Most Influential Sports Figures

Sports - General

By: superdadbrad     04-Jan-2011

Introduction:

Sports and popular culture in America are inescapably intertwined. As a result, our sports heroes are also our cultural icons. Not only did these sports figures greatly impact their sport but they also played a greater role, one outside their game. Each of these icons permanently altered our society and culture in ways that will be felt forever.

Jackie Robinson

Any list of influential sports figures starts with Jackie Robinson. The impact of breaking the color barrier can not be overstated. The world of sports in America is a much, much better place because of #42. During a time of racial tension in our country Robinson stoically and gracefully navigated the seemingly insurmountable challenge of being the face of integration in sports.

Michael Jordan

In the landscape of American sports, basketball came in a distant third behind baseball and football until Michael Jordan hit the scene. MJ elevated the game in a way that no other single player has... ever. Not only was MJ the first athlete as corporate brand and marketing empire but he also has one of the great American comebacks of all time. After two years away from basketball to pursue baseball, Jordan won more championships. Amazing.

Lance Armstrong

The only reason that Americans even care about the Tour de France is because of Lance Armstrong. Seven consecutive victories in the most grueling sporting event in the world is simply astounding. To have done it after beating cancer is phenomenal. Lance popularized cycling in the US and has given a face to finding a cure for cancer. His impact on cycling and our culture will be recognized for many years to come.

Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzy changed the way hockey is played. There is a reason he's referred to as "The great One". Not only is he the pride of Canada but he managed to popularize hockey in Los Angeles, a mighty accomplishment aside from his on ice accomplishments.
Not only was Gretzky one of the greatest hockey players ever but he managed to enter pop culture like Joe Dimaggio, by marrying a Hollywood actress. The Great One will always be considered above all others when we think about hockey icons.

Mohammed Ali

Mohammed Ali will always be the single greatest boxing icon ever. His charisma, charm and skills were unmatched by any boxer before or since. But beyond the ring Ali imprinted modern American culture like no other athlete, in any sport. He was a conscientious objector in Vietnam and subsequently temporarily lost his boxing license for four years. But he put a famous face to the anti-war movement as well as put the Nation of Islam in the spotlight.
Since his boxing career, Ali has been a global ambassador. As one of the most recognized people in the world, Ali has transcended sport and become a champion for peace.




Final Thoughts

In our culture, iconic athletes become more than just athletes they rise above the game and become influential sports figures.


Give this list a high five!





Comments


Post A Comment

Post this comment to my Facebook Profile





Need a Top Five List Idea?

select one here...

