100 Most Likable American Athletes (90-81)

Two 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. Damian Lillard

Oakland, California

Current Team: Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard is a guard for the Portland Trail Blazers. He is a fantastic player who was Rookie of the Year during his rookie season and is an all-star level player currently. Lillard has also become quite involved with charity work including hosting a New Years Eve party for the Brian Grant Foundation. That event which ran a few weeks ago ran from 8pm to 2am and benefited Parkinson's research. He refuses to openly campaign for himself for an all-star spot although he is deserving and just plays the game. This guy is awesome he only calls attention if it is a charity event like the one I mentioned. His play on the court is the biggest reason he is on this list, but his work on it adds to his popularity. With only 2 NBA seasons under his belt following a career as a mid-major star in college, we can expect to see a lot more of Damian Lillard.

89. John Carlson

Natick, Massachusetts

Current Team: Washington Capitals

John Carlson was on Team USA of the 2014 Winter Olympics and also represents the Washington Capitals. He was a strong defenseman on that USA squad and represented our country well. Who doesn't like rooting on the old red, white, and blue anyway? He even scored the first goal of that 2014 tournament enduring him with American hockey fans. During the 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, Carlson scored the winning goal in the Gold Medal Game against Canada. Carlson was the alternate captain of that 2010 squad. His international success is a big reason why Carlson made the cut for this list.

88. Jozy Altidore

Livingston, New Jersey

Current Team: Sunderland

Jozy Altidore is obviously best known for being on the US Men's National Team in this country. Altidore represented the United States in both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. He had to be carried off the field though in that 2014 World Cup opener against Ghana. Because he did not play more in the actual World Cup, I don't think he can be higher than this. However, Altidore became very popular with American sport enthusiasts during the qualifying stage. Altidore does not appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.

87. Heath Miller

Richlands, Virginia

Current Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Heath Miller is a tight end and football player that just goes about his business. I tend to think that Americans respect that. In my opinion, he is one the best blocking tight ends in football (was the best at one time) and has been a consistent player for the Steelers for years. He just does impressive things on the field without calling attention and always gets the job done. Miller even has a fan page talking about why he is so likable. After browsing through that page, you can see why people love Miller as a player and a person. This guy does a ton of charity work and is just an all-around great guy. The Steelers love Heath Miller and he is a guy that any fanbase would love to have on their team.

86. Cullen Jones

New York City, New York

Swimming

Cullen Jones is one of the most recognizable swimmers that we have here in America. He won the 4x100 meter medley relay at the 2012 Olympics on Michael Phelps' team. Jones also won 2 silver medals in 2012 at those game. His American team holds the 4x100 freestyle World Record. This guy's story is very interesting as he learned to swim at 5 following a near death experience from drowning. Years later he is an Olympic athlete and one of the most famous ones we got. Of course, let's be honest we remember him for this back in 2008 and being on this team...

85. JJ Hardy

Tucson, Arizona

Current Team: Baltimore Orioles

The first current Oriole of the list. JJ Hardy is the perfect professional baseball player. Great team leader that doesn't run his mouth and is awesome in the community. Many consider him the best and most consistent shortstop in the American League. Because of this great consistency at defense, Hardy has won 3 straight gold glove awards. Luckily for O's fans he also signed a three year extension back in October and will remain an Oriole for the next few seasons. The fact that he signed for less money to stay on his current team is not lost amongst sports fan and it is a rare site today. He could have easily taken the money that the Yankees would have thrown at him, but that would have made Hardy far less likable as a baseball player. Hardy also as mentioned does his own charity work and volunteers for causes of other athletes. Here is an example of that as Hardy volunteered at this baseball clinic for Shelley Duncan's cause.

84. Klay Thompson

Los Angeles, California

Current Team: Golden State Warriors

Klay Thompson this season has seemed to take the step from really good player to superstar player. He has gone from scoring 16.6 PPG to now over 21 PPG. This leap has been accompanied by the Warriors having the best record in basketball and a certain all-star game appearance for Thompson. Last season, he and Steph Curry set an NBA record for most three pointers in a season by a duo. That record will likely be crushed this season. Thompson was a member of the gold medal winning FIBA Basketball World Cup team this summer. Picking up the gold increased his popularity and likability as did picking up his game. The most recent feat that Thompson accomplished of scoring 37 in a quarter, really set him up to be loved. He set social media on fire with that one and it leads many to believe some more spectacular play is coming.

83. Kyla Ross

Honolulu, Hawaii

Gymnastics

Kyla Ross is the least popular member of the Fab 5 team from the 2012 Olympic Games. People remember Gabby Douglas and Jordyn Wieber dominating. They remember McKayla's vault and they remember Aly's grace. A lot of people forget that Kyla was on the team. However, everyone that remembers loves her for it. Those that don't remember, tend to get a refresher when reminded. The girl was awesome at the games and it would have been hard to win gold without her.

