four" of the New York Yankees (Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada) appeared on the cover together, and within one week, all but Jeter suffered injuries. Jeter, however, went on to have the worst offensive season of his career.

Release Date: April 27, 2010

The "Core Four" of the New York Yankees (Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada) appeared on the cover together, and within one week, all but Jeter suffered injuries. Jeter, however, went on to have the worst offensive season of his career.

6. 2003 Kansas City Chiefs

John Tait Chiefs

6. 2003 Kansas City Chiefs

John Tait Chiefs — Release Date: November 17, 2003

After starting the season 9-0, the 2003 Kansas City Chiefs appeared on the cover, but would lose their following game in Cincinnati to the Bengals. Kansas City finished the regular season 4−3, losing home-field advantage to the New England Patriots, followed by a divisional playoff loss against Indianapolis.

Release Date: November 17, 2003

After starting the season 9-0, the 2003 Kansas City Chiefs appeared on the cover, but would lose their following game in Cincinnati to the Bengals. Kansas City finished the regular season 4−3, losing home-field advantage to the New England Patriots, followed by a divisional playoff loss against Indianapolis.

5. Thomas Hearns

Thomas Hearns

5. Thomas Hearns

Thomas Hearns — Release Date: September 14, 1981

Thomas Hearns was featured on the cover the week before his fight with Sugar Ray Leonard. Leonard went on to knock out Hearns out in the 14th round.

Release Date: September 14, 1981

Thomas Hearns was featured on the cover the week before his fight with Sugar Ray Leonard. Leonard went on to knock out Hearns out in the 14th round.

4. Pete Rose

Pete Rose Cincinnati Reds SI Cover Jinx

4. Pete Rose

Pete Rose Cincinnati Reds SI Cover Jinx — Release Date: August 7, 1978

In the midst of an impressive hitting streak, Pete Rose appeared on the cover the same week that his 44-game hitting streak ended.

Release Date: August 7, 1978

In the midst of an impressive hitting streak, Pete Rose appeared on the cover the same week that his 44-game hitting streak ended.

3. Michael Spinks

Michael Spinks SI Cover Jinx

3. Michael Spinks

Michael Spinks SI Cover Jinx — Release Date: June 20, 1988

Michael Spinks appeared on the cover before his fight with Mike Tyson with the headline, "Don't count me out." Tyson promptly knocked Spinks out in just 91 seconds.

Release Date: June 20, 1988

Michael Spinks appeared on the cover before his fight with Mike Tyson with the headline, "Don't count me out." Tyson promptly knocked Spinks out in just 91 seconds.

2. Tom Brady

Tom Brady New England Patriots SI Cover Jinx

2. Tom Brady

Tom Brady New England Patriots SI Cover Jinx — Release Date: September 1, 2008

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady appeared on the cover of the 2008 NFL season preview issue. In his first game that season, Brady tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee minutes into the contest against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Release Date: September 1, 2008

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady appeared on the cover of the 2008 NFL season preview issue. In his first game that season, Brady tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee minutes into the contest against the Kansas City Chiefs.

1. 2003 ALCS and NLCS

Steve Bartman 2003 NLCS SI Cover Jinx

1. 2003 ALCS and NLCS

Steve Bartman 2003 NLCS SI Cover Jinx — Release Date: October 11, 2003

In the midst of each league's respective League Championship Series, the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox were featured on dual covers. Both teams would go on to suffer great collapses, as the Florida Marlins beat the Cubs in Games 6 and 7 and the New York Yankees beat the Red Sox in Game 7.

Release Date: October 11, 2003

In the midst of each league's respective League Championship Series, the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox were featured on dual covers. Both teams would go on to suffer great collapses, as the Florida Marlins beat the Cubs in Games 6 and 7 and the New York Yankees beat the Red Sox in Game 7.

Brian Kalchik is a Detroit Lions writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

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