Wyoming – Boyd Dowler – NFL
Having grown up in Wyoming, Packers Great Boyd Dowler had to have been pretty comfortable playing in the frozen tundra. Dowler won 5 championships and 2 Super Bowls as a wide receiver with the Packers and is widely considered one of the best players in the franchise’s storied history.
Image Source: Diamond Images/Getty Images
Vermont – Carlton Fisk – MLB
The Bellows Falls native spent his first 12 years with the Boston Red Sox and the next 12 with the White Sox. “Pudge” was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000 and had his number retired by both the Red Sox and White Sox.
Image Source: MLB Photos/Stringer/Getty Images
Alaska – Lance Mackey – Dog Sledding
Lance Mackey is a legendary dog musher and dog sled racer out of Fairbanks, Alaska. In 2007, Mackey became the first person to win both the Iditarod and Yukon Quest races; a feat once labeled impossible. He doubled up on his achievement and won both races again in 2008.
Image Source: Jim Watson/Getty Images
North Dakota – Roger Maris – MLB
Maris won two World Series Championships with the New York Yankees and held the record for most home runs in a season (61) for 37 years. The 2-time MVP and 7-time All-Star had his No. 9 jersey retired by the Yankees, and is remembered as one of the best power hitters in MLB history.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
South Dakota – Brock Lesnar – MMA/WWE
Lesnar is a wrestler, mixed martial artist, former amateur wrestler and professional American football player. Lesnar’s UFC legacy has been tarnished by various doping allegations, but he will continue to represent WWE in the meantime. At 6-foot-3 and 286 pounds, Lesnar is a guy no one wants to mess with.
Image Source: Rey Del Rio/Getty Images
Delaware – Elena Delle Donne – WNBA
Born in Wilmington, DE, Delle Donne has established herself as one of the premier players in the WNBA. She was the MVP of the 2015 season and is certainly making the Diamond state proud.
Image Source: Harry How/Getty Images
Montana – Phil Jackson – NBA
Jackson is an NBA legend due to his incredible coaching career, which includes 11 championships in 21 years. Born in Deer Lodge (yes, really), Montana, Jackson played for the Knicks prior to his coaching career, winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 1970 and 1973.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Rhode Island – Nap Lajoie – MLB
There aren’t a ton of athletes to choose from who were born in the Ocean State, but Lajoie is leaps and bounds ahead of the rest. Lajoie was the AL batting champion five times and was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1937.
Image Source: Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images
Maine – Ian Crocker – Swimming
For reasons unbeknownst, Maine isn’t a center for athletic achievement. However, Portland native Ian Crocker has won almost two dozen medals in international competition. Although the water is a little chilly up north, it hasn’t slowed Ian down thus far.
Image Source: Chris Ivin/Getty Images
New Hampshire – Bode Miller – Skiing
Although he is known best for his off-slope activities, Bode Miller has been one of the most dominant skiers of his time. From 1998-2011, the New Hampshire native won 33 World Cup Championships and five Olympic medals. Being Bode bodes well.
Image Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images
Hawaii – Marcus Mariota – NFL
Born in Honolulu, Marcus Mariota is far and away the most successful athlete hailing from Hawaii. After winning the Heisman Trophy while at the University of Oregon, Mariota has enjoyed a successful NFL career thus far with the Tennessee Titans. As one of the best dual-threat signal callers in the league, Mariota should only continue to create distance between he and fellow Hawaiian athletes.
Image Source: Bill McCay/Getty Images
Idaho – Harmon Killebrew – MLB
The pride of Payette, Idaho, Killebrew’s ascension to stardom rose via Idaho semi-pro ball. When the home run savant retired, he trailed only Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron in career home runs.
Image Source: Focus On Sport/Getty Images
West Virginia – Jerry West – NBA
Despite retiring more than 40 years ago, West’s silhouette remains the NBA’s logo. Undoubtedly the greatest athlete in West Virginia’s history, West has a combined 9 NBA titles as a player and executive.
