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Great athletes come in all shapes, sizes, and skill sets. From the motor speedway to the grass courts at Wimbledon, a great athlete can be someone who excels in the water or does magical things with a ball. Individual and team sports alike deserve recognition here as we find that great athletes also come from everywhere. These are the greatest athletes to come from every state.
Wyoming: Boyd Dowler
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Having grown up in Wyoming, Packers Great Boyd Dowler had to have been pretty comfortable playing in the tundra. Dowler won five championships and two Super Bowls as a wide receiver with the Packers and is widely considered one of the best players in the franchise’s storied history. In terms of the state of Wyoming, Dowler has deep roots. His father was not only a high school teacher in Cheyenne but also a former football player/coach at the University of Wyoming. Now 86 years of age, Dowler is a scout for the Atlanta Falcons.
Vermont: Carlton Fisk
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Carlton Fisk is one of the most offensively gifted catchers in the history of baseball. He’s second all-time in home runs for a catcher (351) and truly was proficient in hitting the ball to all parts of the field. In fact, one can make a case that Fisk is one of — if not the most well-rounded catcher of all time. The 11-time All-Star was born in Vermont — though grew up in the small town of Charlestown, New Hampshire. Interestingly enough, he was only born in Vermont because it held the closest hospital to his parents’ home in New Hampshire.
Alaska: Lance Mackey
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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 the 1,000-mile Yukon Quest races in the same year (a feat once labeled impossible). He’s won both races four times each. Lance followed in the footsteps of his father, Dick (also a former dog sled racer). Mackey passed away in 2022 due to throat cancer.
North Dakota: Darin Erstad
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Darin Erstad was one of the more underrated outfielders in all of baseball from the mid-’90s to early 2000s. Primarily starring for the then-Anaheim Angels, Erstad was a pro at spraying the ball to all parts of the park. He was hard-nosed, tough, and had a proclivity for playing defense at an exceptionally high level (three-time Gold Glove winner). Before his MLB career, Erstad was born and raised in Jamestown, North Dakota. He starred as both a prep football and baseball player.
South Dakota: Brock Lesnar
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Brock Lesnar is one of the most physically imposing athletes on this list. Not only is he a gigantic professional wrestler, but he also has experience as an MMA fighter, an amateur wrestler, and a professional football player. He grew up with his parents and three siblings on a farm in Webster, South Dakota. Lesnar then became an All-American wrestler at the University of Minnesota before embarking on a professional career. Today, Lesnar lives in Canada with his wife, former WWE diva Sable.
Delaware: Elena Delle Donne
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Born in Wilmington, Delle Donne has established herself as one of the premier players in the WNBA. She began her prep career at the prestigious Ursuline Academy. Though she started her college career at UCONN, Delle Donne realized she wanted to go home — and instead transferred to the University of Delaware. After averaging an astounding 26.7 PPG during her four years in college, Delle Donne was drafted No. 2 Overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2013 WNBA Draft. Since then, Delle Donne has won two MVP trophies, seven All-Star appearances, and four First Team All-WNBA denotations.
Montana: Dave McNally
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Born and bred in Billings, the left-handed pitcher was a very productive pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s. A winner of at least 20 games on four separate occasions, McNally also was a three-time All-Star and a two-time World Series winner. Perhaps the coolest stat is that McNally holds the distinction of being the only pitcher to have clubbed a grand slam in a World Series game. After his playing career ended, McNally returned to his home state to open up multiple car dealerships. He passed away in Billings in 2002.
Rhode Island: Nap Lajoie
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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. The son of settlers from Canada, Lajoie was born in the hamlet of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. The diminutive second baseman was a true student of the game. As such, it came as no surprise to see Lajoie eventually transition into a managerial role. As a player, Lajoie was the AL batting champion five times (including one year in which he batted .426). He was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1937.
Maine: Ian Crocker
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When thinking of competitive swimming at the highest level, most associate the sport with the likes of Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. However, Ian Crocker deserves plenty of praise for his accomplishments. The 6-foot-4 athlete has won an astounding 21 medals in his international career (including five Olympic medals for performances in the 100-m Butterfly and the 400-m freestyle relay team). Though the 41-year-old attended the University of Texas, Crocker was born in Portland, Maine.
