No. 00 — Jim Otto
Honorable Mention: Robert Parrish, NBA
The Raiders have a strong line of Hall of Fame talent that have donned the Silver & Black. Otto spent the entirety of his 15-year career in Oakland, serving as protection for all-time great Raider quarterbacks including Daryle Lamonica and Tom Flores. In addition to being a member of the AFL All-Time Team, Otto’s sustained greatness at the professional level earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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No. 0 — Russell Westbrook
Honorable Mention: Gilbert Arenas, NBA
The most athletic point guard the league has seen, Westbrook is an absolute dynamo on the court. Westbrook’s talent has always been evident, but he was truly unleashed after Kevin Durant’s departure from Oklahoma City. As the lead man for the first time in his career, Westbrook finished the 2017 season averaging a triple-double – the first player to do so since Oscar Robertson (more on him in a minute). Anytime Russ has the ball in his hands, something electric can happen.
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No. 1 — Oscar Robertson
Honorable Mention: Warren Moon, NFL; Ozzie Smith, MLB
The original king of the “triple-double”, Robertson is credited as the first player to average at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists per game over a full season. Robertson accomplished the historical feat in just his second professional season, putting up a ridiculous stat line of 30.8 PPG, 11.4 APG, and 12.5 RPG. Robertson would go on to capture his first MVP trophy two years later — narrowly missing a second triple-double season (9.9 RPG) — while helping lead the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship in 1971.
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No. 2 — Moses Malone
Honorable Mention: Derek Jeter, MLB
Malone became a pioneer for the sport when he decided to forego college and jump straight to the professional ranks following an illustrious high school career. Many great players have followed in his footsteps, including Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Malone proved that he was plenty capable of holding his own as a youngster, securing a spot on the ABA All-Rookie Team in his first season. He’d go on to win three MVP trophies, and was one of the best players throughout the 80’s.
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No. 3 — Babe Ruth
Honorable Mentions: Allen Iverson, NBA; Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR
Although he has some competition in the form of two dynamic guards in Dwyane Wade and Allen Iverson, Ruth is the clear cut pick for players that have donned the No. 3 jersey. The Great Bambino is widely considered to be the greatest baseball player of all-time. Gifted at both hitting and pitching, Ruth brought legitimacy to the term “iron man” as it pertains to baseball players.
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No. 4 — Lou Gehrig
Honorable Mentions: Brett Favre, NFL; Bobby Orr, NHL
A six-time World Series champion, two-time MVP, seven-time All-Star, and Triple Crown winner, Gehrig has the individual and team accomplishments to stack up with all of the Yankee greats. After his career was cut short due to ALS (referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s disease”) in 1939, Gehrig delivered one of the most impactful and important retirement speeches in the history of sports. The speech has been called “Baseball’s Gettysburg Address.”
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No. 5 — Joe DiMaggio
Honorable Mention: Paul Hornung, NFL
A pillar of consistency, the former Yankee center fielder etched his name in the record books with a historic 56-game hitting streak during the 1941 season. DiMaggio is a nine-time World Series champion, a three-time MVP, and a member of the Major League Baseball All-Century team.
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No. 6 — LeBron James
Honorable Mention: Bill Russell, NBA
No player in the last 50 years of sports has had more pressure to succeed than James. Entering the league as the “Chosen One,” James was expected to light the league on fire with his enormous body and freakish athleticism. He’s fulfilled those expectations, and then some. Although the majority of his career has been spent donning No. 23, two of his three NBA titles have come while wearing No. 6, justifying this distinction. The four-time MVP is well on his way to breaking the league’s all-time scoring record, and remains the NBA’s top player 15 years into his career. With no signs of slowing down, the longevity James has sustained is unprecedented.
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No. 7 — Mickey Mantle
Honorable Mention: John Elway, NFL; Cristiano Ronaldo, soccer
A member of the Yankees’ iconic roster that dominated for the better part of two decades, Mantle was an effortless slugger with scary power. The 20-time All-Star helped lead the franchise to seven World Series victories, including a three-peat to kick off Mantle’s career in pinstripes.
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No. 8 — Kobe Bryant
Honorable Mentions: Alexander Ovechkin, NHL; Steve Young, NFL; Yogi Berra, MLB
Although he played his final game donning No. 24, many Laker fans remember a younger, hairier Bryant flying through Staples Center with a different number on. He was wearing No. 8 when he scored 81 against Toronto, 62 in three quarters against Dallas, and when he won three titles alongside Shaq. Even though he only wore the number for 10 seasons, Bryant’s accomplishments solely as No. 8 are Hall of Fame worthy.
