100 Most Likable American Athletes (40-31)

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

40. Patrick Willis

Bruceton, Tennesee

Current Team: San Francisco 49ers

Until Luke Kuechly came along, it was pretty undisputed that Patrick Willis was the best linebacker around. Now it is a strong debate, but even those that side with Kuechly admire Willis and the way he plays the game. He is a 7x Pro Bowl selection and was 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. When you hear about Willis' story it makes you like him even more. His mother left when he was a young child and his dad left him while he was 17. All of this tragedy and his brother died in 2006 while Willis was still in college. That is a lot of tragedy for any one person to take. Through all of that, Willis has remained a strong leader on the field and a strong Christian as well. He says that his grandma taught him about Jesus. About his Christian faith, he says "no matter the outcome of the game, my #1 goal is to glorify God." Patrick Willis is just a solid All-Around guy that chooses not to look at things negatively no matter what happens to him.

39. Lindsey Vonn
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Skiing

Vonn is most likely the most famous female winter Olympian. She was the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year in 2010. This followed a gold and a bronze medal finish in the Vancouver Olympic Games. Those were the highlight of her career so far. However, in international competition, she has 3 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and that one bronze. Hopefully she will be adding to that in the near future. Her medal count isn't Michael Phelps' level, but she does have 62 World Cup victories. Those 62 victories are tied for the all-time record. Because of a right knee injury last year, Vonn had to withdraw from the Olympics which prevented her from claiming even more Olympic fame. She just tied that record though and looks to be a major force going forward. In the world of skiing, she is the biggest name.  There is a lot to like about Lindsey Vonn and the fact that she is one of the most recognizable and beloved Winter Olympians is certainly one of them.

38. Jordan Zimmermann

Auburndale, Wisconsin

Current Team: Washington Nationals

Jordan Zimmermann is absolutely a top 10 pitcher in baseball. I would say he is Top 5. The only guys I would absolutely take over Zimmermann are Kershaw, King Felix, and MadBum. After that it is him, Adam Wainwright, and Chris Sale. However, some crazy people think he is inferior to his own teammate, Stephen Strasburg. That talk is absolutely crazy and so are Zimmermann's stats. He had just a 2.66 ERA last season and threw a no-hitter on the season's last day. Through 4 full seasons, his highest ERA in a full season is 3.25. That season he had a 3.25 ERA he won 19 games (most in the National League) and was an all-star. This guy is absolutely filthy as a starting pitcher and doesn't get the publicity that he deserves. As Americans we love the underdog and the overlooked. It appears Zimmermann is both of those. He doesn't go seeking the attention, but he deserves it. Zimmermann is also a starting pitcher that any fanbase would want. I know I would love to have Zimmermann in black and orange. Everyone likes this guy and when they realize what he has done, they will like him even more.

37. Dana Vollmer

Syracuse, New York

Swimming

Dana Vollmer is an Olympic Gold Medal winning swimmer for the USA. She is the 2nd gator on this list, but she transferred from UF to Cal-Berkeley. Vollmer first won a gold medal in 2004 at the age of 16. Unfortunately, she did not make the Olympic Team in 2008 (probably from regressing due to poor coaching at Florida which led to her transfer). However, she did make it in a big way in 2012. Those 2012 Olympics saw Vollmer win 3 gold medals. She also broke a World Record in the 4x100 relay and in the 100m butterfly. In addition to her Olympic success, Vollmer has 15 other gold medals in international competition. All of this success equals a total of 19 gold medals. She recently had her 1st child which is incredibly exciting as well. It will be interesting to see how well Vollmer is able to compete in the future, but perhaps she will make another appearance in Rio.

36. John Wall

Raleigh, North Carolina

Current Team: Washington Wizards

The first and only Wizard on this list, John Wall has truly come into his own in the NBA at this point. He has not taken the easy path to success, but he is incredibly successful. Wall lost his father at the young age of 8 from liver cancer. This was only a month after his father was released from prison. His dad was arrested for armed robbery this time and had committed 2nd degree murder another time. Because of his father's legal problems, Wall had to be raised by his mother who was working multiple jobs. John Wall himself got into trouble while he was younger and it was said he didn't trust the adults in his life. He had attitude issues and was cut from his sophomore basketball team because of those issues. Then, he transferred to Word of God Christian Academy. It was at Word of God that Wall met coach Levi Beckwith who worked with Wall and helped him become the person he is today. Beckwith became that father figure that Wall never had. He then played a year at Kentucky and the rest is history. Wall is in his 5th NBA season and just made his 2nd all-star game appearance. He is one of the most recognizable and exciting young players in the league. This is likely due to the speed and overall excitement he brings to the floor. John Wall is only getting better and the Wizards and NBA will be much better for it.