New Hampshire: Matt Bonner
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New Hampshire’s finest! The ‘Red Rocket’ is the best basketball player to ever hail from the state. Bonner was born and raised in the city of Concord. After a stellar high school career, Bonner earned a scholarship to the University of Florida. An impressive four-year run then led to Bonner enjoying a 12-year NBA career. Though he was primarily a role player, Bonner did succeed by winning two NBA titles (both with the San Antonio Spurs).
Hawaii: Duke Kahanamoku
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Outside of Hawaii, Duke Kahanamoku is not a common name. However, his impact on the sport of surfing is undeniable. Kahanamoku is often referred to as the father of surfing. Essentially, Kahanamoku brought surfing to both the mainland United States and Australia. Kahanamoku represented the United States in three separate Olympics as a swimmer. During this stretch, he hauled in three gold medals and two silver medals. Kahanamoku was born in Honolulu, and raised in Waikiki.
Idaho: Harmon Killebrew
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Who would’ve thought that the small town of Payette, Idaho would help develop one of the most prolific hitters in MLB history? Idaho native Harmon Killebrew was an absolute monster when it came to hitting the baseball. Throughout his 22-year career, Killebrew made 13 All-Star appearances and led the league in home runs on six separate occasions. Interestingly enough, Killebrew was an All-American high school quarterback in Payette. He was offered a scholarship to play at the University of Oregon — though he declined in order to sign with the Washington Senators.
West Virginia: Jerry West
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‘The Logo’ is the undisputed best athlete to ever hail from West Virginia. West was born in the small town of Cheylan and attended high school in West Bank. From there, all West did was become one of the best guards in the history of the NBA. He was a scorer, a facilitator, and a very underrated defensive player. In his later years, West became one of the game’s very best team builders. He’s one of the few individuals who’d be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame separately as an executive and as a player. West is as gifted a person to exist in the NBA as there’s ever been.
Nebraska: Bob Gibson
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Omaha-born and bred, Gibson was a multi-sport athlete (track, baseball, basketball) in high school. Gibson initially attended Nebraska-based college Creighton — though left for a chance to become a Harlem Globetrotter. However, the tough lifestyle of travel and work led Gibson to abandon basketball in favor of signing a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. This proved to be a wise decision, as Gibson notched nine All-Star appearances, nine Gold Glove Awards, and two NL Cy Young Awards. In the process, Gibson helped to redefine the position as someone with a fiery disposition rather than a tranquil competitor.
New Mexico: Al Unser Sr.
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“Big” Al Unser is the patriarch of one of the most successful NASCAR families in sports history. A wily competitor, Unser is one of three individuals to have won the Indy 500 on four separate occasions. His brothers, son, and nephews all have or currently do participate in the sport. Who knew Albuquerque was a hotbed for racing talent? Other famous athletes from the state include Hank Baskett Sr., Holly Holm, James Borrego, and Ronnie Lott.
Nevada: Andre Agassi
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Considering the flair with which he played, it comes as no surprise to find out that tennis rockstar Andre Agassi hails from Las Vegas, Nevada. The son of an Iranian Olympic boxer, Agassi cut his teeth in Vegas as a tennis prodigy. Eventually, Agassi became the winner of nine Grand Slam titles and an Olympic Gold Medal. His natural rivalry with Pete Sampras came during the arguable height of tennis popularity. Today, he still hails in Las Vegas alongside his wife, fellow tennis superstar Steffi Graf.
Kansas: Barry Sanders
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Although many great athletes have hailed from Kansas, Barry trumps them all. The diminutive rusher was an ordinary football player in the greater Wichita area (Wichita is the birthplace of Sanders). He didn’t start for his high school team until his senior season. Remarkably, Sanders — generously listed at 5-foot-8 — went on to win the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma State. From there, Sanders became the best athlete to ever play for the Detroit Lions. He was named to the Pro Bowl every single year of his career. Sanders had an elusiveness on the football field that few — if any — have been able to replicate.
