As we’ve mentioned before, Jim Brown may be the greatest all-around American athlete. He played professional football for the Browns, but he was also a lacrosse player at Syracuse University. If you were in Jim’s way, you better move as he was not only a goal scorer and lightning-fast runner but also a formidable presence.
Brown himself actually preferred lacrosse and believed he was more talented at it, so if playing lacrosse was as popular as football, Brown effortlessly could have had a career scoring goals instead of touchdowns.
The Dream Team
Larry Bird was a legend and has been celebrated as one of the greater Celtic players for the NBA of all time. To complement his 12 All-Star appearances, Bird had three championships and three MVP awards. He even shined on the international stage; in the photo, we see him relaxing alongside the court during the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
Larry Bird was a member of the most extraordinary basketball team ever assembled, also known as the Dream Team. Next to him, we see Charles Barkley. A prominent player himself, Barkley won two Olympic gold medals in 1992 and 1996, but he never reached the summit of NBA success- winning the Finals.
UTEP Takes the National Championship in 1966
The University of Texas, El Paso, has not had one of the most recognized athletic departments in NCAA history. But the team does have one of the most impressive victories in the NCAA Tournament. In 1966, UTEP, which was then known as Texas Western, defeated Kentucky 72–65 to claim the university's first title.
Their success made the first time in history that a team starred five African-American players in a single title game, while Kentucky had no black players on their side.
Ali Knocks Out Liston
This may have been called one of the most significant sporting events of the 20th century, Muhammad Ali versus Sonny Liston's fight was held in Lewiston, Me. Ali later revealed that it was Sonny Liston who gave him the toughest fight of his entire career.
Ali caught Liston with a swift, nearly invisible hook that sent the former champion tumbling to the floor. The photo of Ali reveling above his downed opponent has become one of the most famous in boxing.
Jackie Robinson Going Pro
Jackie Robinson was the man that would derail baseball's color barrier, and to do so; he had to be amazing on the field. He had to demonstrate to potential suitors that he was fit to play in an all-white league and, despite the racist taunts and intimidations, could still perform professionally.
Robinson finished his notable career as a six-time All-Star, World Series champion, as well as a National League MVP. More importantly, he completed his career as a trailblazer who would change the fates of minorities in America by opening previously doors shut. Major League Baseball retired his number 42 across the league.