82. Matt Bonner

Concord, New Hampshire

Current Team: San Antonio Spurs

The first Spur on this list is Red Mamba. This team has gone from one of the most hated in sports to one of the most likable in a very short period of time. Most people hated them because they always won, but now respect them because of their team first attitude. They love that a guy like Matt Bonner who is nothing outside of San Antonio is a stud in this system. This guy had crazy fanfare at the 2014 All-Star Game where he almost won the 3 point contest. Eventhough he finished 2nd in the contest, Bonner impressed a lot of people. He impresses them more with his unselfish play as a key member of the San Antonio machine. Matt Bonner has made a name for himself in San Antonio.

81. Anquan Boldin

Pahokee, Florida

Current Team: San Francisco 49ers

Anquan Boldin is my personal favorite football player. Nobody plays with the same passion that this guy does. No receiver I have seen has been more fearless going across the middle. There aren't guys that get more out of what they have. He was a clear first rounder, but went in the 2nd because he ran a 4.7 40. The fact that he ran that speed shows that he isn't a speedster. I ran 4.7 as an offensive lineman in  HS and I am not fast. Boldin also isn't the fastest or the greatest leaper. Boldin is a guy with reliable hands that runs fantastic routes. He is a rock in the offense and you don't have to worry about him dropping passes. Every team that has had Boldin has loved Boldin. Despite WR being a loaded position during his career, Boldin has appeared in 3 Pro Bowl Games. The wideout was also the 2003 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. During his first game in the NFL, Boldin made a quick impression by setting a rookie receiving record in his first game. Those 217 yards receiving in his NFL debut left quite the impression. During the 2009 season, Boldin became the 5th fastest player ever to reach 7,000 yards receiving in his career. In 12 NFL seasons, Boldin has 12,406 yards receiving. That puts Boldin 4th among active players and 19th all-time in receiving yards currently.
Boldin is also likable for his Q81 foundation. That foundation does fantastic work and provides the following services. The NFL sure could use more individuals like Anquan Boldin.

Come back next week for numbers 80-71

-Noland

Most Underrated Players In the NFL

My underrated athlete list for the NFL will not include kickers. Enjoy!

Quarterback
Andy Dalton                   Cincinnati Bengals
Dalton was so underrated and undervalued out of college that he fell to the second round. There were actually quite a few people that thought the Bengals were wrong to trade Carson Palmer and turn the keys over to Dalton. He then went on to lead the Bengals to the playoffs, and returned this past season. Two seasons with two playoff appearances, but people refuse to talk about him when discussing successful QBs in the NFL.


Runningback
Alfred Morris                
Washington Redskins
This guy fell to the 6th round! He had one of the most productive seasons last year, but he was a 6th rounder. Following his awesome season, Morris was snubbed from the Pro Bowl. One of the class acts in the NFL, I think people will start taking more notice of Morris soon.

Wide Receivers
Anquan Boldin              
San Francisco 49ers
Vincent Jackson           
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Steve Johnson               
Buffalo Bills
I heard on NFL Network recently that Dez Bryant was the #2 receiver in the league, which would seem to make every receiver not named Calvin Johnson overrated. However, these three ultra productive receivers are who I thought of most.
Anquan Boldin is an old school receiver that does everything. He blocks, he goes across the middle, he breaks tackles, and he catches the ball in traffic. The guy also had a touchdown and 100 yards receiving on the biggest stage of them all. What was the reward for Anquan Boldin? Being traded for a 6th round pick. Really? All one of the best receivers is worth is a 6th rounder. Boldin could push the 49ers over the top to win the Super Bowl this season.
Vincent Jackson was originally left off the Pro Bowl roster despite nearly 1400 yards receiving. Jackson had the very inconsistent Josh Freeman throwing to him and still got no love. The guy is a top 5 receiver, but was ranked #52 in the NFL Top 100, more than 10 receivers were rated better than Jackson. Absolute disrespect. Not as bad as Boldin, but close.
Steve Johnson was not even ranked in the Top 100. He had 1000 yards, almost 80 catches and he wasn't even ranked. Who was this guy's QB? Steve Johnson is going to be known all around football this year.

Tight End
Heath Miller                   
Pittsburgh Steelers
Miller is perhaps the best blocking tight end in the NFL, but analysts were going nuts that he was ranked the 97th best player by his peers. I understand if you don't think he's the best blocking tight end, but the guy can play. To me he belongs on the list and is a valuable member of the Steelers offense.