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No. 9 — Gordie Howe
Honorable Mention: Drew Brees, NFL
Howe’s illustrious career spanned 32 seasons, including 25 years with Detroit. As a Red Wing, Howe won six MVP awards and four Stanley Cup championships. His name still lives on in the hockey world, as a “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” refers to a player who records a goal, an assist, and a fight in a single game.
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No. 10 — Pelé
Honorable Mentions: Lionel Messi, soccer; Diego Maradona, soccer
The No. 10 jersey is sacred in soccer, as it’s primarily saved for the team’s top playmaker. Argentinian icons Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi both donned the jersey, but both come up a bit short of Pelé’s overall body of work. Pelé is as exciting of a player to ever grace the pitch. By the end of his career, Pelé had collected three gold medals playing for the Brazilian National Team.
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No. 11 — Mark Messier
Honorable Mentions: Isiah Thomas, NBA; Larry Fitzgerald, NFL
A six-time Cup winner, Messier is one of the greatest winners in the history of the sport. He’s currently second on the all-time list for career playoff points, and third all-time in regular season points. He earned the nickname “The Messiah” after helping end the New York Rangers’ 54-year Stanley Cup drought.
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No. 12 — Tom Brady
Honorable Mention: Aaron Rodgers, NFL; John Stockton, NBA
A former sixth-round pick from Michigan, Brady never looked back after being inserted into the starting role following a Drew Bledsoe injury. He has since led the New England Patriots to eight Super Bowls, including five victories. His four Super Bowl MVPs are the most in league history, and is still looking to add upon that total into his 40’s.
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No. 13 — Wilt Chamberlain
Honorable Mentions: Alex Rodriguez, MLB; Dan Marino, NFL
“Wilt the Stilt” was a man amongst boys during his playing career. Look no further than his historic 100-point performance for proof of his dominance. Even after his NBA days were over, Chamberlain remained an exceptional athlete. For his efforts within the sport, Chamberlain was named to the Volleyball Hall of Fame, becoming one of the select few athletes to be enshrined for multiple sports.
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No. 14 — Pete Rose
Honorable Mention: Bob Cousy, NBA; Ernie Banks, MLB
A professional hitter in every sense, Rose’s all-time hit record (4,256) appears nearly unbreakable. He collected three World Series rings over a 24-year career, and was awarded the NL MVP in 1973 after recording an outstanding 230 hits.
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No. 15 — Bart Starr
Honorable Mention: Carmelo Anthony, NBA
Before Favre and Rodgers, the Packers had a Starr. The Alabama native captained seven world championship teams, including victories in Super Bowl I and II. To this day, Starr has the highest career playoff passer rating of any quarterback in history (104.8).
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No. 16 — Joe Montana
Honorable Mention: Brett Hull, NHL
Getting to a championship game is impressive enough, going 4-0 in said games is an extraordinary feat. Montana was a cool customer under pressure, and typically saved his best play for the postseason. If it wasn’t for Tom Brady, Montana would have a strong case as the greatest quarterback in NFL history.
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No. 17 — Jari Kurri
Honorable Mention: John Havlichek, NBA
Having played much of his career in Wayne Gretzky’s shadow, Kurri doesn’t always get the credit he deserves. Regarded as one of the best defensive forwards in NHL history, Kurri’s two-way skills perfectly complemented ‘The Great One.’
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No. 18 — Peyton Manning
Honorable Mention: Dave Cowens, NBA
Manning is arguably the best regular season quarterback to ever lace up a pair of cleats. His prolific passing numbers — along with his aptitude for the position — place him as an unquestioned future Hall of Famer.
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No. 19 — Tony Gwynn
Honorable Mentions: Steve Yzerman, NHL; Johnny Unitas, NFL
We may never see a baseball player quite like Gwynn again. The longtime Padre took home eight batting titles during his career, posting a career .338 average from the plate. Gwynn set a modern-day record in 1994 by recording a .394 batting average for the season.
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No. 20 — Barry Sanders
Honorable Mention: Ed Reed, NFL
Sanders was lightning in a bottle on the field, breaking away from defenders with incredible quickness and vision. In 151 career games, Sanders accrued 18,120 yards from scrimmage, good for sixth all-time. Had he not retired following his age-30 season, Sanders likely would have become the league’s all-time leading rusher.
