Is Jordan the biggest/greatest sports icon ever?

[Savio]

I think so....I'd put Tiger as a distant second.

[Zen v.W.o.]

I dont see why. Others have won more championships, others have made greater impacts for their sport..and he didnt dominate the league like others did.

[McLegend]

Yes he did. He is the greatest sports icon ever.

Now I'm sure Zen and other candiens will say Wayne Greatezky was better at what he did then Jordan was, and to that I say... He very well might have been.

[SammyG]

Yeah, no question about it.

[Avenger]

The greatest sports icon ever is Muhammad Ali. Simple as that.

[Gonzo]

I dont see why. Others have won more championships, others have made greater impacts for their sport..and he didnt dominate the league like others did.

He won a lot of championships, had a pretty big impact and the Bulls were pretty much the shit of the 90's. Not to mention he is one of professional sports biggest stars ever. Combine the production on the court and off the court and the answer the question is yes.

[Funky Fly]

The greatest sports icon ever is Muhammad Ali. Simple as that.

Yeah, word. Was just gonna post him.

[Stickman]

Being a little biased I'd say Gretzky is higher than Jordan because Gretzky basically brought a sport to places that couldn't care less about it. Gretzky in LA brought in Sun Belt teams.

Tiger Woods is higher than Jordon as well because he's brought thousands of kids, and minorities into golf.

And number one on the list....Ali

[ron the dial]

Jordan is, to me, the greatest sports icon ever. No question. I can see why some would disagree, but I just can't think of anybody who had a greater impact on me.

[ct2k]

Of my gerenation? Without a doubt.

Of all time? Ali is definitely top, and Pele would give Jordan a run for his money too.

[FakeLaser]

Without question.

[FakeLaser]

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[ct2k]

No, of all time it is Ali, this isn't even a debate.

[Skippord]

Yes, yes he is

[Zen v.W.o.]

Pele or Ali are good answers, although Pele is in a much bigger sport.

But when it comes to domination of a sport, I cant think of another man other than Gretzky who just holds so many records, and actually has such a difference in points than the second ranked best in the sport.
Close to a 1000 point diff. He has more assists than the next guy has total points I do believe.

But I think Mario was more talented, and probably could have challenged the records.

[Gonzo]

You're also a huge hockey fan.

[Zen v.W.o.]

True, but that doesnt take away from anything either.

[Bad Company]

He certainly had the biggest marketing machine behind him.
Basketball, Hockey, Soccer etc aren't of importance in my country.

Personally, I'd say Pele would be up there, same with Maradona, Woods, Jonah Lomu, Donald Bradman, Richard Hadlee, and Ali.

[Avenger]

Jordan only ever dominated America.

Ali was the world's greatest.

I'll repeat again and again it's Ali everytime.

[ron the dial]

I guess I can't really argue with that. Growing up in the Chicago area and being a huge basketball fan at that time makes me kind of biased.

[BigDaddyCool]

Jordan is to basketball what Gretsky is to sports.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I don't follow boxing at all but there is no way I would say anyone but Ali is the greatest sports icon of all time. I mean maybe some gladiator from Roman times was pretty famous but Ali transcends every aspect of life.

[Y2C]

Only westerners would have heard of Jordan, whereas everybody has heard of Ali.

[FakeLaser]

If you think Gretzky was as big as Michael Jordan you're out of your fucking mind. Maybe he dominated hockey as much as MJ dominated basketball, but I don't see too many kids walking around in Air Gretzkys right now. I don't remember a movie called Space Power Play.

[ct2k]

Gretzky was massive for Ice Hockey and people outside of that world knew him but not to the extent they knew of Jordan, and certainly he had nowhere near the impact of Ali or Pele.

Jordan was/is huge there's no denying it, back in the day EVERYBODY was wearing a Bulls 23 jersey, he inspired a whole generation of kids everywhere to play basketball and follow the NBA, thats internationally not just in the US.

But Ali's pretty much the poster boy for an era, the era of civil rights, vietnam and so on, his influence went far beyond his amazing talents and accomplishments in the ring, people don't discuss Foreman, Marciano or even Joe Louis in the same way as they do Ali, he's so huge its not even worth comparing another sporting figure to him let alone a boxer.

[D Mac]

Joe Montana

[Funky Fly]

lol @ Mac posting that after ct2k just laid it down.

[Boomer]

Which is the better movie: Space Jam or Ali?

[Stickman]

If you think Gretzky was as big as Michael Jordan you're out of your fucking mind. Maybe he dominated hockey as much as MJ dominated basketball, but I don't see too many kids walking around in Air Gretzkys right now. I don't remember a movie called Space Power Play.

Without Gretzky there is no such thing as the following:

Anehiem Ducks,
San Jose Sharks,
Dallas Stars
Nashville Preditors
Tampa Bay Lightning
Carolina Hurricains
Florida Panthers
Atlanta Thrashers
Columbus Bluejackets
Phoenix Coyotoes

Add on minor and junior hockey in California, Texas amongst other States.


So without Jordon there is no what?

[FakeLaser]

I think you're overestimating the popularity of hockey. It's always been way behind baseball, football and basketball in terms of popularity in the USA. Maybe it's the most popular sport in Canada, but the United States is 10 times more populous. Where was Gretzky's cross-over appeal? You're out of your mind if you think Wayne Gretzky is anywhere near as well known as Michael Jordan. There's just no fucking argument.

