100 Most Likable American Athletes (100-91)

Last week, I established the rules for this countdown and previewed it. It is now time to get to the show...This group of 10 is not as well established as later down the list for the most part, but each deserves inclusion.

100. Devon Still

Camden, New Jersey

Current Team: Cincinnati Bengals

Does Devon Still a guy with little name recognition and only 40 career tackles deserve inclusion on this prestigious list? Absolutely, he does. This is a guy that is perhaps the most likable player in the league. The only reason he is this far down is that he plays such a minor role for the Bengals. He isn't and never has been a starter in the NFL. However, he is a guy that everyone likes. Why is he so likable and why does everyone root for this guy? Well, it's because of his daughter to be perfectly honest. As you can see by his Leah Strong eye black, Devon Still loves his daughter Leah. His daughter has cancer and is her dad's biggest fan. Money from his jersey sales (which are quite high) go toward pediatric cancer research. Through every interview and every trial, Still shows a tremendous amount of class and dignity. It is impossible not to like and root for the guy. Find out more about this story here.

99. Nick Markakis

Glen Cove, New York

Current Team: Atlanta Braves

Nick Markakis was my favorite Oriole for the last decade and I have not been shy about it. Myself and many other Orioles fans have grown to love the way he approaches the game. Many other baseball fans have as well and love that arm and that defense that he displays. My favorite thing about Markakis is that he is a great teammate, a clubhouse leader, and he leads by example. It doesn't hurt that he has his own foundation and is incredibly active in it. He supports his organization and is just a great person all around. The guy is straight class. No Oriole fan is mad at him for leaving for Atlanta and we are just appreciative of the years of service he gave to our organization. That says a lot about what Baltimore thinks of Nick Markakis. There is quite a bit of displeasure with ownership about letting him go though among fans. Still, I and O's fans everywhere wish Nick the best.

98. Jennifer Kessy

San Clements, California

Professional Volleyball

Kessy was on the silver medalist beach volleyball team in 2012 in London. At that time she played with April Ross and lost to only May and Jennings. However, the duo has since split as Ross is now teaming with Jennings following May's retirement. This has led to a lot of speculation as to whether Jennifer Kessy is even going to continue playing volleyball. The answer to that question is yes. Kessy is still playing and still active and therefore qualifies for this list. It is very likely that you will see her again in the 2016 Olympics. As likely as it is that you will see her and as likable as she is, she is still unlikely to beat her former partner and not as established so she has to be ranked behind her likable partner. You do feel a bit bad for her being ditched though if you know the story. Still, Kessy at 98 is a good fit and we will always cheer for her in Olympic play.

97. Kevin Ware

Bronx, New York

Current Team: Georgia State Panthers

You remember Kevin Ware? He was the guard that had one of the most gruesome leg injuries we have ever seen during an NCAA Tournament Game with Louisville. That team that would go on to win the National Championship with its #winforware slogan. Everyone loved Kevin Ware at that point and supported him hoping he'd get the opportunity to play basketball again. He is from Georgia and decided to transfer closer to home at Georgia State after briefly entering one game during the 2013-2014 season to a standing ovation. His transfer was made official in April 2014. Ware is a junior guard #0 for the Panthers. This season he is averaging 7.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. It is amazing to see Ware play 30 minutes a night and have so much success after that horrid injury. Absolutely everyone is pulling for him. Wouldn't it be special if he had a great NCAA moment as a senior next season?

96. Boo Weekley

Milton, Florida

PGA Golfer

Boo Weekley is my favorite golfer. For some reason I just love the guy. While I know he isn't that for most golf fans, I don't know anyone that dislikes him either. He only has 4 professional wins and has only entered the Top 25 of the rankings once, so he can't be any higher, but he is quite entertaining. His biggest claim to fame and what I remember him for was a dominant performance at the 2008 Ryder Cup. It was there that Weekley was filmed riding his driver like a cowboy horse ala Happy Gilmore. Maybe that's what did it for me. I love watching America compete in anything and seeing them win that Ryder Cup was awesome. That 2008 Ryder Cup has been my favorite golf event to watch to date. Those that know who this guy is from that and other events absolutely love the guy. However, he is not the most popular guy because he lacks success. Likable, but not well known is his story. Hopefully he starts winning some tournaments and more can grow to know this guy.

95. Walter Dix

Coral Springs, Florida

Track and Field

Here you go, the first Seminole on the list. Walter Dix has been a great track athlete for years dating back to a national championship at FSU as a Freshman in 2005. In the 2008 Olympic Trials Dix finished 1st in the 200m and was the runner-up in the 100m. During the Olympics he won a bronze medal in both the 100m and the 200m finishing behind Usain Bolt in both events. During the 2010 track season he won the outdoor 100m and finished 2nd in the 200m. He won both events in 2011. Dix is an 18-time NCAA All-American, NCAA 200m record holder, and USA men's jenior 100m record holder. Dix was considered the most consistent sprinter the US had to offer during the 2012 Olympic Trials. However, a pulled muscle during the 100m forced him to pull out of the trials and lose a little bit of his star power. The sprinting attention may have switched to Gatlin and Gay, but Dix is still very much a factor. Dix anchored the US team to a victory over Jamaica in the 4x100 at the Penn Relays this season and looks to be a force heading into the Olympic Games of 2016 again. He was injured all of 2012 and 2013, but it appears he is back and could soar up this list. If he beats Usain Bolt at the Olympics the sky is limitless on how likable he can get.

93, 94. Bob & Mike Bryan

Wesley Chapel, Florida

Professional Tennis

That is Mike Bryan on the right and Bob Bryan on the left celebrating their victory in doubles competition at the 2012 Olympic Games. They are the big names in men's doubles and two of the bigger names in tennis. As Americans we like them because they represent our country in international competition and do well. They are nowhere near as popular as guys like Federer and Nadal, but they don't have to be. They are as likable as it gets among active American male tennis players.

92. BJ Raji

New York, New York

Current Team: Green Bay Packers

You can see that personality jumping off the page just from this picture. BJ Raji has personality and is one of very few defensive tackles that can get into commercials. He has personality, is an incredible football player and everyone likes him. You could make an argument that this guy is the most likable Packer and that is saying something on the same team with Aaron Rodgers. Raji keeps football fun and stays out of trouble and those two things lead to instant likability. They don't have enough players like this anymore.

91. Brandon Philips

Raleigh, North Carolina

Current Team: Cincinnati Reds

Brandon Phillips is another guy that just is beloved. He is always smiling and having such fun playing the game. Phillips was voted the best baseball player to follow on Twitter as well. This guy just seems like a lot of fun and would be a baseball player I'd like to meet. You never hear anything bad about Phillips, but you usually hear a lot of good. He is one that is a keeper for sure and Cincinnati is glad that Phillips is theirs.

Continue with me on this countdown next Wednesday as even more likable athletes are revealed. These guys are the good guys.

-Noland