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No. 21 — Tim Duncan
Honorable Mentions: Roberto Clemente, MLB; Roger Clemens, MLB; Deion Sanders, NFL; Kevin Garnett, NBA
A five-time NBA Champion with the San Antonio Spurs, Duncan truly lived up to his nickname, “The Big Fundamental.” Duncan was impossibly consistent, which enabled him to play at a high level for a remarkable 20 seasons. He was as unselfish of a superstar as basketball has ever seen, and one of the game’s all-time great defensive players – as evidenced by his selection to 15 All-Defensive teams.
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No. 22 — Emmitt Smith
Honorable Mention: Elgin Baylor, NBA
The league’s all-time leading rusher was gaining yards in chunks until his very last days as a professional. In all but one of Smith’s 15 career seasons, the running back totaled at least 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Known for his illustrious tenure with the Cowboys, Smith was the offensive centerpiece for three Super Bowl-winning teams.
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No. 23 — Michael Jordan
Honorable Mention: LeBron James, NBA; Kirk Gibson, MLB
Technically, he was nearly flawless. Jordan was a highly intelligent player that worked diligently at his craft, developing pristine footwork and the deadliest fade-away jump-shot in the game’s history. His list of accolades is nearly unparalleled. A five-time MVP, six-time NBA Champion, 14-time All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year, and Slam Dunk Champion, Jordan was an unstoppable force on the hardwood.
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No. 24 — Willie Mays
Honorable Mentions: Kobe Bryant, NBA; Jeff Gordon, NASCAR; Ken Griffey Jr., MLB; Champ Bailey, NFL
A 24-time All-Star, few players in baseball history have been able to blend offensive and defensive ability like Mays. While Jeff Gordon’s No. 24 car could match-up with Mays in terms of power, it had nowhere near the grace of ‘The Say Hey Kid.’
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No. 25 — Barry Bonds
Honorable Mention: Mark McGwire, MLB
The current Home Run King was the most feared hitter in baseball history. A seven-time MVP and 14-time All-Star, teams eventually began intentionally walking Bonds regardless of the situation. His 762 career home runs and 2,558 walks are records that won’t be touched for a long time.
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No. 26 — Wade Boggs
Honorable Mention: Rod Woodson, MLB
A pair of championship-winning corners highlight the best of No. 26. Rod Woodson was a shutdown corner in his day, but he couldn’t handle the hot corner quite like Boggs did. The Red Sox and Yankees great collected 3,010 hits during his career playing for bitter rivals, eventually winning a World Series for the latter in 1996.
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No. 27 — Mike Trout
Honorable Mention: Eddie George, NFL
In six full seasons in the Majors, Trout has never finished worse than fourth in AL MVP voting. It may be early, but the Angels’ center fielder is on pace to pass many of the game’s all-time greats.
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No. 28 — Marshall Faulk
Honorable Mention: Adrian Peterson, NFL
The No. 28 has been donned by multiple all-time great running backs, including 2012 NFL MVP Adrian Peterson. However, the best No. 28 has one thing Peterson doesn’t – a Super Bowl ring. Faulk got his with the Rams in 2000, and won the regular season MVP that season as well.
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No. 29 — Satchel Paige
Honorable Mention: Eric Dickerson, NFL
In 1948, Paige became the first former Negro League player to pitch in the World Series, forever etching his name in the game’s list of all-time greats. The right-handed pitcher was a sight to see throughout his incredible 25-year professional career.
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No. 30 — Stephen Curry
Honorable Mention: Nolan Ryan, MLB
Curry is steadily climbing the ranks of all-time great basketball players. Already dubbed the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry’s long-range act galvanizes an audience like few others can. The former two-time MVP and three-time NBA Champion continues to fill up his already impressive trophy case.
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No. 31 — Greg Maddux
Honorable Mention: Reggie Miller, NBA
Maddux was a dominant pitcher throughout the 90’s, winning four Cy Young Awards in a row from 1991 to 1994. Perhaps even more impressively, Maddux is the most accomplished fielding pitcher in league history. In total, Maddux collected 18 Gold Gloves during a career that made stops in Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
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No. 32 — Magic Johnson
Honorable Mention: Jim Brown, NFL
Two absolute titans of their respective sports wore the No. 32 jersey for much of their careers. The first being Brown, who was elected to nine Pro Bowls and took home the league MVP three times. However, Brown’s contemporary matches him in MVP trophies, and has him beat in championships 5-1. Brown revolutionized the running back position. Magic revolutionized the entire sport.
