The Most Iconic Athlete from Each State

Iconic athletes come from all across our great nation. It begs a couple of questions: First, who is your state’s most iconic athlete? And secondly, which states produced the greatest athletes of all time? As we count down the 50 most iconic American athletes of all time, we’ll rank it by state too. Here is the most iconic athlete from each state!

50. Wyoming: Boyd Dowler

Rock Springs-born Boyd Dowler was drafted by the Packers as a wide receiver in 1959 and became the NFL Rookie of the Year. Boyd played from 1959-1969, then became a wide receivers coach for the Rams, Redskins, Eagles, and Buccaneers, where he also was a quarterbacks coach. He was also an offensive coordinator for the Bengals.

49. Vermont: Carlton Fisk

Hailing from Bellows Falls, MLB catcher Carlton Fisk was the 1972 American League Rookie of the Year. Fisk played from 1969 to 1993 for the Red Sox and White Sox, and both retired his jersey. Fisk was an 11x All-Star, 3x Silver Slugger Award, and 1x Golden Glove award. Fisk was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000.

48. Alaska: Lance Mackey

Lance Mackey (1970-2022) was an American dog musher and dog sled racer from Fairbanks. Mackey won both the 1000-mile Yukon Quest and the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race four times each. He was also the first person to win both events in the same year, a feat once considered impossible. Sadly, he passed away in 2022 due to throat cancer.

47. North Dakota: Darin Erstad

During his career in baseball (1996-2009), Darin Erstad played outfielder and first baseman, playing for the Angels, White Sox, and Astros. Erstad won the Gold Glove Award three times, the Silver Slugger Award, and was a two-time All-Star. In his high school years, Erstad was a pitcher and was named AP North Dakota Athlete of the Year in 1992.

46. South Dakota: Brock Lesnar

Physically imposing at 6’3″ and 265 pounds, Brock Lesnar excelled at three sports: professional wrestling, mixed martial arts, and football. He’s the only person to have won the primary heavyweight championships in WWE, UFC, NJPW, IGF, and the NCAA. In 2004, he joined the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings but was cut during the preseason. He hails from Webster.

45. Delaware: Elena Delle Donne

Born in Wilmington, Delle Donne was the 1st round, 2nd overall pick in the WNBA draft in 2013, selected by the Chicago Sky, and Rookie of the Year. She joined the Washington Mystics 2017-2023 until her retirement in 2024. She is a two-time WNBA MVP, seven-time All-Star, and 2015 scoring champion. She was the NCAA scoring leader in 2012.

44. Montana: Dave McNally

Billings native and MLB pitcher Dave McNally played with the Orioles (1962-1974) and Expos (1975). He was the AL wins leader in 1970, a three-time All-Star, and a two-time World Series champion. McNally won at least 20 games four times in his career. He is the only pitcher to hit a grand slam in a World Series game.

43. Rhode Island: Nap Lajoie

Born in Woonsocket in 1874, Nap Lajoie played for two Philadelphia teams, the Phillies and Athletics (twice), and two Cleveland teams, the Bronchos and Naps, the latter he also managed. From 1896-1916, Nap played for both AL and NL teams. Lajoie was the AL home run leader (1901), a five-time batting champion, and a three-time RBI leader.

42. Maine: Ian Crocker

Portland-born swimmer Ian Crocker excels at butterfly and freestyle swimming. He was the first to ever swim under 51 seconds in the 100-meter butterfly. Crocker improved his world record of 50.98 twice, down to 50.40 at the 2005 World Aquatics Championships. As part of the US Olympic teams, he won gold in 2000 and 2008 and bronze in 2004.

41. New Hampshire: Matt Bonner

Born in Concord, 6’10”, Matt Bonner played power forward and center in the NBA with the Raptors and the Spurs. He was Mr. New Hampshire Basketball (1999), First-team All-SEC (2003), 2× Academic All-American (2002, 2003), and a two-time NBA champion. After retiring from basketball in 2016, he became a Spurs TV broadcast analyst.

40. Hawaii: Duke Kahanamoku

Born in Haleʻākala, Honolulu, Duke Kahanamoku was raised in Waikiki. By giving exhibitions, he popularized the sport of surfing, which was previously known only in Hawaii. Duke is referred to as the “father of surfing.” Duke was also a competitive swimmer and won three gold and two silver Olympic medals in 1912, 1920, and 1924.

39. Idaho: Harmon Killebrew

Born in Payette, Hall of Fame, MLB great Harmon Killebrew is one of the most prolific hitters in the history of baseball. Killebrew played most of his career with the Twins, becoming the AL MVP (1969), a 6x AL homerun leader, 13x All-Star, and 3x AL RBI leader. He ranks 12th in all-time in home runs.

