The 10 Most Likeable Athletes

A few months ago, Manny Ramirez might have found his way to the top of this list. But, since the steroid revelations, Manny has become pretty easy to hate. These guys, however, we find it quite hard. Here is your list of Most Likeable Athletes.

Ken Griffey, Jr.

If not for injuries, Junior would probably be the all-time Home Run leader, and without a whiff of steroid suspicion. He was an all-around good guy, both on and off the field. Plus, he had one of the smoothest swings you’ll ever see. Kids all around the country grew up emulating Junior’s swing in the 90s.

Shaquille O’Neal

Seriously, the guy has his own language. On draft day last Thursday, Shaq indicated that, while he and LeBron had not had any verbal conversations, they had many mental conversations. Most athletes that would say something like that, you would just shake your head, and comment on their lack of education. When Shaq says it, you just nod, laugh, and say, “Yep, that’s Shaq.”

Rocco Mediate

Is there another guy on tour that would split the crowd support on a Monday afternoon U.S. Open playoff with Tiger Woods? Rocco did just that a year ago. And, he had the balls to wear a red shirt and black pants in the process. You’re okay in my book, Rocco.

Kurt Warner

His story is well-known. A little more than ten years ago, Kurt was bagging groceries. He signed with the St. Louis Rams, and through Trent Green’s unfortunate injury, became the starting QB for the Super Bowl champions. Last year, he came within minutes of becoming a 2-time champion. His appeal as a normal American bagging groceries makes it damn near impossible for fans to hate Warner. And so, he makes our list.

Grant Hill

Like Ken Griffey, Jr., Grant Hill is a few unfortunate injuries away from being an all-time great. Hill’s career with the Detroit Pistons started out as well as anyone’s. Several injuries and a near-death experience on the operation table later, Hill’s career has been noted mostly for how much he has underachieved. Yet, still, he remains a fan favorite.

Peyton Manning

He set records for years and never rustled a feather. Then, he started doing commercials. Anyone who wasn’t a huge Peyton fan before the commercials became one afterwards. The public’s love for Peyton is so strong that it causes disdain for the otherwise like able Tom Brady. That’s a truly impressive feat. Kudos Peyton.

Steve Yzerman

The Captain. He’s a guy who just went about his business for years. He talked to the media, did charity work in Detroit, and never upset one person in the process. Oh, and he also won a few Stanley Cups. Even Colorado Avalanche fans like this guy.

Andre Agassi

Agassi and Sampras was the big tennis rivalry of the 90s. Yet, even the biggest Pete Sampras fans never really had a problem with Andre. He was always respectful, and he always took care of business on the court. His love for the game is perhaps only surpassed by the love of the game’s biggest fans for him. It probably didn’t hurt that he married one of women’s tennis most likeable players, either.

Just Missed The Cut

Barry Bonds

Terrell Owens

Michael Vick