Image Source: Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images
Nebraska – Bob Gibson – MLB
Gibson played basketball, baseball and ran track in high school, eventually attending Creighton on a full basketball scholarship. After graduation, Gibson signed a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, but decided to play basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters. After his stint with the ‘Trotters, Gibson switched to baseball, winning two NL Cy Young Awards while earning nine All-Star selections.
Image Source: Focus On Sport/Getty Images
New Mexico – Ronnie Lott – NFL
Lott was one of the most fearsome NFL players to step on the gridiron. He was an unbridled defensive leader during the 49ers’ heyday, where they won 4 Super Bowls stretching from 1982-1990.
Image Source: Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images
Nevada – Andre Agassi – Tennis
Coming from “Sin City,” it’s hardly surprising that Agassi had a flair for the flamboyant. Rocking a long-haired, rock star look, Agassi was dominant in his prime, notching nine Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal.
Image Source: Nick Laham/Getty Images
Kansas – Barry Sanders – NFL
Although many great athletes have hailed from Kansas, Barry trumps them all. At 5-foot-8, Sanders won a Heisman while at Oklahoma St. and went on to have a brilliant NFL career with the Detroit Lions. He was named to the Pro Bowl every year of his career, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
Image Source: Focus On Sport/Getty Images
Arkansas – Scottie Pippen – NBA
Pippen’s professional basketball accolades include six championships with the Chicago Bulls, a gold medal with the 1992 “Dream Team,” and a Hall of Fame induction in 2010. What makes his achievements even more impressive is the fact that he created this career after playing his college ball at a non-Division I program (University of Central Arkansas).
Image Source: Gary Dineen/Getty Images
Mississippi – Jerry Rice – NFL
It’s virtually impossible to leave the Mississippi Valley State legend and the best wide receiver in NFL history off this list. Rice’s list of accolades (1,549 catches, 22,895 yards and 208 touchdowns) is borderline incomprehensible and he maintained the highest degree of play for 20 years.
Image Source: Harry How/Getty Images
Utah – Steve Young – NFL
Born in Salt Lake City, Young played his college ball at local Brigham Young. During his career with the 49ers, Young won three Super Bowls (only one as the starting quarterback) and six passing titles, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.
Image Source: David Madison/Getty Images
Iowa – Dan Gable – Wrestling
Gable was a standout wrestler for Iowa State, and wrestled both nationally and internationally on the freestyle circuits, while also winning a gold medal at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. As a coach, Gable built a dynasty at the University of Iowa, winning nine straight titles from 1978-86.
Image Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Connecticut – Caitlyn Jenner – Decathlon
In 1976, Jenner won the Olympics decathlon title at the Montreal Summer Olympics, gaining fame as “an all-American hero.” The winner of the Olympic decathlon is traditionally given the unofficial title of “world’s greatest athlete,” so this one was a no-brainer.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Oklahoma – Jim Thorpe – Decathlon/NFL/MLB
Thorpe has been written in history books as the greatest athlete in American history, period. Whether it was football, baseball, basketball or track, he excelled in each and is widely considered the best athlete in Oklahoma’s history.
Image Source: Interim Archives/Getty Images
Oregon – Phil Knight
We are going to overlook the Nike founder’s horrendous athletic career on this one. While he was far from good on the gridiron, his apparel brand’s impact on the world of sports trumps the contributions of any athlete born in Oregon. Just Do It, Phil.
Image Source: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Kentucky – Muhammad Ali – Boxing
The Greatest doesn’t need an introduction. He sits atop the throne as Kentucky’s greatest athlete and I doubt anyone will ever end his reign. His accomplishments need no reciting. Rest easy, Champ.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Louisiana – Peyton Manning – NFL
Raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Peyton eschewed Ole Miss (Archie’s alma mater) to play his college ball at the University of Tennessee. Selected No. 1 overall by the Colts in 1998, Manning began his illustrious career in Indianapolis. As the all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, Manning made Louisiana proud with his Hall of Fame career.