Arkansas: Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant
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With apologies to Nick Saban, Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant is the most iconic college football coach of all-time. Bryant was born in Moro Bottom, Arkansas. He then attended high school in Fordyce, where he helped his school win a state title. As a head coach, Bryant ultimately led the University of Alabama to six National Championships and 232 career victories. Essentially, Bryant is to College Football as the late great John Wooden was to College Basketball.
Mississippi: Jerry Rice
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Despite being a Bay Area legend, Jerry Rice is Mississippi through and through. Born in Starkville, Rice grew up in tiny Crawford, Mississippi before attending Mississippi Valley State. Of course, Rice went on to become the NFL’s best all-time receiver (1,549 catches, 22,895 yards, 208 touchdowns). When factoring in his production and lengthy career (20 years), many feel as if Rice is the best player in NFL history — regardless of position.
Utah: Merlin Olsen
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The gigantic figure had deep roots in the state of Utah. Born in Logan, Olsen’s parents had attended Utah State University (which also happened to be Olsen’s alma mater). As a player, the 14-time Pro Bowler was a phenomenal defensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams. Olsen currently holds the record for the most consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. He also was known for his acting role on the hit television show Little House on the Prairie. Sadly, Olsen passed away in 2010 at the age of 69.
Iowa: Dan Gable
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While the state of Iowa has its fair share of notable athletes (Tim Dwight, Brandon Scherff, Kurt Warner, Shawn Johnson), Gable might mean the most to the state. Born in Waterloo, Gable eventually became a two-time NCAA National Champion in the sport of wrestling. Gable — representing the United States — won a Gold Medal at the 1972 Olympics. Gable later built a dynasty at the University of Iowa. Functioning as the head coach, the Hawkeyes won 15 National Titles and he coached several future Olympians. Without question, Gable has strongly influenced the sport of wrestling perhaps more so than any other individual.
Connecticut: Calvin Murphy
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While Caitlyn Jenner and Steve Young were both raised in Connecticut, neither were born in the state. Instead, Connecticut’s top athlete comes in the form of former NBA player Calvin Murphy. The former NBA All-Star was born and raised in Norwalk, Connecticut. While many of the big-time hoopers in the Northeast hailed from New York and New Jersey, Murphy made sure that Connecticut got a seat at the proverbial table. Additionally, Murphy’s strong play as a combo guard for over a decade led him to see his number being retired by the Houston Rockets franchise.
Oklahoma: Jim Thorpe
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Thorpe was technically said to have been born in the tiny town of Prague, Oklahoma. As many have chronicled, Thorpe’s versatility as an athlete is something we’ll likely never see again. Thorpe was an All-American college football player. He won multiple medals at the Olympics as a track-and-field star. Thorpe then played both professional football and baseball. He even had a two-year run playing for a random traveling basketball squad. Though Thorpe passed in California, his legacy as an Oklahoman with Native American heritage is something that many in his home state hold with pride.
Oregon: Danny Ainge
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While the state of Oregon hasn’t produced a ton of notable athletic talent, Danny Ainge will proudly hold the mantle for this Pacific Northwest gem. Ainge’s exploits as a key cog in the Boston Celtics’ numerous championship runs are well known. The two-time NBA Champion is now an executive with the Utah Jazz. Born in Eugene, Ainge was an All-American in football, baseball, and basketball at North Eugene High School.
Kentucky: Muhammad Ali
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The state of Kentucky will forever be synonymous with the birthplace of Muhammad Ali. Originally born as Cassius Clay, Ali changed his name upon converting to Islam. Ali was born in Louisville — a city in which his family had deep roots. As a 12-year-old, Ali first got interested in boxing. Though his wildly successful professional career left Ali atop the boxing mountain, we must all remember that his earliest beginnings originated in the great state of Kentucky.
Louisiana: Peyton Manning
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With dad Archie playing for the Saints, Peyton and his two siblings (Cooper, and Eli) grew up in New Orleans. From the start, there was plenty of hype surrounding the kids. However, Peyton garnered the most intrigue as a total football prodigy from a young age. He starred at local high school Isidor Newman — and then spurned his father’s alma mater (Ole Miss) in favor of Tennessee. You pretty much know the rest from there. Manning shattered multiple NFL records, won two Super Bowls, and pretty much cemented himself as a top-five player to ever play his position.