Offensive Tackles
Trent Williams                     Washington Redskins
Andre Smith                         Cincinnati Bengals
Andre Smith has been called an overweight and out of shape bum his whole career. I think Andy Dalton is just happy this guy is on his team, because he is a great blocker. The guy is one of the best players not just lineman in the league. The Bengals are lucky to have him.
Trent Williams is a top 3 tackle in the game and in my opinion a top 40 player. He was only ranked the 99th best player by his peers though. If I had to pick any tackle in the league, I might pick Williams.

Guards
Rodney Hudson                      Kansas City Chiefs
Marshal Yanda                       Baltimore Ravens
Rodney Hudson is a great guard that can play any position on the line, but he rots on the bench for an awful Kansas City team. The guy can't even get playing time there, talk about underrated.
Marshal Yanda is the best guard in football, but is rarely recognized for it. He is another guy that wasn't on the top 100. Baltimore appreciates Yanda, but not sure too many other people do.

Center
Max Unger                              Seattle Seahawks
Unger is the best lineman in football, but much like Williams was ranked far too low in the top 100. Unger was ranked #95, behind players like Percy Harvin (who is hurt again) and Aaron Hernandez.

Defensive Ends
Chris Long                               St. Louis Rams
Everson Griffen                        Minnesota Vikings
Chris Long is known mostly just as Howie's kid which you think might make him overrated, but it is just the opposite. Long is looked over, possibly because he is the son of a Hall of Famer. I am not sure about that, but I know that Chris Long is one of the best defensive ends in football.
Everson Griffen only started one game and got little time, but his production in that time was awesome. Griffen had 8 sacks during the year and 1 in the postseason, outproducing a majority of starters in the league. Griffen could be an above average starter were he with another team. In a year or two, he could get a big contract to do just that.

Defensive Tackles
Haloti Ngata                              Baltimore Ravens
Brandon Mebane                       Seattle Seahawks
Haloti Ngata may have been the Ravens best player last year. I actually think that he was, other than Flacco. He is an absolute monster in the middle of that Baltimore defense. How many people think he is that dominating presence though? Everyone gave all the credit to Ray Lewis. This season they will realize that Haloti Ngata is the heart and soul of that defense. Don't forget that San Francisco nearly came back when Ngata got hurt in the Super Bowl.
Mebane had 3 sacks and helped anchor one of the best defenses in football. The secondary may not have had the same effect in Seattle if not for the pressure from Mebane and company. He is a force in the middle of that defensive line for Seattle.

Linebackers
Jerrell Freeman                        
Indianapolis Colts            
Lavonte David                          
Tampa Bay Buccaneers    
Thomas Davis                          
Carolina Panthers                
Jerrell Freeman was so underrated that he played in the CFL for three seasons. He came back to the NFL this season to lead the Colts with 145 tackles. 90 of Freeman's tackles were solo tackles.
Lavonte David had 20 tackles for a loss, which was the most by a rookie since 2001. David also had 139 tackles to lead the Bucs. Despite all of that, David was left off the Pro Bowl roster.
Thomas Davis had 105 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception, but wasn't talked up much. He also did all of this in 15 games only (3 of which he didn't start). How does a guy with that production not start every game? Well, you can see why the Panthers aren't very good with decisions like that.

Cornerbacks
Ike Taylor                                  
Pittsburgh Steelers
Tony Carter                                
Denver Broncos
Ike Taylor doesn't have the stats or the recognition, but he has the performance. Taylor is a fantastic corner. Ike held AJ Green (a top 3 WR) to 1 catch when the Steelers played the Bengals. When Taylor was hurt against the Bengals, during the other matchup Green had 10 catches for over 100 yards. That is a staggering change in production with Ike out of the lineup.
Tony Carter is a really solid backup that would be starting for most teams. When Carter got more time like the Week 10 matchup with Carolina, he produced. Carter had an interception and a touchdown in that contest. If he got more time, and he will likely with Bailey getting older, he may produce a lot more.

Safeties
Danieal Manning                           Houston Texans                  FS
Jordan Babineaux                          Unsigned                             SS
Jordan Babineaux was one of the most productive safeties last year, and he can't even get a contract. He also couldn't crack the top 100 despite the production. Babineaux was the best defensive player the Titans had last year. He had 96 tackles and an interception. However, Babineaux may be the most underrated because he can't find a team.
Danieal Manning forced three fumbles last year, had 2 picks, a sack, and even scored a touchdown. His emergence was one of the main reasons that Houston was able to fight for the top seed out West last year. Teaming up with Ed Reed, they could make the top safety duo in the league and lead Houston to the next step.

-Noland