Image Source: Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Alabama – Bo Jackson – NFL/MLB
A native of Bessemer, Alabama and a proud Auburn alum, Bo is one of the few athletes to be named an All-Star in two major sports, and the only one to do so in baseball and football. Oh, and with a 4.12 40 yard-dash, he blew away the other competitors.
Image Source: Mike Powell/Getty Images
South Carolina – Joe Frazier – Boxing
“Smokin’ Joe” was one of the greatest U.S. heavyweight boxers in history. Frazier was known for his powerful left hook and his iconic “Thrilla in Manila” fight against Muhammad Ali. Even though Frazier lost the fight, he is still considered a boxing legend.
Image Source: Anthony Barboza/Getty Images
Colorado – Jack Dempsey – Boxing
Born to a poor family in Manassa, Colorado, the late Dempsey, or the “Manassa Mauler,” became the World Heavyweight Champion from 1919-1926. He’s one of the most cherished boxers in the history of the sport, and his fights broke records in both attendance and income. Dempsey has been a member of the Boxing Hall of Fame since 1951.
Image Source: Hulton Archive/Stringer/Getty Images
Minnesota – Bronko Nagurski – NFL/Wrestling
Famed fullback Bronko Nagurski was raised in International Falls, Minnesota, before attending the University of Minnesota. Nagurski signed with the Bears in 1930 before eventually retiring in 1937. Nagurski also maintained a career as a wrestler while playing in the NFL, and won his first National Wrestling Association world title in 1939.
Image Source: Chicago History Museum/Getty Images
Wisconsin – Eric Heiden – Speed Skating
Heiden is considered to be one of the best speed skaters in the sport’s history. When he brought home five individual golds at the 1980 Olympic Games, it was an Olympic record for both Winter and Summer games.
Image Source: AFP/Getty Images
Maryland – Michael Phelps – Swimming
Although many incredible athletes reign from Maryland (Kevin Durant, Babe Ruth, Cal Ripken Jr.), I gave the top slot to Phelps. He is the most decorated Olympian of all-time with 23 gold medals, and dominated the sport of swimming in unprecedented fashion.
Image Source: Matt Roberts/Getty Images
Missouri – Stan Musial – MLB
24 All-Star game appearances. What? Playing 24 years is something to hang your hat on, but making the All-Star game 24 times is out of this world. Oh yeah, he also set numerous individual records and won 3 World Series as a player and one as a GM. He really was Stan the Man!
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Tennessee – Reggie White – NFL
The late, great Reggie White was born and raised in Chattanooga ad played college ball at the University of Tennessee. Ranked second all-time with 198 sacks in his career, White was a menace on the field and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
Image Source: Focus On Sport/Getty Images
Indiana – Larry Bird – NBA
The Celtics legend was born in West Baden, Indiana, where he became a star in high school and college. Drafted by Boston, Bird led the organization to three NBA titles, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Once his playing career ended, Bird returned to his home state of Indiana to coach the Pacers from 1997-2000, then served as president of basketball operations from 2003-2012 and 2013-2017.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Massachusetts – Rocky Marciano – Boxing
While Sylvester Stallone depicted the ultimate underdog, Marciano was the undisputed favorite in heavyweight boxing. “The Brockton Blockbuster” is still the only undefeated heavyweight in history.
Image Source: The Stanley Weston Archive/Getty Images
Arizona – Kerri Strug – Gymnastics
On an injured ankle, Strug helped lead the unforgettable ‘Magnificent Seven’ of the United States women’s gymnastics team to gold medals in the 1996 Olympics. This inspiring moment vaulted (pun intended) her ahead of the Arizona boys, and is one of the greatest moments in US Olympic history.
Image Source: Focus On Sport/Getty Images
Washington – John Stockton – NBA
Stockton was raised in Spokane, smashed high school records and had an illustrious career at Gonzaga University (also in Spokane). The Jazz point guard has 3,000 more assists and 500 more steals than any other player in NBA history. Simply put, he has made Washington proud.