Alabama: Bo Jackson
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Jackson’s athletic ability made him an elite competitor in two sports: football and baseball. Jackson was born and raised in Bessemer, Alabama. Sticking with his in-state theme, Jackson then went on to play both sports at Auburn University. Besides Jim Brown, the public had never seen a running back with Jackson’s combination of power, size, and unadulterated speed (a rumored 4.12 in the 40-yard dash). Jackson was a Pro Bowler for the then-Los Angeles Raiders. He also made an All-Star appearance while playing for the Kansas City Royals. With the amount of talent emanating from the state of Alabama (i.e. Charles Barkley among others), Jackson was that good.
South Carolina: Joe Frazier
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“Smokin’ Joe” was one of the greatest U.S. heavyweight boxers in history. Frazier was primarily known for his powerful left hook, as well as his ability to be both mobile and elusive in the ring. Of course, many remember his iconic bouts with both Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Frazier grew up in a rural farming community outside of Beaufort, South Carolina. A makeshift punching bag made out of miscellaneous items served as Frazier’s first foray into the sport.
Colorado: Jack Dempsey
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Born to a poor family in rural Manassa, Colorado, Dempsey and his family split their time between Utah and Colorado. Dempsey had little formal education, though he was blessed with innate toughness. In fact, as a teenager, he’d be the bodyguard for local politicians (based upon Dempsey’s penchant for being a beast in bar-room brawls). Eventually, he became one of the most cherished boxers in the history of the sport. His fights broke records in both attendance and income. Based on his violent yet energetic style of fighting, Dempsey morphed into one of the most beloved heavyweight fighters in the history of the sport.
Minnesota: Kevin McHale
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Kevin McHale is one of the most skilled big men in NBA history. He was able to score over either shoulder with ease. Earlier in his career, McHale would be able to take players off the dribble before backing them in and scoring with ease. Duly, McHale could stretch the floor when need be. His overall brilliance for the Boston Celtics led McHale to seven All-Star appearances and three NBA Championships. Born in Hibbing, Minnesota, McHale eventually went on to star as a collegiate player at Minnesota.
Wisconsin: Eric Heiden
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Outside of those in Olympic circles, Eric Heiden is far from a household name. However, he’s one of the few athletes who can definitively say he’s a dominant force in his specific sport. Heiden is considered to be one of the best speed skaters in the sport’s history. At the 1980 Winter Olympics, Heiden won five gold medals — and set several records along the way. This included events both long-distance and sprints. Heiden was born in the capital city of Madison and grew up in the local suburb of Shorewood Hills.
Maryland: Michael Phelps
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There are many incredible athletes hailing from Maryland. The likes of Kevin Durant, Babe Ruth, and Cal Ripken Jr. instantly come to mind. However, the top spot from the state of Maryland will ultimately go to Michael Phelps. To put it into perspective, 23 of Phelps’ 28 medals are Gold. The next closest athlete to Phelps in terms of overall Olympic medals is Larisa Latynina — a gymnast from the former Soviet Union (18 total medals). We’ve never seen another athlete dominate their respective sport in the manner that Phelps did. Not only that, but he did it on the world’s biggest stage.
Missouri: Yogi Berra
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Before doing AFLAC commercials, Lawrence ‘Yogi’ Berra was one of the most popular catchers in the history of baseball. The son of Italian immigrants, Berra was born and raised in St. Louis. Upon becoming a member of the vaunted New York Yankees, Berra won 10(!) World Series and made 18 All-Star appearances. No, those aren’t typos. He was immensely gifted in manipulating his 5-foot-7 frame to achieve torque, loft, and power on his swing. Imagine an elevated Dustin Pedroia playing behind the plate. This is essentially what Berra was.
Tennessee: Pat Summitt
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The impact Pat Summitt had on women’s college basketball cannot be overstated enough. Summitt held the position of head basketball coach of the Tennessee women’s program from 1974-2012. During this time, the Vols won 16 conference titles and eight National Championships. Sadly, Summitt passed away in 2016. She was 64 years of age. The Clarksville native was a true trendsetter as it pertains to a female coach emerging as a true star within the sport. Summitt blazed a trail for many to follow in her footsteps.