38. West Virginia: Jerry West

Born in Cheylan, Jerry West (1938-2024) was a player, coach, and executive, spending his entire career with the Lakers. West was a 14x All-Star, scoring champion, assists leader, and NBA finals MVP. His coaching record was 145–101 (.589). He was a 2x Executive of the Year and 8x NBA champion. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.

37. Nebraska: Bob Gibson

Hall of Fame and All-Century Team MLB pitcher Bob Gibson was born in Omaha. He played from 1959 to 1975 with the Cardinals. Gibson was a 9X All-Star, won 9 Gold Glove Awards, won 2 Cy Young awards, a 2x World Series MVP, NL MVP, and pitched a no-hitter in 1971. He threw 3,117 strikeouts in his career.

36. New Mexico: Al Unser Sr.

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Al Unser Sr. comes from a family of automotive greats, including brothers Jerry and Bobby and son Al Jr. He is the second of four to win the Indianapolis 500 four times. “Big” Al competed in 321 races over 30 years. He won his last Indy 500 in 1987 and raced his last in 1993.

35. Nevada: Andre Agassi

Former world No. 1 tennis player Andre Agassi was born in Las Vegas. He’s an Olympic gold medalist and eight-time major champion. He’s the second of five men in the Open Era to achieve the Career Grand Slam. Agassi was also the first man to win all four singles majors on three different surfaces (hard, grass, clay).

34. Kansas: Barry Sanders

College and pro football Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders was born in Wichita. His list of achievements in football is enormous, including the Heisman Trophy, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, 6x All-Pro, 10x Pro Bowl, 4x Russian Leader, MVP, 2x Offense of Player the Year, and numerous NFL records.

33. Arkansas: Paul “Bear” Bryant

Born in Moro Bottom, Paul “Bear” Bryant is considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. He’s best known for coaching the University of Alabama. During his tenure, the Crimson Tide won six national championships and 13 conference championships. At his retirement in 1982, he had the most wins (323) of any coach in collegiate football history.

32. Mississippi: Jerry Rice

Born in Starkville, pro and college football Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice holds at least 12 NFL records, including career receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Rice is a 13x Pro Bowl, 6x receiving touchdowns leader, 2x receptions leader, 6x receiving yards leader, and his achievements list goes on. Rice played with the 49ers, Raiders, Seahawks, and Broncos.

31. Utah: Merlin Olsen

Born in Logan, Pro and College Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle Merlin Olsen was part of the famed “Fearsome Foursome” with the Los Angeles Rams (1962-1976). He was a 14x Pro Bowl and 5x first-team All-Pro. Olsen also acted and is best known for his TV appearances in Little House on the Prairie and starred in Father Murphy.

30. Iowa: Dan Gable

One of the greatest wrestlers ever, Dan Gable was born in Waterloo. He won Olympic and World gold medals and is a two-time NCAA national champion. Gable was inducted into the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame and the International Sports Hall of Fame. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020. He coached from 1976 to 1997.

29. Connecticut: Calvin Murphy

Born in Norwalk, college and pro basketball Hall of Famer Calvin Murphy played for and assistant coached the Rockets. In high school, Murphy was Mr. Basketball USA (1966), 3x All-State, and 2x All-America. He made the NBA all-rookie first team in 1971 and All-Star in 1979. Murphy is currently the halftime and post-game analyst for local Rockets broadcasts.

28. Oklahoma: Jim Thorpe

Regarded as the greatest athlete of all time, Prague-born Jim Thorpe was an Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon and pentathlon and played professional football, professional baseball, and professional basketball. He also coached the Hoosiers and four professional football teams. Thorpe is in the Pro and College Football Hall of Fame and was the first president of the NFL.

27. Oregon: Danny Ainge

Born in Eugene, Danny Ainge played second and third base for the Blue Jays between 1979-1981. Then became an NBA shooting guard (1981-1995) for the Celtics, Kings, Trailblazers, and Suns. He also coached the Suns from 1996-1999. He is a former NBA All-Star, 2x champion, and a First-Team All-American. He was an NBA champion and executive the year in 2008.

26. Kentucky: Muhammad Ali

Born Cassius Clay Jr. in Louisville, Muhammad Ali is a sports legend and activist. He won gold at the 1960s Olympics. As a pro boxer, Ali had 56 wins, 37 by knockout and 19 by decision. He only lost five bouts, one by knockout and four by decision. Ali was a 4x WBA heavyweight champion and 2x WBC heavyweight champion.

