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. Vince
Carter
Daytona
Beach, Florida
Current
Team: Memphis Grizzles
If this was back in his Raptor days like this picture, Carter would be a lock for the top 10. Unfortunately, many people don't even realize he is still playing. While that fact is sad and he is a shell of his former self, Carter is still a heck of a player. A heck of a player and one still loved all over the place. How can you not love Vince Carter for all the highlight reel moments he has provided? The guy is a walking highlight reel and has always been entertaining. He plays on a very good team this season as well that is a darkhorse contender.
69. Odell
Beckham Jr.
New Orleans,
Louisiana
Current
Team: New York Giants
Odell Beckham Jr. rose to fame with the catch in the picture above. It is a catch that is talked about around the world (or at least the United States). Many consider it to be the greatest catch of all-time. Following the catch, Beckham took off in his rookie year and was Eli's most trusted target at the end of the season. He ended up with fantastic numbers and is the Rookie of the Year. It seemed tough to imagine before this catch as he was behind a couple other receivers. However, post catch he passed all the rookie receivers in every stat category. Everyone seems to love Odell Beckham Jr. Back in my
NFC East Draft Grades for this class, I mentioned my thoughts on Beckham as the best route runner in this draft and his sure hands. I was proven right by Mr. Beckham this season.
68. Adam
LaRoche
Fort Scott,
Kansas
Current
Team: Chicago White Sox
Adam LaRoche once again has a new team as he recently signed with the Chicago White Sox. LaRoche has left a favorable impression at each of these stops he has made. He seems to be one of the most down to earth professional athletes there is. This guy seems to do things many people love. LaRoche is also an avid hunter and good friends with Willie Robertson. He has even appeared on TV with the Robertson family. If you have seen the show Buck Commander, LaRoche is a co-owner of that show. Additionally, he is a strong Christian athlete and he helped established "Faith Day"as a member of the Washington Nationals.
67. Jonathan
Quick
Milfred, Conneticut
Current
Team: Los Angeles Kings
Quick won a silver medal as part of Team USA in the 2010 Olympics, but rarely played. This past Olympics he was the starting goalie on a team that did not medal, but he played quite well. He also happens to be the goalie for the defending Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings. All of those factors make Quick one of the most recognizable and likable hockey players from this country. It does not hurt that he is one of the best goalies that the NHL has to offer.
66. Jimmy
Butler
Houston,
Texas
Current
Team: Chicago Bulls
Butler can best be summed up by one quote that a GM made about him prior to the 2011 NBA Draft. "His story is one of the most remarkable I've seen in all my years of basketball. There were so many times in his life where he was set up to fail. Every time, he overcame just enormous odds.When you talk to him - and he's hesitant to talk about his life - you just have this feeling that this kid has greatness in him." Doesn't that just about say it all? However, I will go on.
Butler was abandoned by his dad when he was an infant and forced to live in a single parent household. That parent kicked Butler out of the house when he was just 13 years old. As a student until he went to college, Butler was forced to bounce between houses of his friends. Still, Butler had a successful HS career and ended up going to a junior college after light recruiting. Following his Freshman Season, Butler transferred to Marquette. Finally, he was drafted by the Bulls in that 2011 draft. Once Butler finally got his chance to start with the Bulls in 2012, he never looked back. Now, he is expected to command a max deal and there aren't many players more deserving. Everyone that has seen his game loves the guy. He still is not a mega star yet, but he is getting there.
65. Jeff
Demps
Winter
Garden, Florida
Current
Team: Indianapolis Colts
Jeff Demps is the one and only Gator on this list. He also is the only true two-sport athlete. Demps made it as a track athlete, but is also on the Indianapolis Colts. There is no doubting Demps' likability or his pure speed. The guy is a superstar in every sense of the word. Despite him being a Gator, I wish him nothing but the best. You can bet that I will be cheering Demps on with the rest of the country during the Olympics in Rio next year.
64. Earl
Thomas
Orange,
Texas
Current
Team: Seattle Seahawks
Earl Thomas is the only member of the Legion of Boom that I truly like and I know that there are several people that agree with me on that. Thomas is also the best safety in the league, with less competition after Eric Berry was diagnosed with Lymphoma. This guy just goes out every week and plays his heart out. Most correctly see him as the anchor of that amazing defensive backfield in Seattle. On his
website, Thomas does a great job talking about how being a father is the most important role in his life. How refreshing is that in today's day and age? Thomas loves his kids and treats them as priority #1. Additionally, Thomas has a
foundation that does a lot of good. What isn't there to like about this guy.
63. David
Wright
Norfolk,
Virginia
Current
Team: New York Mets
In 2014, David Wright was voted as MLB Network's Face of MLB, so you know he is well liked. This guy also seems to be in the all-star game just about every season. There is a lot to like about this guy and his game. Everyone that I have heard from seems to like the guy. However, I do get a vibe that it is more indifference towards him than like. Therefore, I couldn't put him in the Top 50 even if he is the face. He is one of the hardest guys to peg on this list. That being said he is one of the best 3rd baseman in the game and he definitely belongs here.
62. Paul
George
Palmdale,
California
Current
Team: Indiana Pacers
Paul George is a guy that is falling off a bit largely in part to the fact that he may never be the player he once was. You could argue George for a top 25 spot prior to his injury, but now it seems that many are writing him off. Everyone likes him and wants him to succeed, but it seems a bit far-fetched for him to be elite again. Still, he got hurt playing for our country and he was a top 10 player in this league before the injury. The Pacers surely are not even close to the same team without him. Get well Paul because the NBA needs you. It may be coincidence that Paul George changed his number from 24 to 13 shortly before his gruesome injury. This guy is elite and loved by fans everywhere so if he comes back strong he could be the most liked player in the league.
61. Michael Bradley
Princeton, New Jersey
Current Team: Toronto FC
Michael Bradley is a popular midfielder for Toronto FC and the US Men's National Team. He scored the opening goal against Mexico in April 2012 for the National Team. Bradley also started all of the World Cup games for the US. An interesting note about Bradley is that he speaks 5 languages. He can speak English, Dutch, German, Italian, and Spanish. He recently had a baby girl as well which adds to the likability factor. However, most know him here as the Center-Midfielder on the National Team of course.
-Noland
Odell Beckham Jr. rose to fame with the catch in the picture above. It is a catch that is talked about around the world (or at least the United States). Many consider it to be the greatest catch of all-time. Following the catch, Beckham took off in his rookie year and was Eli's most trusted target at the end of the season. He ended up with fantastic numbers and is the Rookie of the Year. It seemed tough to imagine before this catch as he was behind a couple other receivers. However, post catch he passed all the rookie receivers in every stat category. Everyone seems to love Odell Beckham Jr. Back in my NFC East Draft Grades for this class, I mentioned my thoughts on Beckham as the best route runner in this draft and his sure hands. I was proven right by Mr. Beckham this season.