  • The Top Five Budget Mistakes Most People Make
  • The Top Five Wedding Gowns
  • The Top Five Financial Mistakes People Make
  • The Top Five Online Social Networks
  • The Top Five Tips for New Businesses
  • The Top Five Safest Cities in America
  • The Top Five Bedroom Decorating Ideas
  • The Top Five Reasons you Should Play Fantasy Fo ...
  • The Top Five Commercials
  • The Top Five Luxury Cars
  • The Top Five Tax Mistakes People Commonly Make
  • The Top Five Steps on How to Get a Date
  • The Top Five Clothing Lines for Modest Clothes 
  • The Top Five Smart Phones of the Year
  • The Top Five Funniest Jokes
  • The Top Five Shampoos
  • The Top Five Country Singers of All Time
  • The Top Five Educational Websites for Kids
  • The Top Five Stresses of Home Ownership
  • The Top Five Ways to Relieve Stress
  • The Top Five Must See Events in Las Vegas
  • The Top Five PGA Golfers
  • The Top Five Motivational Speakers
  • The Top Five Things I've Learned from Brittany ...
  • The Top Five Card Games for Four Players
  • The Top Five Facts About the Sun
  • The Top Five Places to Find a Job
  • The Top Five Steps to Internet Security
  • The Top Five Cell Phones Under 50 Dollars
  • The Top Five Websites for Photographers
  • The Top Five Computers for College Students
  • The Top Five Ways to Update your Home Without S ...
  • The Top Five Free Places for Veterans to Eat 
  • The Top Five Websites for Discount Vacation Pac ...
  • The Top Five Candy Bars With Peanut Butter
  • The Top Five Google Apps
  • The Top Five Healthiest Snacks
  • The Top Five Places for Kids Birthday Parties
  • The Top Five Photo Editing Websites
  • The Top Five Pets you Should Own
  • The Top Five Xbox 360 Games
  • The Top Five Spyware Removal Systems
  • The Top Five Attractions in the USA
  • The Top Five Items you Never want to Lose
  • The Top Five Professions
  • The Top Five Five Music Genres
  • The Top Five Superheroes
  • The Top Five Paint Colors for a Home
  • The Top Five Ways to Turn Down a Job Offer
  • The Top Five Five Smart Phones
  • The Top Five Mistakes Parents Make With Kids
  • The Top Five Places to Get a Student Loan
  • The Top Five Places to get a Free Credit Report ...
  • The Top Five California Landmarks
  • The Top Five Golfing Tips
  • The Top Five Bealtes Songs beatles songs Writte ...
  • The Top Five Pasta Recipes for Kids
  • The Top Five Fast Food Restaurants
  • The Top Five Restaurants
  • The Top Five Car Maintenance Checklist
  • The Top Five Inventions That Changed the World 
  • The Top Five Health Insurance Companies
  • The Top Five Business Marketing Tips
  • The Top Five Talk Shows on TV
  • The Top Five Michael Jackson Songs
  • The Top Five Ways to Earn Money as a College St ...
  • The Top Five Quotes From the Movie Elf
  • The Top Five Healthiest Choices for Breakfast 
  • The Top Five Tips for Newlyweds
  • The Top Five Ways to Invest in Real Estate
  • The Top Five Greatest NBA Players of All Time
  • The Top Five Nuts that go in Salad
  • The Top Five Home Air Purifiers
  • The Top Five Creative Ways to Announce a Pregna ...
  • The Top Five People you Would Want to Meet
  • The Top Five Ways to Cope With Stress
  • The Top Five Most Hated Celebrities
  • The Top Five Video Games
  • The Top Five Candle Scents for Summer Time
  • The Top Five Ways to Workout your Upper Body
  • The Top Five Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes
  • The Top Five Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer
  • The Top Five Healthy Meals For Under 5 Dollars
  • The Top Five Advice for New Moms
  • The Top Five Skills Needed for a Career in IT
  • The Top Five Walt Disney Movies
  • The Top Five Foods to Avoid when Trying to Lose ...
  • The Top Five Ways to Keep Unwanted Pests Out of ...
  • The Top Five TV Shows of All Time
  • The Top Five Places to Find Crazy Video Clips O ...
  • The Top Five Funniest Movies For Kids
  • The Top Five Books to Read This Year
  • The Top Five Ways to Stay in Shape
  • The Top Five Ways to Build Muscle
  • The Top Five Quotes to Live by
  • The Top Five Ways to Earn Money Online
  • The Top Five Home Improvement Tips for Selling ...
  • The Top Five NFL Football Stadiums With A Dome
  • The Top Five Places to Find Cheap Books
  • The Top Five Nascar Drivers
  • The Top Five Things to See in Dallas Texas
  • The Top Five Websites for Music
  • The Top Five Designer Handbags
  • The Top Five Things to do Before your 60 Years ...
  • The Top Five Universities for MBA
  • The Top Five Healthiest Fruits
  • The Top Five Steps to Home Security