25. Louisiana: Peyton Manning

New Orleans-born Peyton Manning is a Pro and College Hall of Fame quarterback. He’s the son of legendary NFL quarterback Archie Manning and brother of former NFL QB Eli Manning. Peyton holds NFL records for season passing TDs, season passing yards, and most touchdown passes in a game. His many achievements include 5x NFL MVP and 14x Pro Bowl.

24. Alabama: Bo Jackson

Excelling in both football and baseball, Bo Jackson was born in Bessemer. He was the #1 pick in 1986 out of Auburn, won the Heisman Trophy, and played for the Raiders from 1987-1991, making Pro Bowl in 1990. Jackson played outfielder/designated hitter in MLB from 1986-1994 for the Royals, White Sox, and Angels, making All-Star and MVP in 1989.

23. South Carolina: Joe Frazier

Born in Beaufort, Joe Frazier was the undisputed world heavyweight champion from February 1970 to January 1973. He won the heavyweight gold at the 1964 Olympics. Frazier’s professional boxing record was 32 wins, 27 by knockout and 5 by decision. Frazier had one draw and 4 losses. Among his famous bouts were Muhammad Ali (1W-1L) and George Foreman (2L).

22. Colorado: Jack Dempsey

Born in Manassa, Jack Dempsey was one of the most popular boxers in history, setting records for attendance. He was known for his aggressive style and reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1919 to 1926. In 84 fights, he had 63 wins, 53 by knockout, 9 by decision, and 1 by disqualification. He had 9 draws and 6 losses.

21. Minnesota: Kevin McHale

Born in Hibbing, forward Kevin McHale played for the Celtics from 1980-1993 and was a 7x All-Star and 3x NBA champion. In high school, he was named Minnesota Mr. Basketball (1976). McHale could score over either shoulder. He moved to coaching the Timberwolves (2005, 2008-2009) and Rockets (2011-2015). McHale is in both the college and pro basketball Hall of Fame.

20. Wisconsin: Eric Heiden

Born in Madison, speed skater Eric Heiden set four Olympic records and won an unprecedented five individual gold medals. Over the course of his career, he skated to 15 world records. After skating, Heiden moved on to professional cycling and won several American professional races. He’s also served as a team physician for the NBA Kings and WNBA Monarchs.

19. Maryland: Michael Phelps

Swimmer Michael Phelps, “The Baltimore Bullet,” is the most decorated Olympian of all time, with 28 medals (23 gold). Over his career, Phelps has set 39 world records (29 individual). As of 2023, he still held the current world records for 4×100 m freestyle relay and 4×200 m freestyle relay.

18. Missouri: Yogi Berra

Yogi Berra is an MLB legend. The St. Louis-born Baseball Hall of Fame catcher and later manager split his time with the Yankees and Mets as a player (1946-1965) and manager (1964-1985). He also coached the Astros from 1986-1989. Berra is an 18x Allstar, 13x World Series champion, and 3x AL MVP.

17. Tennessee: Pat Summitt

Hailing from Clarksville, Pat Summitt had a profound impact on women’s college basketball. In 36 years of coaching, Summitt won eight NCAA Division I basketball championships and acquired 1,098 career wins, a record at her retirement. As a player, she won a silver medal at the 1976 Olympics. In 1984, Summitt coached the US to gold.

16. Indiana: Larry Bird

Born in West Baden Springs, Larry Bird is considered among the best basketball players ever. He is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. Bird played forward for the Celtics from 1979-1992 and coached the Pacers from 1997-2000.

15. Massachusetts: Rocky Marciano

Brockton-born boxing legend Rocky Marciano stands as the only heavyweight champion to finish his career undefeated. He competed from 1947 to 1955, holding the heavyweight championship from 1952 to 1956. He fought 49 bouts, winning 43 by knockout and 6 by decision. Some of his well-known opponents were Archie Moore, Jersey Joe Walcott, and Joe Lewis.

14. Arizona: Randall McDaniel

Randall McDaniel was born in Phoenix, attended Arizona State, and was a Round 1 pick of the Vikings in 1988. He played guard for Minnesota from 1988-1999, then the Buccaneers from 2000-2001. McDaniel’s achievements include the Morris trophy, 12 Pro Bowls, and 7-time All-Pro. He is in the pro and college football Hall of Fame.

13. Washington: John Stockton

Hailing from Spokane, John Stockton played guard for the Jazz from 1984 to 2003. He was a 10x NBA All-Star, 9x assists leader, and 2x steals leader. In college, Stockton was the WCAC Player of the Year (1984). Stockton is in the college and pro basketball Hall of Fame. He served as an assistant coach for Montana State from 2015-2016.