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No. 33 — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Honorable Mention: Larry Bird, NBA
The UCLA and Los Angeles Laker legend was an overwhelming force at both the collegiate and professional levels. His six MVP trophies are the most won by a player in league history, fitting in perfectly with his six NBA championship rings. Abdul-Jabbar’s name has become synonymous with his patented “sky hook”, an unblockable shot that helped him become the league’s all-time leading scorer. He edges out Larry Legend by just a smidgen on basketball’s all-time ranking, in large part due to KAJ’s extraordinary longevity in the sport.
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No. 34 — Shaquille O’Neal
Honorable Mentions: Walter Payton, NFL; Charles Barkley, NBA
While ‘Sweetness’ brought the flair, O’Neal brought the raw power. We’ll side with the 7-foot-2 phenom who shook the basketball world as soon as he stepped on an NBA court. While mostly known for his exceptional size and strength, O’Neal was a skilled player that could finish with either hand, and pass with pinpoint accuracy. The fact that he only owns one regular season MVP trophy is downright criminal.
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No. 35 — Kevin Durant
Honorable Mention: Rickey Henderson, MLB
We’re unlikely to ever see a player like Henderson again. The base-stealing savant played a style that has fallen out of favor in today’s analytic landscape. However, the same original sentiment can be said for Durant. Standing at 6-foot-11 with a quick handle and 30-foot range, Durant is unlike any player that has come before him.
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No. 36 — Gaylord Perry
Honorable Mention: Jerome Bettis, NFL
Known for his patented spitball, Perry’s impressive repertoire made batters feel uneasy when stepping up to the plate. The five-time All-Star became the first pitcher ever to win a Cy Young award in both the American League and National League. Perry fanned 3,534 throughout his career, making appearances for nine MLB teams along the way.
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No. 37 — Doak Walker
Honorable Mention: Lester Hayes, NFL
While Walker had a nice six-year run in the NFL (two NFL championships), he’s most well-known for his accomplishments at the collegiate level. The 1948 Heisman Trophy winner was immortalized by the NCAA with the introduction of the Doak Walker Award – awarded annually to the top running back in college football.
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No. 38 — Pavol Demitra
Honorable Mention: Curt Schilling, MLB
Before he and his teammates tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in 2011, Demitra was a dynamic forward with unique scoring abilities. The former 227th overall pick in the 1993 draft vastly outplayed projections throughout his NHL career. His most crowning achievement came one year before his passing, when Demitra led the 2010 Winter Olympics in scoring.
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No. 39 — Dominik Hasek
Honorable Mention: Larry Csonka, NFL
Hasek earned the intimidating nickname ‘The Dominator’ for his strong play in net for the Blackhawks, Sabres, Red Wings, and Senators. His list of accolades rival any goal keeper in league history – six All-Star appearances, six Vezina Trophies, two Hart Memorial Trophies, and two Stanley Cups.
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No. 40 — Gale Sayers
Honorable Mention: Mike Alstott, NFL
A blur coming out of the backfield, Sayers wasted no time asserting himself as a top running back in the NFL. In his rookie year, the brash tailback accumulated 22 touchdowns and an astonishing 2,272 all-purpose yards. Sayers became the youngest ever player enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he was honored at just 34 years of age.
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No. 41 — Dirk Nowitzki
Honorable Mention: Wes Unseld, NBA
The Mavericks turned some heads when they selected a tall, lanky teenager from Germany with their first-round pick in 1998. That 19-year-old kid would go on to be the best international player in the history of the league. As a legitimate 7-footer, Nowitzki’s shot-making ability has completely changed how teams scout and develop big men at the NBA level.
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No. 42 — Jackie Robinson
Honorable Mentions: Mariano Rivera, MLB; Ronnie Lott, NFL; James Worthy
Few, if any, number/name pairings have a deeper connection than Robinson and the No. 42. Robinson donned the iconic numerals while breaking baseball’s color barrier in 1947. Yankees closer Mariano Rivera did the digits justice over his career, but ‘42’ is now retired league-wide due to everything Robinson did for baseball (and sports in general).
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No. 43 — Richard Petty
Honorable Mention: Troy Polamalu, NFL
Simply known as “The King”, Petty dominated the NASCAR scene for over two decades. Arguably the most recognizable face in racing history, Petty did wonders in terms of marketing and visibility for a growing sport.
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No. 44 — Hank Aaron
Honorable Mentions: Jerry West, NBA; Pete Maravich; Reggie Jackson, MLB
While ‘Pistol’ Pete may have the edge in style points, there’s no denying Aaron as a banner of consistency. In the post-Ruth baseball era, Aaron was the clear-cut top slugger in the majors. By the time he called it a career, Aaron had mashed a then-record 755 homers.
