Six Influential Sports Figures That Will Never Be Forgotten
Every sport has a handful of players who stand out. Some players are recognized for their achievements outside of their sports. Whether they contribute to society by donating to charity or promoting a product, it's clear that there are sports stars who will never be forgotten. Real legends will always be remembered, no matter how much time passes. These six sports stars will leave a legacy behind, regardless of some of their performances in their sport.
1) LeBron James
LeBron "The King" James has been a topic in the NBA for almost two decades. Since LeBron left his home team, some NBA fans questioned his legitimacy as a basketball player, while others cheered him on the whole way. James also wears Michael Jordan's jersey number, which makes a lot of people angry.
Over the years, LeBron James has donated to various charities, such as The Boys and Girls Club of America, Children's Defense Funds, and ONEXONE. He also has his own charity, the LeBron James Family Foundation, and a school called 'I Promise' to help youth get the most out of their education.
Although LeBron James receives a lot of hate (even from people who don't watch basketball), his legacy will always be remembered.
2) Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson is remembered as the greatest fighter in the world. He has been retired since 2005, but he will always be a role model for every fighter who steps into the ring.
Recently, Tyson has been getting a lot of attention because of a scheduled fight with YouTuber Jake Paul in July. Whether Tyson wins or loses a fight, he will always be remembered as the best fighter.
Mike Tyson donated millions to Feeding America and started the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation, a non-profit organization. He also played in IP Man and has his own show on Adult Swim, Mike Tyson Mysteries.
Tyson is one of the most influential sports figures due to his permanent legacy as a fighter and his television appearances.
3) Jake Paul
MMA boxer Jake Paul started his career as a YouTuber. For the majority of Paul's life, he profited from endangering his friends and neighbors with pranks. Jake was an actor for Disney Channel and was the main character in most of their shows. Bizaarkvard and Dirk Mann are some of the shows that Paul was in for Disney.
When Jake Paul transitioned to MMA, many people saw him as a coward because he only fought people who weren't in their prime. All of the fighters in the MMA want to fight Jake Paul because they are tired of his shenanigans.
Paul is known as a coward in the MMA and an annoying prankster to his friend. However, his exposure in the media has made him an image that will never go away.
4) Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols was the greatest hitter of the twenty-first century, with almost 3,400 hits, more than 100 career WAR, over 700 home runs, and a 145 OPS+. One of Pujols' most memorable decisions was moving to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who offered him a $240 million contract.
Albert Pujols's Family Foundation received over $30 million in donations throughout his career. Pujols' daughter has Down syndrome, which inspired him to create a foundation committed to helping others.
Pujols retired from baseball in 2022 as one of the greatest MLB players of all time. Baseball fans will always remember the name: Albert Pujols
5) Shaquille O'Neil
Shaq is famously known for his height and his career in the NBA, during which he won 819 games and four finals. When Shaq retired from the NBA in 2011, there was never another basketball player who could follow in his big footsteps.
Throughout his career, Shaq has been known for donating to various charities, such as Free the Children and the Boys & Girls Club of America. He is commonly recognized for supporting causes like anti-bullying, autism awareness, and youth education.
Due to Shaq's size and big heart, he will always be an idol that many will remember.
6) Conner McGregor
Conner McGregor will always be remembered for his Irish bloodline and materialistic lifestyle. Everyone who has heard of McGregor knows that most of the things he does and owns cost more than a downpayment for a house.
McGregor is known for his legal allegations of kidnapping, assault, and sexual harassment. Throughout McGregor's career, he has had many accusations and charges dropped in the United States and Ireland.
In MMA, Conner McGregor is known for his merciless fighting spirit. He has 22 wins and 6 losses. McGregor will always be remembered for his onslaught in the MMA and the legal accusations that were dropped in his favor. His lavish lifestyle will always be a goal for future MMA fighters.
Even though these legends are either retired or past their prime, it's obvious they influence the next generation of sports stars. Every one of them made bold moves that got the media's attention. Whether it's a charity donation or a legal allegation, these players will be remembered outside of their sports careers.
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