12 Wild Pranks Pulled in Locker Rooms

Sports teams spend countless hours together, and sometimes, things get out of hand in the funniest ways. Locker rooms have seen everything from shaving cream bombs to fake trades that left players speechless. These pranks prove that behind every serious athlete is a teammate waiting to pull off the next big joke.

1. The Classic Shaving Cream Bomb

CoffeeAddict on Wikimedia Commons

Nothing says “welcome to the team” like a locker exploding with shaving cream. Rookies are often the prime targets, with teammates rigging their lockers to unleash a foamy disaster. Some pros take it further, filling helmets with the stuff for a messy surprise before practice. No one ever truly sees it coming—until it’s too late.

2. Fake Trade Announcement

Sgt. Reece Lodder on Wikimedia Commons

Some teams have convinced players they’ve been traded, sending them into panic mode. One player was even handed a fake press release and told to pack his bags before realizing it was a joke. The best pranks involve the coach playing along, making it seem painfully real. The moment of relief (and sometimes revenge) is priceless.

3. The Sneaky Shoe Fill-Up

Tdorante10 on Wikimedia Commons

Imagine lacing up your cleats only to find them stuffed with ice, peanut butter, or even a dead fish. Some players have been known to sneak in odd objects, turning pre-game prep into a disgusting discovery. The worst part? You don’t always check your shoes until it’s way too late. That’s when the whole locker room erupts in laughter.

4. Gatorade Bath… Indoors

Zach Catanzareti on Wikimedia Commons

Gatorade showers are common after big wins, but some players take it a step further. Sneaky teammates have set up surprise dumps indoors, often when a player least expects it. One unlucky rookie found himself drenched right before heading to a press conference. Sticky, cold, and completely unavoidable—just how a prank should be.

5. Snake in the Locker

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Some players have an irrational fear of snakes, and their teammates know it. Plastic or real, a well-placed snake can send even the toughest athlete running for their life. One NBA player famously leaped onto a bench, refusing to come down for five minutes. Safe to say, the pranksters got their money’s worth that day.

6. The Switched Gear Trick

Michael Barera on Wikimedia Commons

Swapping out someone’s jersey for a youth-sized version? Classic. Some players have even had their shoes replaced with clown-sized alternatives before warmups. The best part is watching the victim struggle to figure out why their gear suddenly doesn’t fit. Extra points if they actually try to play in it.

7. The Locked-In Locker

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A well-placed broom or zip tie can turn a locker into a temporary prison. Some unfortunate players have been stuck inside, banging on the door while teammates pretend not to notice. A few clever veterans even turn off the lights for extra effect. Eventually, someone lets them out—usually after recording a few minutes of footage.

8. The Exploding Protein Shake

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Athletes rely on protein shakes, which makes them a perfect prank target. Some pranksters shake the bottles until they’re ready to burst, leaving an unsuspecting victim covered in chocolate or vanilla goo. Even worse? Replacing the shake with something like pickle juice or hot sauce. The reactions are always gold.

9. Hot Sauce on Mouthguards

Jeffrey Beall on Wikimedia Commons

Nothing ruins game focus like a surprise dose of fiery heat. A few drops of hot sauce inside a mouthguard can send a player running for water mid-practice. Some have even gone straight to the trainer, convinced their mouth was on fire for no reason. Lesson learned: Always check your gear.

10. Car Wrapped in Athletic Tape

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If you leave your keys lying around, don’t be surprised to find your car looking like a mummy. Some players have come out to the parking lot only to find their entire car wrapped in layers of athletic tape. Peeling it off takes forever, and teammates usually watch while laughing. It’s the price of not locking your locker.

11. Personal Items Gone Missing (Temporarily!)

Sgt. 1st Class Christophe Paul on Wikimedia Commons

Phones, cleats, and even entire uniforms have “mysteriously disappeared” before practice. Some pranksters hide items in impossible places, like inside ceiling tiles or equipment bags. The best ones drag it out for hours, watching frustration build. When the victim finally gets their stuff back, payback is usually swift.

12. The Ice Bath Wake-Up Call

City of Greenville, North Carolina on Wikimedia Commons

Falling asleep in the locker room? Bad idea. Some unfortunate players have woken up to an ice-cold water dump, instantly regretting their nap. The best part is the groggy, confused reaction when reality sets in. Sleep at your own risk.

• Tags:
• athletes
• wild
• Pranks
• Locker Room
• Fun