12. Virginia: Arthur Ashe

Richmond-born Arthur Ashe is a legendary tennis player. He was the first Black man selected for the US Davis Cup Team and first to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Australian Open. Ashe won three grand slam titles in singles and two in doubles. In 1993, Ashe was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

11. New Jersey: Shaquille O’Neal

Born in Newark, Shaquille O’Neal is in the college, pro, and FIBA basketball Hall of Fame. Shaq’s accomplishments include 15x NBA All-Star, 3x finals MVP, and 2x scoring champion. In high school, Shaq was Texas Mr. Basketball (1989), and in college, he won SEC Player of the Year twice. Shaq was the NBA rookie of the year in 1993.

10. Michigan: Magic Johnson

Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. was born in Lansing. In high school, he won Mr. Basketball of Michigan (1977). Johnson is considered the greatest point guard of all time. Johnson’s accomplishments include 12x NBA All-Star, 3x MVP, 3x finals MVP, 4x assists leader, and 2x steals leader. He’s in both the college and pro basketball Hall of Fame.

9. North Carolina: Dale Earnhardt Sr.

Born in Kannapolis, Dale Earnhardt is one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. Earnhardt competed in 676 NASCAR Cup series, garnering 76 wins, 428 top tens, and 22 poles. He ran 136 NASCAR Xfinity Series, with 21 wins, 75 top tens, and seven poles. He died in a three-car crash at the Daytona 500 in 2001.

8. Georgia: Jim Brown

Born in St. Simons, Jim Brown is considered one of the greatest running backs of all time. Brown’s many achievements include the NFL Rookie of the Year (1957), 9x Pro Bowl, 8x rushing leader, 3x MVP, 5x rushing touchdowns, and scoring leader (1958). Brown is in both the college and pro football Hall of Fame.

7. Ohio: LeBron James

Akron-born LeBron James is one of the greatest basketball players ever. In high school, he was 3x Ohio Mr. Basketball. James was the 1st overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft and 2004 Rookie of the Year. James’ many achievements include 20x NBA All-Star, 4x MVP, and 4x finals MVP. He’s won 3 Olympic gold medals and was 2024 MVP.

6. Pennsylvania: Wilt Chamberlain

Philadelphia-born ‘Wilt the Stilt,’ 7’1,” was modern-era basketball’s first dominant big man. In high school, he was Mr. Basketball USA (1955). Before the NBA, he played with the Harlem Globetrotters. Wilt was NBA Rookie of the Year in 1960. Chamberlain’s accomplishments include 13x NBA All-Star, 4x MVP, and assist leader. He’s in the college and pro basketball Hall of Fame.

5. Illinois: Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Born in East St. Louis, Jackie Joyner-Kersee dominated in the heptathlon and long jump. She has held the world record for heptathlon since 1988. Joyner-Kersee has won three gold, one silver, and two bronze Olympic medals at four Olympic games. She has four gold medals from the World Championships and Goodwill Games and one gold from the Pan-American Games.

4. New York: Michael Jordan

Brooklyn-born Michael Jordan is considered the greatest basketball player ever and a worldwide cultural icon. A few of Jordan’s many accomplishments include NBA Rookie of the Year (1985), 14x All-Star, 5x MVP, 3x steals leader, and 10x scoring champion. He’s in the Pro and FIBA basketball Hall of Fame. Jordan won gold twice at the Olympics.

3. Florida: Deion Sanders

Born in Fort Myers, Deion Sanders played professional football and baseball at the same time. In the NFL, he played cornerback, wide receiver, and return specialist with five different teams and was Defensive Player of the Year (1994). In the MLB, he played outfielder with five different teams. Sanders currently coaches the University of Colorado at Boulder Buffaloes football team.

2. Texas: Rogers Hornsby

Born in Winters in 1896, Rogers Hornsby played second base in the MLB for 23 years, as well as serving as a manager and coach. He played for the Cardinals, Giants, Braves, Cubs, and St. Louis Browns. Hornsby’s achievements include being a 7x batting champion, 2x home run leader, 4x RBI leader, 2x NL MVP, and Baseball Hall of Fame.

1. California: Tom Brady

Born in San Mateo, Tom Brady is considered the greatest quarterback ever. Brady holds at least 10 NFL records, including career passing completions (7753), career passing touchdowns (649), career passing yards (89,214), and longest touchdown pass (99 yards-tied). Brady is a 7-time Super Bowl champion, 5-time Super Bowl MVP, and played for 23 seasons until age 45.