Sports Illustrated should be every sportsman's holy grail when it comes to sports magazines. Not only does it deliver sports news, but everyone is always on the lookout for the sexy model that will appear next as Sports Illustrated cover model.

It's safe to say that it's a mellow version of FHM or Maxim when it comes to sports. Men are thrilled with the hot covers and models are always competing to be the next face to be printed on the glossy magazine.

Year after year, Sports Illustrated have thrilled their readers with their hot covers. Well, the coming issue won't be a disappointment. Kate Upton, obviously a favorite, will appear on the next edition for the second time.

But before her cover, there were already dozens of gorgeous females who have appeared on the magazine. Let's take a trip back memory lane and look back on the hottest models to have appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Kate Upton - She is a favorite amongst men, her second cover seems to have validated that claim. She's won favors from the readers because of her natural curves. Upton is not particularly "modelesque" if you compare her with other models who have appeared on the covers before. But it seems like her curves are her advantage.

Irina Shayk - Irina has that sensual look that has made her one of the hottest models to ever appear on Sports Illustrated. Although many has assumed that she's Brazilian, Irina is in fact Russian. Like Kate, she has appeared on the magazine twice.

Brooklyn Decker - Andy Roddick is one lucky man. Although she is married to the tennis superstar, it seems like Brooklyn gets around sports very well even without the help of her man. The gorgeous model/actress was also once hailed as "Esquire" magazine's "Sexiest Woman Alive."

Nina Agdal - She's a fresh face and that's why she's one of the hottest right now. The Danish model has also modeled for Macy and Victoria's Secret. This year, she became Sports Illustrated "Rookie of the Year" and appeared on the magazine's swimsuit issue.

Bar Refaeli - The Israeli born beauty is one of the most in demand models today. So it would be a mistake not to get her for a cover of Sports Illustrated. With a body like hers, it would be a waste not to flaunt it.