OT: Most influential U.S. athlete of the past 25 years?

[lateralous]

I like the Tiger and Caitlin Clark as answers. They helped their respective sports/leagues absolutely explode. Shaun White should probably be on this list. Not too many snow boarders in this generation that the Flying Tomato didn't influence.

 

[Waquoit]

My gut says Lebron, but I'd be willing to listen to other opinions.

What did Lebron influence? Besides his bank account?

 

[aceboon]

Tiger & Caitlin would rank up at the top for me. Don't watch golf but I can't deny his influence on ratings and prize money, for Caitlin the difference in attendance/ratings and franchise valuations before and after her arrival in the WNBA are staggering.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

What did Lebron influence? Besides his bank account?

Never stops with y’all lmao.

 

[Fishy]

Tiger.

Not even sure who would be second.

 

[Kaizen]

Maya Moore ~~~

 

[Deepster]

I like the Tiger and Caitlin Clark as answers. They helped their respective sports/leagues absolutely explode. Shaun White should probably be on this list. Not too many snow boarders in this generation that the Flying Tomato didn't influence.

So, on Caitlin Clark.....

For what it's worth, she didn't win a title in the NCAA and she has 1 season in the WNBA (which I believe Paige Bueckers is outperforming so far in her 1st season). Beuckers was more heralded as a freshman in college until she got hurt. Can Clark actually win a title somewhere before she's mentioned with a Tiger Woods?

 

[Buzzyboy]

Im gonna say Steph Curry. It can be argued that he transformed every single position on the basketball court.

I love this and he changed the NBA and the importance of the three point shot ... Lebron certainly was great but the NBA is now heavily invested in the three point shot and Steph opened up that part of the game as it exists in today's NBA ... golf hasn't changed with Tiger, it's still the same game and right now, young kids don't know who he is but they sure know Scotty Sheffler

 

[Kenny11]

Serena Williams and Phelps are definitely in the conversation, although I’d never list them 1-2.

I don’t think Phelps is very influential but Serena is. Some of the people listed are great but not influential. Kobe was very influential too even if he’s not as great as LeBron

 

[Scoe]

What did Lebron influence? Besides his bank account?

He influenced flopping.

 

[B1GEast]

From a global reach perspective it's Messi. Soccer is huge.

 

[formerlurker]

Pat Tillman

 

[Scottzer]

So, on Caitlin Clark.....

For what it's worth, she didn't win a title in the NCAA and she has 1 season in the WNBA (which I believe Paige Bueckers is outperforming so far in her 1st season). Beuckers was more heralded as a freshman in college until she got hurt. Can Clark actually win a title somewhere before she's mentioned with a Tiger Woods?

I think that league would rather cut its nose than see Clark win. If they didn’t hate her so much, she might have a chance of being that influential and the league might have a chance at being profitable and getting raises. I would recommend Clark defect to another country and beat America in the Olympics. And, I’m not a fan of hers (or anybody else in the WNBA) apart from select UConn players.

 

[aceboon]

So, on Caitlin Clark.....

For what it's worth, she didn't win a title in the NCAA and she has 1 season in the WNBA (which I believe Paige Bueckers is outperforming so far in her 1st season). Beuckers was more heralded as a freshman in college until she got hurt. Can Clark actually win a title somewhere before she's mentioned with a Tiger Woods?

Clark was first team all-WNBA and finished 4th in MVP voting her rookie year, I know we're all UConn fans but it's ok to acknowledge the impact she's had in the league. Based on your history I know you don't follow the women's game but for those who do the relevance of the WNBA before her arrival and after is clear as day to anyone who wants to be objective.

 

[Scoe]

Im gonna say Steph Curry. It can be argued that he transformed every single position on the basketball court.

And who was Steph Curry influenced by other then his father of course it would be Ray. Ray did take Dell Curry to the 99 championship game btw. I would say Ray is pretty damn influential btw.

 

[Jaydumo20]

Pat Tillman

It's one i considered. His is the name when it comes to service beyond sports. Good call

 

[Mr. French]

Tiger and Jordan are obvious.

I'd say the top 5 is probably adding Lebron, Brady and either Curry or Serena.

 

[arch]

So, on Caitlin Clark.....

For what it's worth, she didn't win a title in the NCAA and she has 1 season in the WNBA (which I believe Paige Bueckers is outperforming so far in her 1st season). Beuckers was more heralded as a freshman in college until she got hurt. Can Clark actually win a title somewhere before she's mentioned with a Tiger Woods?

It’s not about performance or titles. It’s about influence. Only Tiger has had more Influence than Clark. BUT, will her influence last?

 

[Scoe]

Being influential goes beyond your career btw, it can be argued that you can be more influential after your career. Tommy John is definetly influential to this day and will be for an eternity.

 

[lateralous]

So, on Caitlin Clark.....

For what it's worth, she didn't win a title in the NCAA and she has 1 season in the WNBA (which I believe Paige Bueckers is outperforming so far in her 1st season). Beuckers was more heralded as a freshman in college until she got hurt. Can Clark actually win a title somewhere before she's mentioned with a Tiger Woods?

The question was “Influential”

 

[Scoe]

And who was Steph Curry influenced by other then his father of course it would be Ray. Ray did take Dell Curry to the 99 championship game btw. I would say Ray is pretty damn influential btw.

I see @BigErnMcCracken is still bitter about Ray leaving his Celtics.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

Being influential goes beyond your career btw, it can be argued that you can be more influential after your career. Tommy John is definetly influential to this day and will be for an eternity.

Just keep it simple man

 

[Scoe]

Just keep it simple man

What do you mean by this and how is Tommy John not influential, look how many careers have been saved by TJ surgery.

 

[RuffRuff]

Just keep it simple man

This place makes Portland seem unweird

 

[Flipside]

Being influential goes beyond your career btw, it can be argued that you can be more influential after your career. Tommy John is definetly influential to this day and will be for an eternity.

agree ... Shaq-a-Roni has entered the chat