Who is the best athlete in history? This question has circulated bars and barber shops for generations and is one of the most decisive debates. Generally, fans are guided by their own favorite sport when choosing their greatest athlete of all time.
According to a Morning Consult poll, 19% of respondents say Michael Jordan is the greatest athlete in history, ahead of Tom Brady and Muhammad Ali. While it is true that he does not have the most NBA titles to his name (nine players have seven or more), the particular style of play of "Air Jordan," who always put on a show, earned him the top spot in this fan vote for the greatest athlete of all time.
Thanks to the duo of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, the Chicago Bulls were the franchise to beat in the 90s. In all, Jordan won six NBA titles (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 1998), years in which he was also Most Valuable Player of the NBA Finals (Finals MVP).
Michael Jordan, the eternal number 23 of the Chicago franchise, is the idol of many emerging players. One example is LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, who has never hidden the fact that Jordan was an inspiration for him. "King James" is one of the many who chose to wear the number 23 on his jersey as a tribute to Jordan.
Tom Brady
After Michael Jordan, respondents chose Tom Brady as the second-greatest athlete in history. The legendary quarterback announced his retirement a few days ago. Twelve percent of respondents voted Brady for the top spot.
One of the NFL's three premier quarterbacks of all time, along with Peyton Manning and Joe Montana, Brady played a total of 23 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). The quarterback spent the first two decades of his career with the New England Patriots, with whom he won six Super Bowl titles.
In 2020, he moved from Massachusetts to Florida to play his final three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with whom he won his seventh and final Super Bowl in his first season at Raymond James Stadium.
Muhammad Ali
The Morning Consult poll ranks Muhammad Ali as the third-best athlete in history, receiving 8% of votes. With his near unblemished record of just 5 defeats in 61 fights, the fighter takes the final spot on the podium.
Of his 56 career victories, Ali defeated his opponents by knock out (K.O.) on 39 occasions. Fans will all remember his fierce rivalry with Joe Frazier, whom he defeated in two of the three bouts they fought.
Babe Ruth, Kobe Bryant and more
Next in the ranking is Babe Ruth. "The Great Bambino," as he was popularly known, is considered the greatest baseball player in history. He received 7% of the vote. Fans of the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees were thrilled with his play for 21 seasons.
Kobe Bryant was ranked the fifth-best athlete in history, receiving 5% of the vote. "The Black Mamba" added five NBA championships to the Los Angeles Lakers' trophy cabinet. He played his entire 20-year career in purple and gold, aside from his time with the U.S. national team.
Rounding out the list are LeBron James (4%), Jim Thorpe (4%), Lionel Messi (3%), Pelé (3%), Serena Williams (3%), Simon Biles (2%), Tiger Woods (2%), Michael Phelps (2%), Jesse Owens (2%), Bo Jackson (2%) and Wayne Gretzky (2%).
