The 50 Greatest Athletes Of All-Time

Greatness.

Greatness manifests itself in a number of forms. It can be applicable to virtually anything or anyone. Greatness can occur at an infancy level. It can also be illustrated in correspondence with experience and wisdom. There have been a number of great men and women throughout the world — both past and present. Greatness is often relative to their specific fields. Simply put, greatness exists in every single profession.

The same can be said in the realm of sports. Greatness is achieved through dedication and passion. The definition of ‘greatness’ can vary from person to person. For some individuals, the act of accruing mass success on a team level is a satisfactory trait of greatness. For others, awesome bouts of individual accolades equal eternal glory.

The dictionary definition of the word ‘athlete’ is as follows: “A person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise.” There have been a number of ‘freak’ athletes throughout the years. While these players may not have compiled impressive statistical totals, they still remain as freaky athletes (with the word ‘freak’ being used in the best sense of the term). Current NBA player Gerald Green and former NFL receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey come to mind as an example of this premise.

However, there are also those great athletes encompassing all of the above. These individuals are truly dynamic athletes winning at the absolute highest level. There’s a sense of magnetism emanating from their greatness. As such, there’s a reason why professional athletes in general have long been both icons and role models. Essentially, these acts of greatness are being carried out for the world to see.

In the process, eager fans and admirers of the sports are watching their dreams come true as they somewhat live through these athletes cloaked in greatness. Regardless of era and sport, this mindset has continued for over a century.

This piece will analyze the 50 Greatest Athletes of All-Time. The criteria for garnering a spot on the list includes personal achievement, team success, athleticism pertaining to their peers in their respective sports, and overall aura. Of course, singular athletes — such as tennis players, cricket players, NASCAR drivers, Olympians, and golfers — won’t have to worry about that category. In terms of aura, we’re speaking about the impact the said athlete had on their sport — as well as the reputation, persona, and presence created via their athletic exploits.

While the list is dominated by football players, basketball players, and Olympians, virtually every major sport is accounted for. One must also take into account that the list is fluid in nature. For those who are still actively competing, their respective standing will likely change as they continue on in their careers.

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