Image Source: Dick Raphael/Getty Images
Virginia – Arthur Ashe – Tennis
No other Virginian has matched Ashe’s importance as a societal icon, while also providing superior athletic excellence. Ashe won 3 Grand Slams and was a pioneer as an African American athlete.
Image Source: Staff/Getty Images
New Jersey – Shaquille O’Neal – NBA
When there’s a legitimate strategy teams implement to their game plan that is named after you, your spot on this list is certain. The “Hack-A-Shaq” was truly the only way you could slow down this monster from Newark, New Jersey. O’Neal was a powerhouse from the get-go, and it’s almost criminal that the most dominant big man of recent memory ended his career with only one MVP trophy.
Image Source: Stan Honda/Getty Images
Michigan – Magic Johnson – NBA
Magic became a living legend in his state, where he won state championships at Everett High and then took his talents to Michigan State where he won the 1979 NCAA championship over Larry Bird. Widely regarded as the best point guard of all-time with averages of 19.5 points, 11.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds per game, Johnson truly was “magic” on the floor.
Image Source: Dick Raphael/Getty Images
North Carolina – Michael Jordan – NBA
Michael Jordan might be the best athlete to ever do it, regardless of sport/state/country/continent. The six championships, the competitiveness, the passion and the confidence all combined to create the biggest living sports legend in our world today.
Image Source: Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images
Georgia – Jim Brown – NFL/Lacrosse
Brown is a former professional American football player who in 2002, was named by Sporting News as the greatest football player ever. Although many great athletes came out of the Peach State, Brown’s consistent dominance took the cake. In addition to his brilliance on the football field, Brown was also a two-time All-American lacrosse player at Syracuse.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Ohio – LeBron James – NBA
James is undoubtedly the King of Ohio. Everyone knows his accolades on the court, but the biggest of all is the championship he delivered for the Cavs in 2016. With the 54-year championship drought officially over, LeBron’s legacy as one of the best all-around basketball players ever has been cemented.
Image Source: Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images
Pennsylvania – Wilt Chamberlain – NBA
100 Points in one game, come on. That stat alone is unreal. Chamberlain tore it up in high school in Philly and came back to the city of Brotherly Love as a member of both the Warriors and 76ers. Chamberlain has a legitimate case as the most dominant athlete to ever play in the NBA.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
Illinois – Dick Butkus – NFL
One of the greatest linebackers and one of the toughest players to ever play in NFL history, Butkus was born and bred on the mean streets of Chicago’s south side. With 1,020 tackles, 23 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries in 9 seasons, I wouldn’t want to stack up against Mr. Butkus!
Image Source: Focus On Sport/Getty Images
New York – Lou Gehrig – MLB
Whether it was his time as a stud at Columbia, or his 17-year career with the Yanks, Gehrig’s entire athletic career took place in New York. Widely considered one of the best first baseman in MLB history, the “Iron Horse” played 2,130 consecutive games before having his career cut short due to ALS.
Image Source: Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images
Florida – Deion Sanders – NFL/MLB
“Primetime” was as dynamic a playmaker as the NFL has ever seen, and was the epitome of a human highlight reel. In addition to his jaw-dropping brilliance on the football field, he was also a stud on the diamond.
Image Source: Monica Davey/Getty Images
Texas – Joe Greene – NFL
“Mean Joe Greene” was a legendary defensive tackle from Temple, Texas. Mean Joe would become a member of the infamously brutal “Steel Curtain” that won 4 Super Bowls over a six-year span in the 1970s. Greene was rated the 13th greatest player of all-time by NFL.com.
Image Source: Bettmann/Getty Images
California – Serena Williams – Tennis
Serena Williams is quite simply a living legend. She rose to prominence against all odds, going from learning tennis in Compton as a child to dominating the tennis world. She is the rightful winner of 23 Grand slams, which has made her a household name across the globe.
Image Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images