35. Patrick Peterson

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Current Team: Arizona Cardinals

Patrick Peterson is an extremely talented corner for the Arizona Cardinals. He is the mentor for Tyrann Mathieu as well and seemed to help him turn his life around. That alone seems to make Peterson likable. Add in that he is the anti-Sherman and lets his play do the talking and you have a very likable superstar on your hands. Further you add in that he has been an electric return man and this guy is one of the top talents in the NFL. In fact, Peterson has two NFL records as a return man. He has the longest overtime walk-off punt return in NFL history at 99 yards. Peterson also had the most punt return touchdowns in a season with 4 which was set in 2011. For that record it is a tie with Devon Hester among others. This guy is electric and fun and everybody seems to like him.

34. Abby Wambach

Rochester, New York

Current Team: Western New York Flash

This fantastic female soccer player has been a star with the United States National Team for 12 years now. Dating back all the way to 2003, Wambach has been a player on the big team. She is also a 6 time recipient of the US Soccer Athlete of the Year Award. Back in 2012, she was the FIFA World Player of the Year and the first woman to receive that honor in over 10 years. She is an icon in the sport, even if she is a Gator. Her exploits on the National Team and success in the game make her a very likable athlete.

33. Andre Ward
San Francisco, California
Professional Boxing

The only boxer on this list and one of the few without a lengthy arrest record is Andre Ward. One other thing that Andre Ward doesn't have is a loss. Ward won over Americans in 2004 when he became the first American boxer to win a gold medal in 8 years. He won that medal in the light heavyweight division during the Athens Olympics. The boxer is 27-0 as a professional with 14 knockouts and could easily be considered the best boxer today. Unlike his main competition Floyd Mayweather, he was not on the phone with his buddy while his buddy was murdering somebody either. That is not a tough task, but it makes it quite easy to see why Ward is on this list and not Mayweather. However, Ward has only fought twice in the last two years due to legal disputes with his former promoter. Now that those disputes are over, he is ready to get back to work with his new promoter (Jay-Z) and get some fights in. It will be exciting to see Andre Ward get some more fights in under his belt.

32. Andrew McCutchen

Fort Meade, Florida

Current Team: Pittsburgh Pirates

Andrew McCutchen at this point is considered by pretty much everybody to be the best centerfielder in the game of baseball. Even I who support Adam Jones strongly can see why everyone thinks that way. He is a 4x all-star and won the 2013 National League MVP Award. McCutchen has been a top athlete since HS where he was a three sport athlete. Fort Meade HS loved having Andrew McCutchen. No team loved him more than that HS baseball team as he hit .709 as a senior on that team. He was slated to go to the University of Florida, but opted for professional ball after being a 1st round pick of Pittsburgh and the rest is history. Had he gone to Florida they probably would have ruined his baseball career haha so wise decision for Andrew. I am sure the millions of dollars did not hurt either. As a center fielder for the Pirates since 2009, he has been nothing short of spectacular. He is the son of a minister and a devout Christian. Most importantly, he is just an all around good guy.

31. Aaron Donald
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Current Team: St. Louis Rams

What is a rookie defensive tackle doing on this list this high up?
I will tell you what he is doing here, because he belongs. Donald comes to each game with relentless energy and surprising athleticism. He is incredibly athletic for his look or any look for that matter. Despite being much shorter than several others at his position, Donald simply gets the job done. Donald is listed as 6'1, but is almost certainly shorter and the average defensive end is 6'2. He's also 10 pounds lighter than the average defensive tackle in the NFL. His combine profile said "he doesn't look the part" and that is what he has been fighting against. However, when you watch him play you see that he plays like he should. He gets the job done and he does a great job at all times. Aaron Donald is just a fantastic rookie and will be a great player for a long time. The fatest time ever by a rookie defensive tackle at the combine was posted by Donald who ran a 4.62. He should have been a slam dunk top 5 pick, but somehow fell to 13. The Rams sure are not complaining about the fall, but his underdog story adds to his overall likability.

-Noland