Weeks ago, I started looking at the most likable athletes in this country following the retirements of Derek Jeter and Champ Bailey. That continues today with the latest look at some awesome American athletes. First, let's look back at what we have gone over so far... Preview 100-91 90-81 80-71 70-61 60-51 50-41
Venus Williams is the second biggest American name in tennis (only slightly behind her sister). She also is a major force on the sport and nobody dislikes her. Williams has won 7 gland slam single titles and several more doubles titles with Serena. More importantly, to me at least, is the fact that she has 4 Olympic Gold Medals. 3 of these medals with her sister Serena and one single gold medal for 2000. For a long time, Venus was the #1 player in the world even ahead of her sister, but she has since fallen off that pace. Still, she is elite in the tennis world. Despite all her injuries and ailments, Venus is once again on the upswing and looking to head towards the top. Her records and achievements speak for themselves and there are quite a bit more of them than I mentioned. She will always be one of the biggest and most beloved tennis players in the world.
29. Serena
Williams
Lynwood,
California
Professional
Tennis
Serena Williams is perhaps the most famous and likable female athlete around. She has dominated the tennis world in the past and is still a major force. In fact, she is still ranked #1 in the world. Her biggest claim to fame is that she has won more prize money than any female athlete in history. Williams has won more than 63 million in prize money already. All of this and she just turned 33 in September. She has also won an unprecedented 18 Grand Slam Singles Titles. That total is 11 more than even her spectacular sister. However, my favorite fact about Serena is that she has won 4 gold medals for tennis. Recently winning the singles and doubles championships in London. Additionally, Williams is famous for her charity work. Williams has developed a secondary school in Kenya, and has been involved in camps, and clinics for at risk youth here. She also has received an award for her work in promoting cancer research. Really from Serena on in this list they have a bit of an argument for the #1 overall spot on this list.
28. Chris
Paul
Winston-Salem,
North Carolina
Current
Team: Los Angeles Clippers
The current NBAPA president is very popular with fans. More than his popularity though, everyone loves CP3. I have been a CP3 fan since his days at Wake Forest and loved him on the Demon Deacons. I may have incorrectly picked the team to win it all in both of Paul's seasons. Anyway, ever since he was able to lead that team to a #1 ranking, I have been a fan of CP3. It is hard not to be as you watch his unselfish and spectacular play on that court. Yet, somehow he didn't go #1 in the draft. He should have been a lock to go to Milwaukee, but they selected Andrew Bogut. The rest is history as Chris Paul was just selected to his 8th all-star team. He is a fantastic player and probably the best point guard in the league. Paul also was a member of the redeem team that won the 2008 gold medal. That gold medal was his first, but not his last as he also won in 2012. Don't be surprised if he comes back and gets another one in 2016. Gotta love CP3.
27. Rickie
Fowler
Murrieta,
California
PGA Tour
Rickie Fowler was born in California, but currently resides in Jupiter, Florida. He is a professional golfer and one of the best Americans on tour. While he only has 1 PGA Tour Win he is known as a major force on the tour. Fowler didn't turn professional until 2009 and already has finished in the top 5 of 5 different major championships. Those top 5 finishes included four top 5s just last year. He was 2nd at the US Open, 2nd at The Open Championship, 3rd at the PGA Championship, and 5th at The Masters. You get the feeling that Fowler is just on the cusp of truly breaking through. Before turning pro, he was the #1 amateur golfer for 36 weeks in 2007 and 2008. Fowler has been on two Ryder Cup teams representing the US well in 2010 and 2014. Additionally, Fowler is a member of the "Golf Boys." It is easy to see his likability from the Golf Boys video posted below and from his play on the tour. Finally, the fact that he goes to weekly bible study and is just an all around great guy does not hurt his case.
26. Torii
Hunter
Pine Bluff,
Arkansas
Current
Team: Minnesota Twins
Torri Hunter is back with the team that he broke through with as he resigned in Minnesota. This makes Hunter incredibly likable in that he was able to return to the team he started with an maintain his fanbase in each of his three major league stops. The fact that he gives it his all everyday and is always smiling sure does not hurt his case. He has been selected to five all-star games and is admired for being one of the best right handed hitters in the game. More importantly though he plays great defense and has been rewarded for that defense with 9 gold gloves. In fact, his most memorable moment was robbing Barry Bonds at the All-Star Game (video below). He is probably most liked for his off the field pursuits. Hunter is involved in a great deal of charity work and received the Branch Rickey Award in 2009 for all of the great charity work that he has done. Torii Hunter is a happy guy that is always smiling that has made his community a better place.
