Most beloved living legend?

[Writehooks]

Just curious -- who do you think is America's most beloved living sports legend? Not necessarily the greatest or most respected, but the man or woman who inspires the most public adoration? Personally, I'd go with either George Foreman, Hank Aaron or Shaq. For my money, Jordan is too wooden and too "corporate" and Tiger has too much baggage. Thoughts?

[Jstottlemire1]

Good thread. You have excellent people who came to mind that I agree with. I’d likely add also Arnold if you consider what he did a sport and what he’s done is amid controversy as well.

[Peter_Spaeth]

It's interesting to me how difficult this actually is. A few years back, not so tough, with Yogi, Ernie Banks, Arnold Palmer, Ali (not universal of course), and others.


Maybe Nicklaus now?


On the women's side, Billie Jean King? Mary Lou Retton?

[packs]

I think Shaq is a good pick. Charles Barkley would be another. But someone who I think really fills this role with the masses is Michael Strahan. He's a day time TV fixture, still covers big NFL games and is generally beloved by even regular people who don't like sports.

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by packs

I think Shaq is a good pick. Charles Barkley would be another. But someone who I think really fills this role with the masses is Michael Strahan. He's a day time TV fixture, still covers big NFL games and is generally beloved by even regular people who don't like sports.

Gosh, I’ve always wanted to be a regular person.

Do regular people all take Metamucil?

[packs]

Maybe. Mostly they watch Good Morning America, probably were fans of Kelly and Michael and are probably huge fans of Strahan, Sara and Keke.

Can you think of anyone with a wider audience?

[Jstottlemire1]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

It's interesting to me how difficult this actually is. A few years back, not so tough, with Yogi, Ernie Banks, Arnold Palmer, Ali (not universal of course), and others.


Maybe Nicklaus now?


On the women's side, Billie Jean King? Mary Lou Retton?

I was also thinking Mary Lou Retton

[pclpads]

Based assuredly on her recent successes, for me, it would have to be Ms. Biles. Her smile alone could light up a room. No 'roids, just pure athletic accomplishment. I realize she hasn't been doing this for the past 40 years, but at the moment, she gets my vote!

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by pclpads

Based assuredly on her recent successes, for me, it would have to be Ms. Biles. Her smile alone could light up a room. No 'roids, just pure athletic accomplishment. I realize she hasn't been doing this for the past 40 years, but at the moment, she gets my vote!

She is a phenomenal talent and personality. Just as a matter of personal aesthetic taste, I prefer the more artistic, balletic gymnasts such as Liukin, Boginskaya, and Khorkina.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Writehooks

Just curious -- who do you think is America's most beloved living sports legend? Not necessarily the greatest or most respected, but the man or woman who inspires the most public adoration? Personally, I'd go with either George Foreman, Hank Aaron or Shaq. For my money, Jordan is too wooden and too "corporate" and Tiger has too much baggage. Thoughts?

Definitely not Hank Aaron (to me, anyway). I grew up in the Houston area and loved Hank Aaron as a kid, so his comments about racist Texans made me do a 360 on him years ago.

I like your George Foreman idea - I wouldn't have thought of him. Shaq is certainly loveable. I think Peyton Manning may be working his way into the conversation, but perhaps he is too regional (Denver and Indy?).

Good question as most of the truly loveable sports icons have passed away in the last 10-20 years.