Indiana: Larry Bird
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“The Hick From French Lick” is truly synonymous with his home state of Indiana. Born in West Baden Springs, Bird quickly became a basketball prodigy while growing up in the tiny town of French Lick. After originally attending Indiana University, Bird transferred — and instead went to a smaller school at Indiana State. The dynamic scorer turned college basketball on its head, largely due to Bird’s rivalry with Magic Johnson. Eventually, Bird became “Larry Legend” during his tenure with the Boston Celtics. The three-time NBA Champion finished his playing career as an all-time great. He then alternated between a head coaching role and a front office role with the Indiana Pacers. Bird was deeply rooted within the state of Indiana.
Massachusetts: Rocky Marciano
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While the fictionalized Rocky Balboa from Sylvester Stallone’s movie is a fan favorite, we must pay homage to the original boxing star with the same name. Marciano was an absolute animal in the ring. He’d destroy people with his combination of punching power, short-area quickness, and supreme intuitiveness. Born in Brockton, Massachusetts to Italian immigrants, Marciano is the only heavyweight champ to finish his career undefeated. While he may not have possessed the overall athleticism or size of future heavyweights, Marciano still should be ranked among the best of them.
Arizona: Randall McDaniel
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The state of Arizona isn’t exactly the deepest from a talent standpoint. While we expect that to eventually change with its current population boom, the best athlete to have come from Arizona is former All-Pro NFL player Randall McDaniel. The 12-time Pro Bowler was born in Phoenix and attended Arizona State. For over a decade, McDaniel was one of the league’s best guards — primarily because he was a freak of an athlete. We often question whether players from the past could translate to the present time. With McDaniel, there’s no question he’d fit right in with the current climate of the NFL.
Washington: John Stockton
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Stockton was a native of Northeast Washington. He was born and raised in Spokane, and (naturally) attended Gonzaga University (also located in Spokane). Stockton was one of those athletes who maximized his athletic ceiling. Instead of solely relying on quickness and speed, Stockton manipulated competitors with both his brain and skill level. The former Utah Jazz point guard has 3,000 more assists and 500 more steals than any other player in NBA history. Simply put, he’s made his home state proud.
Virginia: Arthur Ashe
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Ashe was another athlete whose overall package transcended the sport — which in turn made him a cultural icon. The Richmond native essentially broke through the color barrier as it pertained to professional tennis. Ashe was the first African-American man to win the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open. Duly, Ashe was also the first black player to gain entry into the U.S. Davis Cup squad. A winner of three Grand Slams, Ashe’s play was often lauded for his competitiveness, smoothness, and unadulterated will to win.
New Jersey: Shaquille O’Neal
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Mike Trout, Carli Lloyd, Rick Barry, and others certainly make a claim to appear here. However, if we’re talking about athletes born in the state of New Jersey, none can currently eclipse Shaquille O’Neal (both literally and figuratively). O’Neal grew up all over the United States — though he was born in Newark. As a child, he learned the game at a local facility. Ultimately, the charismatic personality turned into the most dominant force the NBA has ever seen. The ‘Hack-a-Shaq’ tactic only cements that premise even further.
Michigan: Magic Johnson
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Magic Johnson was a true legend within his home state of Michigan. The Lansing-born athlete won multiple state titles at Everett High School. Naturally, it made sense for Johnson to continue his collegiate career at Michigan State. Ultimately, Johnson’s rivalry with Larry Bird — both on the college level and professionally — was a main narrative throughout his career. To this day, many call him the greatest point guard to ever play. Standing roughly 6-foot-9, there had never been another player before him to play all five positions on the floor. Even the great LeBron James — the player most often compared to Johnson — can’t hold this special distinction.
North Carolina: Dale Earnhardt Sr.
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You might be surprised to see Dale Earnhardt Sr. on this list ahead of those who played basketball, baseball, football, etc. However, Earnhardt Sr. is a virtual institution within NASCAR. Many proclaim him to be the best to ever do it. Aside from his success on the track (76 Winston Cup wins), Earnhardt Sr. was known for his fearless racing style. Earnhardt Sr. was born into a racing family. He grew up in the Greater Charlotte area (Kannapolis). Sadly, Earnhardt Sr. was killed on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500.
