ESPN's 'The Body' Issue: Athletes Strip and Show Off Their Nude, Muscular Physiques (PHOTOS)

Posted July 10, 2012, 6:38 pm   •   by Amanda Hasaka   •   3 comments

It takes a lot of dedication for athletes to have the bods they do, and now many of them are flaunting their hard work in the pages of ESPN magazine's annual Body Issue.

A number of talented athletes -- surfers, football players and even MMA fighters -- are baring all in some extremely revealing shots.

So, who's taking it all off for ESPN?

Olympic sprinter Carmelita Jeter, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and professional big wave surfer Maya Gabeira to name a few.

Gronkowski, 23, opened up to the magazine about how athleticism has been part of his life since day one.

"My father was in the fitness equipment business, so our basement was always a weight room.”

Also, at 6 feet 6 inches, 265 pounds, he might not be the most graceful runner, but luckily, he grew into his height -- literally.

“I wasn’t very coordinated as a kid. My running was sloppy because I got tall quickly. But once I got used to my body, I became more coordinated. My running is all cleaned up now.”

For more, click through the gallery.