25. Russell
Wilson
Cincinnati,
Ohio
Current
Team: Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson has sure made a name for himself in the NFL early on. He has only been in the league for 3 seasons and already has been to the big game twice. Not only that, but he won in just his second year in the league. Nobody will complain about the success Russell Wilson has had as a 3rd round draft pick. A rookie of the year award and 2 trips to the Super Bowl is not to shabby for 3 years in the league. Add in the fact that he is incredibly humble and well liked around the league and you got yourself a keeper. Heck, I can't stand the Seahawks and I think the world of Russell Wilson. How can you not like a guy that makes weekly visits to his local children's hospital? A guy that visits soldiers as well. He is the National Ambassador for the Charles Ray III Diabetes Association and also has his own foundation. A great guy that looks like he will be racking in Super Bowl Championships.
24. Ashton
Eaton
Portland,
Oregon
Track and
Field
Ashton Eaton is the highest ranked track athlete on this list and for good reason. He is the decathlete champion from the most recent Olympic Games. Being that the decathlon is the best measure we have of the ultimate athlete, him winning instantly makes him one of the greatest athletes in the entire world. The fact that he represented the United States while doing it instantly makes him beloved in this country. Including his triumph at the Olympics, Eaton has 4 gold medals and 1 silver. He has the Olympic win, the 2013 Moscow World Championship in the decathlon and 2012 and 2014 World Indoor Championships in the Heptathlon. His silver medal came in the 2011 World Championship decathlon event. He plans to retire after the 2017 World Championships in London at age 29, but he has a lot left in the tank before then.
23. Anthony
Davis
Chicago,
Illinois
Current
Team: New Orleans Hornets
Anthony Davis has emerged as a superstar for the New Orleans Hornets. Many expect him to be the best player in the league moving forward especially as Durant (26) and LeBron (30) continue to age. Davis just turned 22 today and is scratching the surface of what he can do in the NBA. The league also has many more dominant wing players than big men. With Duncan retiring soon, the path is clear towards Davis' greatness. It helps that he was voted by the fans to start this all-star game and made his second appearance at the event. His experience in the 2012 Olympic Games does not hurt either especially considering it was fresh off him being selected in the NBA Draft. Happy Birthday to Anthony and we look forward to the amazing things he is going to do for the NBA.
22. Ryan
Miller
East
Lansing, Michigan
Current
Team: Vancouver Canucks
Ryan Miller is one of the best known goalies in the NHL by the general public. He also happens to be the Olympic goalie for the last two Olympics which makes him more likable in this country. Back in 2010, he was the MVP of the Olympic Hockey Tournament where the US finished with the silver medal. Miller certainly played well enough for the US to win gold, but we couldn't score against Canada. Then in 2014, he only got one start, but the United States won his start. He is now also the 30th goaltender to win 300 games in the NHL. Going back to 2010 again, he won the NHL Foundation Player Award, the Vezina Trophy (top goaltender), and was NHL First All-Star Team. Miller has had an outstanding career which has taken place mostly in Buffalo and is continuing to do great things in Vancouver. Now that he has had his first child, Miller continues to get more and more likable.
21. Troy
Polamulu
Garden
Grove, California
Current Team:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Troy Polamulu is best known for his amazing play on the field. While that play on the field has dropped a bit, he still is fantastic. Nobody considers him the best player in the leaguue anymore as many did, but everyone still thinks he is very good. The way he plays and conducts himself makes him incredibly likable. Back in 2012, Polamulu was also found to be the NFL's most likable player. I believe that survey largely holds true today. However, I do think a few players have passed Polamulu in that department due to his drop in play. This guy is incredibly popular, but also soft spoken and a family man. Perhaps the fact that he doesn't run his mouth constantly adds to that likability. Troy has been on the cover of Madden and appeared in shampoo commercials. The guy is a straight icon. His 8 Pro Bowls and 5x as All-Pro do not hurt. Polamulu is simply a beast.
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment