Athlete you most admire...

[SupaDave]

Ok - after seeing a little MJ backlash it got me to wondering - just WHO are those athletes that we most admire and respect?

B/c I like to keep things positive I thought it would be good to give some folks some shine that don't necessarily get all the publicity.

For me, it all starts and ends with "Sweetness", I can't think of any athlete I would have wanted to meet over this guy. When it comes to sportmanship, drive, work ethic, accomplishments, and humility - there is none better than Walter Payton in my book.

I have a Duke favorite too - and his name is Grant Hill. Really no need to elaborate there b/c I'm sure many folks have fond memories of G.

So who do you appreciate?

[gep]

first thought that came to mind... Muhammad Ali

[DukeBlueNikeShox]

Tim Tebow!

(ooooops, you said "athlete", not superhero...)

[camion]

Manute Bol

[Kimist]

It's tough to separate athleticism from the character traits of merit.

Having said that, I think it would be a tough choice (Duke folks) between Shane Battier and Grant Hill.

And for the "outside" competition, I admire Cal Ripken greatly.

k

[bass-piscator]

Damn, Cal baby!!!!


How can you not admire that man.

[dukieinhebron]

Barry Sanders, or Dick Butkis.

[SupaDave]

Manute Bol

I like this. It's a lot behind that name you just put out there...

[throatybeard]

Henry Aaron
Sandy Koufax
Roberto Clemente
Hines Ward

not Buffalo's kick returner

[mgtr]

Hard for me to believe that no one has yet named Tiger Woods -- so I will! Or, how about Bob Mathias -- before many of your times, but a fabulous athlete.

[YourLandlord]

And for the "outside" competition, I admire Cal Ripken greatly.

Curious...why?

[Azdukefan]

Dukies
Grant Hill
Shane Battier
JJ Redick (I know he that DUI but many have stepped behind the wheel when they shouldn't have)

Beyond Duke
Tom Brady (did you watch the game tonight?)
Michael Phelps (I know he smoked some herb but in reality, most have tried it)
Andy Roddick
Roy Jones Jr. (can you say swagger?)

I know a few of my guys will get ripped but oh well (who is perfect?)!

My favorite football player ever...Lawrence Taylor (I am aware he might be one of the worst character guys on the planet but again he showed up with reckless abandon every Sunday).

[basket1544]

Grant, no question.
Shane.
David Robinson.
Any athlete who remembers at all times to be an honorable and respected member of his community.

[wallyman]

Grant/Shane.

Not a Yankees fan, but you can sure make a case
for Derek Jeter.

[madscavenger]

Babe Zaharias

Shane Battier

Luol Deng

[JaMarcus Russell]

George Weah is a very impressive person both on and off the soccer field. He was almost elected to serve as the President of Liberia a few years ago.

[SupaDave]

Dukies
Grant Hill
Shane Battier
JJ Redick (I know he that DUI but many have stepped behind the wheel when they shouldn't have)

Beyond Duke
Tom Brady (did you watch the game tonight?)
Michael Phelps (I know he smoked some herb but in reality, most have tried it)
Andy Roddick
Roy Jones Jr. (can you say swagger?)

I know a few of my guys will get ripped but oh well (who is perfect?)!

My favorite football player ever...Lawrence Taylor (I am aware he might be one of the worst character guys on the planet but again he showed up with reckless abandon every Sunday).

I just couldn't stop laughing reading this. No need to list their faults...

[barjwr]

Ditto David Robinson.

[flyingdutchdevil]

Roger Federer - greatest tennis player ever
Marco van Basten - amazingly talented player
Eric Cantona - though retired, still the fan favorite in Man U
Bryan Habana - one of the fastest athletes ever
Francois Pienaar - helped to unite a nation after Apartheid

[InSpades]

Surprised I didn't see anyone mention Lance Armstrong.