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No. 45 — Pedro Martinez
Honorable Mention: Bob Gibson, MLB
One of the most feared pitchers of the modern era, Martinez dominated during every stage of his career. Equipped with a fiery personality and fearsome fastball, Martinez became one of 38 pitchers in MLB history to achieve the Triple Crown when he paced the American League in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average in 1999. Of all AL pitchers to achieve the feat, Martinez recorded the highest season total of punch-outs (313).
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No. 46 — Todd Christensen
Honorable Mention: Andy Pettite, MLB
Before the tight end position saw an influx of former basketball players, players like Christensen were the gold standard. A two-time Super Bowl champion with the Raiders, Christensen was a nightmare to game plan for because of his versatility as both a receiver and a blocker.
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No. 47 — Mel Blount
Honorable Mention: Tom Glavine, MLB
The Steel Curtain Pittsburgh teams of the 70’s have plenty of Hall of Famers to choose from, and Blount is no exception. Aside from being a four-time Super Bowl champion as a member of the Steelers, Blount was also a two-time All-Pro and the 1974 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year.
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No. 48 — Jimmie Johnson
Honorable Mention: Torii Hunter, MLB
Johnson has been an unstoppable force in NASCAR since making his debut in 2001. Currently, Johnson owns 83 individual race wins, and is tied for a record seven Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championships. In 2009, he became the first and only driver to win the Associated Press Athlete of the Year award.
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No. 49 — Ron Guidry
Honorable Mention: Brian Savage, NHL
Guidry was a staple in the rotation for a Yankees club that is often overlooked in favor of the Ruth and Jeter-led versions of the team. The electric lefty played for the Yanks for his entire 14-year career, winning two World Series, five Gold Gloves, and a Cy Young Award.
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No. 50 — David Robinson
Honorable Mention: Mike Singletary, NFL
Before Tim Duncan, the Spurs were led by ‘The Admiral’. Robinson’s strong build would make you believe he was carved from granite. During his run from 1989 to 2003, Robinson collected 10 All-Star appearances, 10 All-NBA nods, a scoring title, an MVP Trophy, and two NBA championship rings.
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No. 51 — Randy Johnson
Honorable Mention: Ichiro, MLB
‘The Big Unit’ struck fear into anybody willing to step into the batter’s box against him. Known for his high velocity and lanky frame, Johnson was one of the top pitchers in baseball for the better part of two decades. The image of Johnson striking a bird mid-flight with one of his fastballs during a game will live on in baseball lore forever.
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No. 52 — Ray Lewis
Honorable Mentions: Patrick Willis, NFL; Jamaal Wilkes, NBA
Running the football against Baltimore was futile with Lewis manning the middle of the field. A fiery leader with an intense passion for the game, Lewis helped guide the Ravens to two Super Bowl victories 12 years apart.
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No. 53 — Don Drysdale
Honorable Mention: Artis Gilmore, NBA
Drysdale represents the glory years of Dodgers baseball. The righty played for his hometown Dodgers for the entirety of his 14-year professional career. A nine-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion, Drysdale wasn’t afraid to challenge batters with his heater.
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No. 54 — Brian Urlacher
Honorable Mention: Zach Thomas, NFL
Urlacher was born to play football. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound specimen was an intimidating force in the middle for 13 seasons. The Pro Football and College Football Hall of Famer has eight Pro Bowl appearances, four All-Pro nods, and a Defensive Player of the Year award to his name. He’s right up there with all of the other great linebackers to don a Chicago Bears uniform.
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No. 55 — Larry Murphy
Honorable Mention: Orel Hershiser, MLB
Murphy was a pillar of consistency for the majority of his 21-year professional career. The cagey defender once held the record for the most regular season games played by a defenseman. Murphy would play for six teams over the course of his NHL career, winning a total of four Stanley Cups with the Penguins and Red Wings.
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No. 56 — Lawrence Taylor
Honorable Mention: Mark Buerhle, MLB
Taylor is arguably the best defensive player to ever step on a football field. His dominance as a pass rusher forced teams to completely revamp blocking schemes. A rare blend of power and speed, Taylor was a nightmare for opposing offenses.
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No. 57 — Johan Santana
Honorable Mention: Tom Jackson, NFL
Due to his injury struggles, it’s easy to forget just how good a healthy Santana was. A Cy Young winner in 2004 and 2006, Santana always seemed to play his best as the grueling baseball season wore on.
