ai-assisted Archives

15 Amazing Athletes Who Played Multiple Pro Sports

A select group of athletes have exhibited the versatility to excel in multiple disciplines, setting them apart from their peers.

15 NFL Holdouts That Spectacularly Blew Up in Players’ Faces

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In the high-stakes world of professional football, contract holdouts have been a recurring theme as players seek to secure better deals, more recognition, or re-establish their value to their teams. These holdouts can often lead to significant consequences, impacting not only the players’ careers but also the dynamics within their teams. This article delves into some of the most notable NFL contract holdouts, exploring the reasons behind them and their lasting effects on both the players and the franchises involved. 15. Michael Crabtree – San Francisco 49ers (2009) Michael Crabtree’s 71-day holdout in 2009 cost him valuable playing time and development. The 10th overall pick missed all of training camp and five regular-season games, signing a six-year, $32 million contract. While he had a solid career, the holdout likely impacted his early development and rapport with teammates. 14. Jamal Adams – New York Jets (2020) Jamal Adams’ contract dispute with the Jets led to a trade to the Seahawks. Despite his All-Pro status, Adams didn’t receive an immediate extension from Seattle. The saga resulted in Adams missing valuable time with his new team and potentially impacting his long-term earning potential. 13. Tony Mandarich – Green Bay Packers (1989) Tony Mandarich, the second overall pick in 1989, held out for 45 days before signing a $4.4 million contract with the Packers. His holdout and subsequent poor performance earned him the label “The NFL’s Incredible Bust.” Mandarich played only three seasons for Green Bay before being released, failing to live up to his pre-draft hype. 12. Duane Thomas – Dallas Cowboys (1971) Duane Thomas, a star running back for the Cowboys, held out for a new contract after his rookie season. The holdout led to a trade, which was later voided. Thomas returned to Dallas but refused to speak to teammates, coaches, or media. Despite the silence, he helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl VI, rushing for 95 yards and a touchdown. 11. Earl Thomas – Seattle Seahawks (2018) Earl Thomas held out for a contract extension, missing training camp and preseason. He returned without a new deal, playing the first four games before suffering a season-ending leg fracture. Thomas famously gave the Seahawks sideline the middle finger while being carted off, ending his tenure with the team on a sour note. 10. Eric Dickerson – Los Angeles Rams (1985) Eric Dickerson’s 47-day holdout in 1985 initially seemed successful, as he secured a $4 million disability insurance policy and contract negotiations. However, it cost him $47,000 in fines and two regular-season games. Despite this setback, Dickerson still managed to rush for over 1,200 yards that season. 9. Darrelle Revis – New York Jets (2010) Revis’ 35-day holdout resulted in a four-year, $46 million contract with $32 million guaranteed. While he secured a lucrative deal, the holdout strained his relationship with the team and fans. Revis later referred to it as a “band-aid” contract, highlighting the temporary nature of the resolution. 8. Terrell Owens – Philadelphia Eagles (2005) Terrell Owens held out for a new contract just one year into his seven-year, $49 million deal with the Eagles. His actions led to a four-game suspension, deactivation for the rest of the season, and eventual release. The holdout damaged Owens’ reputation and ended his tenure with a Super Bowl contender prematurely. 7. Chris Johnson – Tennessee Titans (2011) Chris Johnson’s 2011 holdout with the Titans lasted 35 days before he signed a four-year, $53.5 million extension. However, his performance declined significantly after the holdout, never again reaching his previous 2,000-yard rushing season heights. Johnson’s production dropped, and he was released by the Titans in 2014. 6. Le’Veon Bell – Pittsburgh Steelers (2018) Le’Veon Bell sat out the entire 2018 season after failing to reach a long-term deal with the Steelers. This decision cost him $14.5 million in salary and marked the end of his tenure in Pittsburgh. Bell’s holdout ultimately backfired, as he signed with the Jets for less guaranteed money in 2019. 5. Maurice Jones-Drew – Jacksonville Jaguars (2012) Jones-Drew’s 38-day holdout in 2012 failed to secure a new contract. He returned without a pay raise, forfeiting $1.2 million in fines. The league’s leading rusher in 2011 missed training camp and preseason, ultimately losing his starting role to Rashad Jennings for Week 1. His production declined significantly that season. 4. Joey Galloway – Seattle Seahawks (1999) Joey Galloway’s 101-day holdout in 1999 cost him $1.047 million in lost salary and fines. The Seahawks withdrew their $35 million offer, and Galloway missed half the season. He returned to play under his existing contract, ultimately losing leverage in future negotiations and damaging his relationship with the team. 3. Emmitt Smith – Dallas Cowboys (1993) Emmitt Smith’s 1993 holdout initially backfired as the Cowboys lost their first two games without him. However, Smith quickly returned, signing a 4-year, $13.6 million contract. He went on to lead the league in rushing and win both NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP that season, proving his value to the team. Read More: Top 10 Most Expensive Sports Contracts in History 2. Kelly Stouffer – St. Louis Cardinals (1987) Stouffer, drafted 6th overall, sat out his entire rookie season due to a contract dispute with the Cardinals. The holdout backfired spectacularly, as he was traded to Seattle the following year. Stouffer’s NFL career was brief and unimpressive, throwing just 7 touchdowns and 19 interceptions over four seasons. Read More: The 10 Highest-Paid NFL Quarterbacks of All Time 1. JaMarcus Russell – Oakland Raiders (2007) Russell’s 47-day holdout resulted in a record-breaking $61 million contract with $29 million guaranteed. However, his NFL career was short-lived and disastrous. He played only three seasons, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, before being released in 2010. The Raiders ultimately paid him $39 million for minimal production. Read More: Ranking the Worst Draft Picks in the History of the NFL

