9 Of The Best Sporting Moments In 'Friends'

Warner Brothers iconic sit-com 'Friends' turns 20 years old today.

Probably THE defining sit-com of all time still airs re-runs on a daily basis across numerous channels in countries all over the world, because it seems people just can't get enough of Joey, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, Pheobe, and Monica.

We at Balls.ie felt compelled to acknowledge the greatness of Friends in the only way we know how, to take every hint of a sporting reference and run with it, so prepare yourself for 9 of the best sporting moments across all 10 seasons and 236 episodes of Friends.

The Tanksgiving Day Football Game

One of the best ever episodes of Friends centred around a 3v3 American Football game for the prestigious 'Gellar Cup', which was actually a troll doll nailed to a two-by-four. Joey and Chandler trying to impress a Dutch girl, Rachel trying to prove she's not totally useless, Phoebe's first touchdown, Ross and Monica going head to head. What an episode.

Ross Plays Rugby

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QmiTbzptQs
Before Ross said Rachel's name at the alter, he was madly in love with Emily and even had a go at rugby when he felt emasculated by her burly Rugby playing British friends. Then, we were introduced to RED ROSS!

Foosball

Is Friends to blame for the widespread popularity of foosball? Possibly. All we know is that the table football game featured heavily throughout the entire lifespan of the show. Many classic Italy vs China (apparently) matches were played out, Monica wasn't allowed play, and Tom Selleck's moustache even had a go.

The Total Obsession With New York Knicks Tickets

Knicks Tickets seemed to rule the Friends universe. From Rachel trying to get a date with Joshua (an EXTRA ticket, I have an EXTRA ticket) to Monica and Rachel attempting to use Knicks tickets as a sweetener to switch back apartments after losing theirs in a bet, you knew the stakes were high when Knicks tickets were on the line.

Impromptu Volleyball

Rachel was lucky enough to have two birthday parties thrown for her one year when her parents showed up unannounced, and while Monica's party was absolutely crap, Chandler and Joey's party was a proper birthday bash, featuring music, dancing, and volleyball. Word got out that Joey had set up an impromptu game of volleyball in Chandler's room, and the result was Rachel's birthday flan being ruined by a stray shot, which funnily enough was her birthday wish.

Tennis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km9Hhuo6flM
Tennis was a game that caused tensions to run high among the Friends gang. Chandler teamed up with Monica for a friendly match against Chandler's boss and his wife, but Monica doesn't do friendlies. Also, Chandler had to borrow a racquet for that match because Joey used his to go and hit rocks in the park. So theres that.

Ross Takes An Ice Hockey Puck To The Face

When Ross is feeling down over his would be anniversary with ex-wife Carol, the lads decide to take him to a New York Rangers game. Hockey was a terrible call! Ross takes a stray puck to the face and spends the night in the ER.

Jogging

Table Tennis