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No. 58 — Jack Lambert
Honorable Mentions: Derrick Thomas, NFL; Von Miller, NFL
The Steelers are known for their linebackers, and Lambert might be the best one of the lot. He was a part of all four Super Bowl-winning Steelers teams from the 70’s. Not only was Lambert a feared hitter, but he was also highly intelligent on the field.
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No. 59 — Jack Ham
Honorable Mention: Tom Pistone, NASCAR
A member of the Pro Football and College Football Hall of Fame, Ham was a dominant linebacker for the Steel Curtain. Alongside Lambert, Ham won four Super Bowls and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 1975.
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No. 60 — Otto Graham
Honorable Mention: Chuck Bednarik, NFL
The No. 60 looks a bit off as a quarterback number, but back when there were less strict positional rules, Graham rocked the digits with pride. Graham was money under pressure, winning nine out of a possible 12 playoff games, and securing seven championships (three NFL, four AAFC) over his career.
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No. 61 — Rick Nash
Honorable Mention: Bill George, NFL
One of Canada’s greatest exports, Nash has two Olympic Gold medals to his name representing his home country. A gifted scorer and passer, Nash now plays for the Boston Bruins after spending most of his career in New York and Columbus.
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No. 62 — Jim Langer
Honorable Mention: Jason Kelce, NFL
The 1972 Miami Dolphins don’t go undefeated without Langer manning the middle of their offensive line. The two-time Super Bowl champion and six-time Pro Bowler took over the starting role in 1972, appearing in every game possible for the seven years that followed.
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No. 63 — Gene Upshaw
Honorable Mention: Lee Roy Selmon, NFL
Arguably the greatest Raider of all-time, Upshaw was a stalwart for Oakland’s stout offensive line that beat down the league in the ‘70s. To this day, Upshaw is the only player in history to reach the Super Bowl in three different decades with the same team.
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No. 64 — Jerry Kramer
Honorable Mention: Randall McDaniel, NFL
After years of waiting, Kramer finally received Hall of Fame recognition as a member of the 2018 class. The two-time Super Bowl winner and five-time NFL champion is more than deserving.
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No. 65 — Elvin Bethea
Honorable Mention: Gary Zimmerman, NFL
Even though sacks weren’t an official stat during Bethea’s playing days, his impact on the game is still felt to this day. He nearly perfected the swim technique, which defensive linemen use in the modern game to shed blockers with ease.
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No. 66 — Mario Lemieux
Honorable Mention: Ray Nitschke, NFL
The Hall of Fame couldn’t wait to induct Lemiuex after his playing days were over, waiving their normal three-year waiting period to immediately induct him after he called it quits in 1997. Lemieux’s brilliant mind transcended his efforts as a player, as he has also led the Penguins to three additional Cups as an owner.
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No. 67 — Bob Kuechenberg
Honorable Mention: Reggie McKenzie, NFL
Kuechenberg is the epitome of never giving up. After playing several years of semi-pro ball in Chicago, the Miami Dolphins scooped up Kuechenberg in 1970. The rest is history, as the Notre Dame product would start for two Super Bowl-winning teams during his time in Miami.
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No. 68 — Jaromir Jagr
Honorable Mention: L.C. Greenwood, NFL
Jagr has continuously defied Father Time throughout his illustrious 26-year career. The Czech native is currently the NHL’s second all-time leading scorer, making him the most prolific European-born player in league history.
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No. 69 — Jared Allen
Honorable Mention: Jon Runyan, NFL
Allen made a living off making offensive linemen look silly and putting the hurt on opposing quarterbacks. He was consistently atop the league leaders in sacks, posting seven consecutive seasons of double-digit sack totals.
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No. 70 — Rayfield Wright
Honorable Mention: Logan Mankins, NFL
The versatile Wright played a number of positions throughout his career, but he was at his best wreaking havoc as the right tackle for America’s Team. Wright spent his career protecting Roger Staubach and making running lanes for Dallas’ bevy of talented running backs.
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No. 71 — Evgeni Malkin
Honorable Mention: Walter Jones, NFL
While ‘Sid The Kid’ garners much of the media attention, the Penguins wouldn’t have won three Cups in less than a decade without Malkin. The sharpshooting center from Russia is the perfect complement to Crosby.
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No. 72 — Carlton Fisk
Honorable Mention: William “Fridge” Perry, NFL
Fisk was one of the top backstops for the majority of his 24-year career. Until Barry Bonds rewrote all of the record books, Fisk held the distinction of recording the most home runs by a player after the age of 40.
