Wheaties cereal boxes has been known to display athletes — mostly champions — on their boxes. Now, we are happy to share the Black athletes on Wheaties boxes.
Wheaties started placing athletes on their boxes in 1934. But back then the athletes appeared on the back of the box. It wasn’t until 1958 that the athletes started appearing on the front of the Wheaties boxes. Around that time, Roy Campanella became the first Black athlete that appeared on the Wheaties box in 1952. Since then, many Black athletes have appeared on the Wheaties boxes.
We put together a list of black athletes who have appeared on the front of the Wheaties box. Keep scrolling to see our list, you might even be surprised by some of them.
1. Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali appeared on the Wheaties box in 1999, to celebrate the brand’s 100th anniversary. He was also the 1960 Rome gold medalist.
2. Tommie Smith
Tommie Smith is not only a track and field star but also an activist. He raised a fist against racism in the 1968 Summer Games. He appeared on the box in 2021.
3. Michael Jordan
Of course the Hall of Famer has been on the Wheaties box. Michael Jordan is the first athlete to appear on the Wheaties box more than 18 times.
4. James ‘Jesse’ Owens
Many people thought that Jesse Owens was the first black athlete to appear on the Wheaties box. It still isn’t clear exactly what year Jesse Owens appeared on the box.
5. Serena Williams
The icon and champion of tennis was seen on the Wheaties box in 2001. Serena was the second black female tennis player to be placed on the front of the box.
6. Jackie Joyner-Kersee
In 2004, during the Olympic Games in Athens, Jackie appeared on the Wheaties box. She would be one of the greatest athletes of all-time with her accomplishments in the heptathlon and long jump.
7. Edwin Moses
From 1977 to 1987 Edwin Moses won approximately 107 gold medals. So it was only right that he finally made his appearance on the Wheaties box in 2016.
8. Jackie Robinson
In 1997, Jackie Robinson made history. He appeared on both the Wheaties box while also being on the Honey Frosted Wheaties and the Crispy Wheaties N’ Raisins box. He became the first athlete to ever be on all three boxes.
9. Simone Biles
This will be Simone Biles second time being featured on the Wheaties box. She first appeared on the box in 2022. Now, in 2024 she is on the front of the box yet again.
10. Carl Lewis
Track and Field star Carl Lewis appeared on the Wheaties box in 2004 with Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Then again in 2012.
Each one of these athletes deserved to be featured on the Wheaties box. With their hard work and dedication to the sport that they love, they are indeed champions.
Which athlete surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments below.
Main Image Credit: UCG / Contributor via Getty Images
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