15 Legendary NHL Goalies Who Redefined the Game

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Goaltending is one of the most pivotal roles in hockey, often determining the outcome of a game through sheer skill and composure. Over the decades, the position has seen numerous legendary players who have not only achieved great personal success but have also changed the way the game is played. In this article, we delve into the careers of the top 15 greatest NHL goaltenders of all time, exploring their achievements, playing styles, and lasting impact on the game. 15. Turk Broda Turk Broda, a Toronto Maple Leafs legend, won five Stanley Cups and two Vezina Trophies during his 14-season NHL career. He was the first goaltender to reach 300 wins, finishing with a record of 304-222-102 and a 2.53 GAA. Broda’s playoff performances were particularly impressive, with 13 shutouts and a 1.98 GAA. 14. Bernie Parent Bernie Parent was a dominant force in the 1970s, leading the Philadelphia Flyers to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975. He won the Vezina Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy both years, showcasing his exceptional skills. Parent’s career stats include 271 wins, 54 shutouts, and a 2.55 goals-against average, earning him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984. 13. Roberto Luongo Roberto Luongo’s illustrious 19-season NHL career places him among the elite goaltenders. He ranks fourth all-time in wins (489) and second in games played (1,044). Luongo backstopped Canada to two Olympic gold medals (2010, 2014) and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022. His butterfly style and consistency made him a formidable presence in net. 12. Grant Fuh Grant Fuhr, a five-time Stanley Cup champion with the Edmonton Oilers, revolutionized goaltending with his exceptional puck-handling skills. He holds the NHL record for most assists by a goaltender (61) and was the first black player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fuhr’s career spanned 19 seasons, with 403 wins and a .887 save percentage. 11. Ed Belfour Ed Belfour, nicknamed “The Eagle,” was a dominant force in the NHL from 1988 to 2007. He amassed 484 wins, ranking fourth all-time, and secured 76 shutouts. Belfour’s accolades include two Vezina Trophies, a Stanley Cup with Dallas in 1999, and induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011. 10. Henrik Lundqvist Henrik Lundqvist, the Swedish sensation, played 15 seasons for the New York Rangers. He ranks sixth in NHL all-time wins (459) and ninth in appearances (887). Lundqvist won the Vezina Trophy in 2012 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023. His nickname “King Henrik” reflects his dominant presence in goal. 9. Tony Esposito Tony Esposito revolutionized goaltending with his butterfly style. He played 15 seasons for the Chicago Blackhawks, winning the Vezina Trophy three times and setting a modern-era record with 15 shutouts in his rookie season. Esposito finished his career with 423 wins and 76 shutouts, earning him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame. 8. Vladislav Tretiak Vladislav Tretiak, despite never playing in the NHL, is considered one of hockey’s greatest goaltenders. He won two Olympic gold medals (1972, 1976) and 10 World Championships with the Soviet national team. Tretiak’s impact on goaltending technique and his performances in international competitions solidified his legendary status. 7. Ken Dryden Ken Dryden’s brief but stellar NHL career spanned just eight seasons, during which he won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens. He posted an impressive 258-57-74 record, a 2.24 goals-against average, and won five Vezina Trophies. Dryden’s unique combination of skill, intelligence, and composure revolutionized goaltending in the 1970s. 6. Glenn Hall Glenn Hall, nicknamed ‘Mr. Goalie,’ revolutionized goaltending with his pioneering butterfly style. He played a record 502 consecutive regular-season games without a mask, an unmatched feat. Over his 18-year NHL career, he won three Vezina Trophies, a Calder Trophy, and a Stanley Cup, earning him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame. 5. Terry Sawchuk Terry Sawchuk dominated the NHL from 1950 to 1970, setting records that stood for decades. He won 447 games, recorded 103 shutouts, and captured four Stanley Cups. Sawchuk’s 2.50 career goals-against average was remarkable for his era. His toughness and skill earned him a place among hockey’s legends. 4. Jacques Plante Jacques Plante revolutionized goaltending by popularizing the use of face masks. He won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and earned seven Vezina Trophies. Plante’s innovative puck-handling skills and 437 regular-season wins solidified his place among hockey’s elite. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978. 3. Dominik Hasek Nicknamed “The Dominator,” Hasek revolutionized goaltending with his unorthodox style. He won six Vezina Trophies, two Hart Trophies, and two Stanley Cups. Hasek boasts the highest career save percentage (.922) among retired goalies and ranks sixth all-time in shutouts (81). His acrobatic saves and competitive spirit made him a fan favorite. Read More: The Most Dramatic Playoffs Moments in NHL History 2. Patrick Roy Patrick Roy revolutionized goaltending with his butterfly style and dominated the NHL for 19 seasons. He won four Stanley Cups, three Vezina Trophies, and remains the only player to win three Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP. Roy holds records for most playoff wins (151) and games played (247) by a goaltender. His impact on modern goaltending is immeasurable. Read More: The 20 Most Legendary NHL Players Of All Time 1. Martin Brodeur Martin Brodeur, the NHL’s all-time leader in wins (691), shutouts (125), and games played (1,266), revolutionized goaltending during his 22-season career. A three-time Stanley Cup champion with the New Jersey Devils, Brodeur won four Vezina Trophies and two Olympic gold medals. His puck-handling skills and durability set new standards for goaltenders. Read More: 10 Ways The 4 Nations Face-Off Is Revolutionizing International Hockey