  • The Top Five Dog Breeds for Kids
  • The Top Five Songs About Love
  • The Top Five Cities to Live in
  • The Top Five Reasons to Vote During Elections
  • The Top Five Auto Insurance Companies
  • The Top Five Most Influential Speeches
  • The Top Five Online Flower Delivery Companies
  • The Top Five Prom Dresses
  • The Top Five Baby Bags for Moms
  • The Top Five Diet Pills
  • The Top Five Signs that You are in Love
  • The Top Five Days During the Year
  • The Top Five Foods for Diabetics
  • The Top Five Online Gaming Sites
  • The Top Five Places to Live
  • The Top Five Overseas Bed and Breakfast Stops
  • The Top Five Songs About Texas
  • The Top Five Wedding Websites
  • The Top Five Designer Shoe Brands for Women
  • The Top Five Outdoor Activities
  • The Top Five Tips for Staying Positive
  • The Top Five Ways to Find Cheap Flights Online
  • The Top Five Places to Buy Electronics
  • The Top Five Schools for Business Management
  • The Top Five Tips for New Parents
  • The Top Five Simple Smart Phones
  • The Top Five Xbox 360 Kinect Games for Exercise
  • The Top Five States to Live In
  • The Top Five Clues for Crossword Puzzles
  • The Top Five Hair Products
  • The Top Five Foods That Help you Lose Weight
  • The Top Five Ways to Get a Loan
  • The Top Five Movies of 2010
  • The Top Five Places to See in the World
  • The Top Five iPhone Apps
  • The Top Five Hair Removal Options
  • The Top Five Reason to Rent
  • The Top Five Books for the Kindle
  • The Top Five Hair Products Women Must Have
  • The Top Five Reasons to Invest in Running Shoes
  • The Top Five Vacation Spots
  • The Top Five Soft Drinks
  • The Top Five Ways to Improve your Resume
  • The Top Five Pasta Recipes
  • The Top Five Harry Potter Movies
  • The Top Five Movies With a Twist
  • The Top Five Ways to Improve your Health
  • The Top Five Sources for Vitamin D
  • The Top Five Holidays
  • The Top Five Things to do at Disneyland
  • The Top Five Healthy Recipes
  • The Top Five HDTV brands
  • The Top Five Reasons Smoking is Bad
  • The Top Five Most Influential Sports Figures
  • The Top Five Causes of Road Rage
  • The Top Five Presidents of the United States
  • The Top Five Makeup Tips for Teens
  • The Top Five Tips for Healthy Blood Pressure
  • The Top Five Dessert Recipes
  • The Top Five Ways to Stop Smoking
  • The Top Five Knock Knock Jokes
  • The Top Five Board Games for Groups
  • The Top Five Rules for a Strong Relationship
  • The Top Five Book Series for Young Adults
  • The Top Five Funniest People
  • The Top Five Ways to Get a Phone Number
  • The Top Five Reasons For Leaving a Job
  • The Top Five Items you Can’t Live Without
  • The Top Five Unhealthy Foods for Dogs 
  • The Top Five New York Hotels
  • The Top Five Foods For an Upset Stomach 
  • The Top Five Ideas for Anniversary Gifts
  • The Top Five Websites for Artists
  • The Top Five Websites for Kids
  • The Top Five Funniest Websites
  • The Top Five Job Opportunities for People With ...
  • The Top Five Places to Mountain Bike
  • The Top Five Jewelry Stores
  • The Top Five Ways to Keep Track of Spending
  • The Top Five Places to Retire
  • The Top Five Ways to Avoid Unemployment
  • The Top Five Ways to Get a Grant
  • The Top Five Car Seat Safety Tips
  • The Top Five Tips for Planting a Garden
  • The Top Five Places to get French Fries
  • The Top Five Helpful Hints to Get Pregnant 
  • The Top Five Ways to Keep your Lawn Green
  • The Top Five Wedding Favors
  • The Top Five Steps on How to Make a Website
  • The Top Five Funniest Movies Ever
  • The Top Five Planets in the Solar System
  • The Top Five Teeth Whitening Tips
  • The Top Five Youtube Videos for 2010 
  • The Top Five Candle Scents for Winter 
  • The Top Five Sporting Events
  • The Top Five Ways to Save Money
  • The Top Five Most Trusted Cars
  • The Top Five Cartoons for Toddlers
  • The Top Five Chicken Recipes
  • The Top Five Steps on How to Potty Train Your P ...
  • The Top Five Steps on How to Save Money
  • The Top Five Creative Ways to Ask a Girl to Hom ...
  • The Top Five Gaming Consoles
  • The Top Five Vitamins for Hair Growth
  • The Top Five Carpet Cleaning Tips
  • The Top Five 4th of July Party Ideas
  • The Top Five Wedding Themes
  • The Top Five Movies of All Time
  • The Top Five Tips on How to Make Money Online
  • The Top Five Career Moves for Teachers
  • The Top Five Things you Should Not do in an Int ...
  • The Top Five Steps on How to Avoid Credit Card ...
  • The Top Five Places for Discount Furniture Onli ...