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No. 73 — Larry Allen
Honorable Mention: John Hannah, NFL
Allen may have been the single strongest player in NFL history. Not only was he a workout warrior, but Allen could also translate his brute strength to the field. The longtime Dallas Cowboy earned All-Pro honors six times over his career.
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No. 74 — Bruce Matthews
Honorable Mention: Kenley Jansen, MLB
Even with a flock of family members gracing the league (Jake, Clay, Casey), Bruce remains the best player from the Matthews clan. Bruce made the Pro Bowl an incredible 14 times, and served as a blocker for two all-time great quarterbacks – Warren Moon and Steve McNair.
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No. 75 — ‘Mean’ Joe Greene
Honorable Mention: Jonathan Ogden, NFL
You don’t get a name as simple and intimidating as ‘Mean’ without having a bit of an edge. Greene helped jump-start a dormant Pittsburgh franchise, and was the key to unlocking the Steelers defense that took the league by storm in the ’70s.
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No. 76 — Lou Groza
Honorable Mention: Marion Motley, NFL
There’s a reason the NCAA hands out an award named after Groza every year. The tackle-slash-kicker excelled at both positions, and also found time to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II.
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No. 77 — Ray Borque
Honorable Mention: Paul Coffey, NHL
A skilled defenseman, Borque helped pave the way for defenders becoming multi-faceted players. Not only was he stout defensively, but Borque was also a gifted passer that could score like a forward.
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No. 78 — Anthony Muñoz
Honorable Mention: Art Shell, NFL
When you think about brick walls on the offensive line, Muñoz should be the first name that comes to mind. The USC alum made the Pro Bowl virtually every year of his career, and rarely got beaten by defensive players.
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No. 79 — Bob St. Clair
Honorable Mention: Ray Childress, NFL
St. Clair played the entirety of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, and is one of the best all-around players in the franchise’s rich history. A member of the 1950s All-Decade team, the 6-foot-9 St. Clair kept defensive players at bay with his enormous wingspan.
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No. 80 — Jerry Rice
Honorable Mention: Cris Carter, NFL
Rice wasn’t the biggest, fastest or strongest, but he ran routes better than anybody and almost never dropped a pass. He defied the laws of aging, posting a 92-reception, 1,211-yard season after his 40th birthday.
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No. 81 — Terrell Owens
Honorable Mention: Dick ‘Night Train’ Lane, NFL
Owens was built more like an NBA small forward than an NFL receiver. The big bodied wide-out used his elite size to bully smaller defenders en route to 153 career touchdowns.
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No. 82 — Raymond Berry
Honorable Mention: Jason Witten, NFL
You’d be hard-pressed to find a surer pair of hands than Berry’s. The lifelong Baltimore Colt revolutionized the receiver position, and was the league’s premier downfield threat during his playing days.
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No. 83 — Ted Hendricks
Honorable Mention: Andre Reed, NFL
Hendricks didn’t look the part of an NFL linebacker. Tall and slender, the 6-foot-7 Hendricks was an anomaly for his position. However, Hendricks’ height played to his favor, as the four-time Super Bowl champion was a prolific run stopper for the Colts, Packers and Raiders.
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No. 84 — Randy Moss
Honorable Mentions: Antonio Brown, NFL; Shannon Sharpe, NFL; Chris Webber, NBA
Nicknamed ‘The Freak’, Moss is arguably the best pure athlete in the sport’s history. With 4.3 speed and a 40-inch vertical in a long, 6-foot-4 frame, Moss was virtually unguardable in one-on-one situations.
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No. 85 — Antonio Gates
Honorable Mentions: Jack Youngblood, NFL; Chad Ochocinco, NFL
Gates followed in Tony Gonzalez’s footsteps as a former collegiate basketball player that made the jump to the NFL. We’ve seen Jimmy Graham make a similar move in recent years. Gates has been a beast in the red zone throughout his career, using his big body to shield the ball away from smaller defenders.
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No. 86 — Hines Ward
Honorable Mention: James Lofton, NFL
Ward didn’t post the same eye-popping stats as some of his contemporaries, but he was vital to Pittsburgh’s success nonetheless. He made countless memorable plays in his career, but the one that comes to mind first is his gleeful trot after catching a touchdown pass from fellow receiver Antwaan Randle El during Super Bowl XL.
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No. 87 — Sidney Crosby
Honorable Mention: Rob Gronkowski, NFL
Crosby entered the league under an enormous microscope. The former first-round pick has delivered, and then some, collecting three Stanley Cups, and two league MVP trophies. He’s currently one of the best playmakers in the league, and at just 30 years old, has shown no signs of slowing down.