Georgia: Jim Brown
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Of all the tremendous athletes coming from the state of Georgia, Jim Brown holds the distinction of being the best of them all. He revolutionized the running back position for the sheer fact that he was bigger than some of the offensive linemen, yet faster than anyone else on the field. He was the definition of dominance and often demonstrated that on the field. Though he did move to New York as a young kid, he did grow up on St. Simons Island — a piece of land off the coast of Georgia.
Ohio: LeBron James
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James is undoubtedly the King of Ohio. Akron’s very own, LBJ is often effusive in his praise of his home state. He helped end a 54-year title drought when the Cleveland Cavaliers won the 2016 NBA Finals over the vaunted Golden State Warriors. Duly, James has given back to his community in a large way. With a hefty investment, James helped create a high school for children in Akron coming from impoverished backgrounds. In fact, James’ foundation spent $41 million to give all of his students free four-year educations at Kent State University (also an Ohio institution).
Pennsylvania: Wilt Chamberlain
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“Wilt the Stilt” was the first dominant big man in the modern era (with all apologies to Bill Russell). A gazelle of an athlete at 7 feet tall, Chamberlain ran the floor as well as guards. He also jumped out of the gym — as he was rumored to routinely take quarters off the top of the backboard with ease. Of course, most remember him for setting the all-time mark for scoring in a single NBA game (100 points). It would’ve been fantastic to see Chamberlain compete against some of the league’s other dominant big men during their respective primes. Chamberlain was born and raised in Philadelphia.
Illinois: Jackie Joyner-Kersee
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Jackie Joyner-Kersee makes a case for being the most prolific female athlete of all time. The East St. Louis native thrived in multiple Olympic Games — winning three golds, one silver, and two bronze medals during her career as a track and field star. Joyner-Kersee also set the world record for the heptathlon in 1988. Though she attended UCLA in Los Angeles, Joyner-Kersee hasn’t forgotten about her hometown. To this day, she still makes charitable efforts for those in need through her foundation. In 2023, Joyner-Kersee was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.
New York: Michael Jordan
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The state of New York is a who’s who of big athletes. Though he was raised in North Carolina, Michael Jordan was born in Brooklyn. His family briefly resided in the borough before retreating south down to his father’s native North Carolina. One paragraph simply does not do Jordan justice. Even if one’s not a basketball fan, one can immediately associate Jordan with the game. With all due respect to James, Jordan is the best player in the history of the NBA.
Florida: Deion Sanders
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“Primetime” was as dynamic a playmaker as the NFL has ever seen. Sanders was truly the epitome of a human highlight reel. Sanders had an uncommon burst when tracking receivers in coverage. In addition to his jaw-dropping brilliance on the football field, he was also a stud on the diamond. Sanders was an All-Pro for the Dallas Cowboys and also played professional baseball for the Cincinnati Reds, the San Francisco Giants, the New York Yankees, and the Atlanta Braves. Sanders was born and raised in North Fort Myers, Florida. Currently, he is the head coach at Colorado.
Texas: Rogers Hornsby
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Rogers Hornsby was a fantastic baseball player. The second baseman enjoyed a 23-year MLB career — which included two MVP trophies, seven National League batting titles, one World Series ring, and two Triple Crowns. A lifetime .358 hitter, he ranks second all-time behind only Ty Cobb in terms of career batting average. Hornsby was born in Winters, Texas — though he eventually moved with his family to the Fort Worth area. Hornsby was playing in a local Texas league when first spotted by the St. Louis Cardinals.
California: Tom Brady
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The state of California is as loaded with prominent athletes as any. It’s nearly impossible to narrow it down to one singular player. However, if forced to do so, we’ll go with Tom Brady. The winningest quarterback in NFL history, Brady — a Northern California native — played until he was 45 and won a record seven Super Bowl titles. Other athletes contesting for this spot include Barry Bonds, Tiger Woods, Randy Johnson, Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, and Pete Sampras (among others).