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No. 88 — Eric Lindros
Honorable Mentions: Tony Gonzalez, NFL; Michael Irvin, NFL
When healthy, Lindros was a dominant force in the rink. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound center exhibited great skill despite his hulkish frame. Lindros’ best year came in the lockout-ridden 1994 season. The Quebec native scored 70 points in just 46 games, taking home both the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award.
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No. 89 — Mike Ditka
Honorable Mention: Steve Smith Sr., NFL
Although he’s now known more for his work as a coach and on-air personality, Ditka was formerly a terrific tight end. His blend of strength, size, speed, and balance set the bar for players like Rob Gronkowski.
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No. 90 — Julius Peppers
Honorable Mentions: Ndamukong Suh, NFL; Jevon Kearse, NFL
An absolute stud of an athlete, Peppers starred for both the North Carolina football and basketball teams. After finishing college, Peppers decided to focus primarily on the gridiron. That ended up being a good choice, as he’s collected a career total of 154.5 sacks and will go down as one of the best pass rushers in NFL history.
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No. 91 — Sergei Federov
Honorable Mention: Dennis Rodman, NBA
Before Alex Ovechkin, there was Sergei Federov. The fellow Russian was one of the best skaters to ever step on the ice. Federov could play virtually any position, and was a pinpoint sniper from anywhere on the ice.
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No. 92 — Reggie White
Honorable Mention: Michael Strahan, NFL; James Harrison, NFL
Many consider White to be the best defensive lineman in NFL history. His 13 Pro Bowl appearances, 10 First-Team All-Pro nods, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards back up that statement. He faced double teams his entire career, and was still able to record 12 seasons of at least 11.0 sacks.
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No. 93 — John Randle
Honorable Mention: Doug Gilmour, NHL
It’s truly incredible that Randle went undrafted following his collegiate career. He used it as motivation for a career that spanned 14 seasons in the NFL. During that time, Randle made the All-Pro team six years in a row (1993-1998), and led the league in sacks in 1997.
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No. 94 — DeMarcus Ware
Honorable Mention: Chad Brown, NFL
There were no doubts that Ware was going to be a difference maker from the very start. The explosive outside linebacker post eight straight season with at least 8.0 sacks. Ware’s hard work finally paid off with the ultimate prize in 2016, when he won Super Bowl 50 as a member of the Denver Broncos.
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No. 95 — Richard Dent
Honorable Mention: Greg Lloyd, NFL
A former eighth-round pick, Dent proved to be a diamond in the rough over his Hall of Fame career. Dent gained prominence as a member of the famed 1985 Chicago Bears defense. The Bears would demolish the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl that year by a score of 46-10, and Dent would take home MVP honors after recording 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
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No. 96 — Cortez Kennedy
Honorable Mention: Pavel Bure, NHL
It didn’t take long for Kennedy to make his presence felt at the professional level. The former third overall pick made the Pro Bowl in just his second season, and was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year the very next year — despite his team sporting a 2-14 record that season. He’s considered one of the best defensive tackles in league history, and served as the benchmark for players like Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh.
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No. 97 — Connor McDavid
Honorable Mentions: Simeon Rice, NFL; Kurt Busch, NASCAR
Slotting McDavid here is more of a projection, as the 21-year-old has plenty of his career left to go. It’s also a testament to how few players in professional sports history have donned the No. 97 jersey. Nonetheless, McDavid is a blue-chipper that has already posted back-to-back 100+ point seasons. The next few years should only further justify his spot as the best to ever wear No. 97.
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No. 98 — Robert Mathis
Honorable Mention: Jessie Armstead, NFL
Coming out of a small program in Alabama A&M, there wasn’t much expected of Mathis when he was taken in the fifth round. Mathis experienced mild success with the Colts for much of his career, but truly didn’t break out until his 11th season in the league. In that year, Mathis recorded 19.5 sacks, and was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Year. He now serves as a Pass Rush consultant for the team he spent his entire playing career with.
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No. 99 — Wayne Gretzky
Honorable Mentions: J.J. Watt, NFL; Aaron Donald, NFL; Aaron Judge, MLB
Hockey’s premier playmaker, Gretzky dazzled fans with his precise puck handling and penchant for setting up teammates. The NHL has only seen four 200-point seasons by a single player – Gretzky did it all four times. In fact, “The Great One” has nine of the top 11 scoring seasons in NHL history. Accompanied with his four Stanley Cup victories, Gretzky is clearly the most accomplished player in league history.
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