Would there have been NBA expansion (Hornets, Heat, Timberwolves, Magic, Raptors, Grizzlies) without Jordan's presence? Probably not. So there goes your argument. He made the NBA popular in not only the US but around the world, and was/is immediately recognizable around the world. He also is directly responsible for ratings increases as you can see a steep decline during each of his retirements and a sharp increase whenever he came back.

[Kris P Lettus]

Yeah, I think you guys are missing the point that 96.5% of Americans don't care about hockey at all.. Not to say 100% do like basketball, but Jordan is a much more household name..

[Kris P Lettus]

So without Jordon there is no what?

In the beginning...

Early in 1984, Nike was a struggling shoe company. The running shoe phenomenon that has fueled their sales in previous years was slowly dying and they needed a way to revitalize and reinvent themselves in order to appeal to another segment of the market. At the same time, rookie player Michael Jordan was already endorsing several products, but Nike hoped that his appeal would generate sales. Jordan, though, had other ideas. He had always preferred Adidas or the Converse shoes endorsed by North Carolina Coach, Dean Smith, and hoped to sign on with either company. Converse, with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson on board as spokesmen, were not interested in offering a better deal than Nike, and Adidas wasn't interested at all at the time; perhaps due to Kathe Dassler's death the same year. While Jordan, himself, did not initially see the significance of Nike's offer, his agent, David Falk, saw a golden opportunity in Nike's offer to create a new line of shoes called "Air Jordans." and urged him to give Nike a chance.

Really Not That Interested..

At that time, there was not a tremendous impact from a shoe endorsement, and few companies were willing to risk so much of their marketing budget to bet on one athlete to promote their products. An athlete as paid for wearing the products but little else resulted from an endorsement. It's possible that Jordan's reluctant attitude stemmed from this fact as much as his allegiance to Converse and Adidas products.
Nike saw something special in Michael Jordan, though. They saw a chance, an opportunity. He was a champion with personality, charisma, and heart, and they were willing to put the company on the line. They knew from the beginning that he would be a star and wanted to help him get there. Finally, after much persuasion from his manager and parents, the reluctant rookie agreed to fly to the Nike headquarters in Portland, Oregon to view a special video presentation and proposal though he later stated in retrospect that he went with no intention of signing with Nike.
The video presentation featured slow-motion clips of Jordan's college career and some of his high-flying Olympic moves with a background of then hit music "Jump" by the Pointer Sisters. Nike Head Designer, Peter Moore presented sketches of AJ1 shoes, jumpsuits, and sports apparel, all in black and red. Michael's remarks upon seeing the designs were less than enthusiastic. He is reported to have said,
"I can't wear that shoe, those are Devil colors"
Throughout the entire meeting Jordan was reported to seem disinterested and bored, but as he and Falk left the meeting, Jordan said to his agent, "Let's make the deal."

A Legacy (and a Controversy) is Born

With those four words, the Air Jordan legacy was born. Nike signed Jordan to a $2.5 million deal for 5 years, plus royalties and other fringe benefits. Peter Moore created the first AJ Logo with a basketball with wings lifting it. The introduction of the Air Jordan I (http://www.sneakerhead.com/nike-air-jordan-history-p1.html) turned the athletic shoe industry upside down. Before the AJ I (http://www.sneakerhead.com/nike-air-jordan-history-p1.html), most basketball shoes were white, but the bold black and red styling of the Jordan I (http://www.sneakerhead.com/nike-air-jordan-history-p1.html) flouted this convention. The NBA banned the shoe from the league in response, but Jordan wore them anyway, racking up serious fines of up to $5000 a game. Nike, of course, was more than happy to pay these to keep the shoes on Jordan's feet and in the public eye. All this controversy and Jordan's spectacular numbers that year served to put the Air Jordan line on the road to becoming a household name.

Changes

After winning 1986-87 Slam Dunk competition at Seattle Coliseum, the Jordan logo changed to the familiar Jumpman logo of today, but when it came time to talk about the Air Jordan III, Michael was ready to bolt. Reaction to the Air Jordan II, due in part to the high retail price, hadn't been stellar and designers Peter Moore and Rob Strasser had left Nike to start their own company. They began to court Jordan, hoping to develop the business around him This was a turning point for the line; a make-it-or-break-it moment. It was at this time that Tinker Hatfield stepped in to help the struggling shoe line. Immediately, Hatfield did something completely new and unheard of. His first instinct was to sit down and talk with Michael one on one and ask for his input about the design. Hatfield has stated that this was a very tense time. No one had ever approached the business of designing a shoe like this and Jordan had never had anyone ask his opinion until that time. Ultimately, though, it was the good advice of Michael's father that saw it through. It's reported that he advised his son to stay with the people who had done a good job for him. Eventually the process of designing the shoes and matching apparel drew Jordan in and helped reinforce his commitment to Nike. At Jordan's request, the Air Jordan III (http://www.sneakerhead.com/nike-air-jordan-history-p1.html) was a three-quarter cut basketball shoe made of high quality, lighter than average materials. This non-standard approach to the process of designing basketball shoes led the Air Jordan III (http://www.sneakerhead.com/nike-air-jordan-history-p1.html) to rocket off the charts with its popularity, and Tinker went on to design all the Jordan models up to the Jordan XV (http://www.sneakerhead.com/nike-air-jordan-history-p2.html). With the release of the Air Jordan XV (http://www.sneakerhead.com/%3Ca%20href=) and Jordan's second retirement, both Hatfield and Jordan stepped back from the Jordan line and other designers took the reigns to continue to the legacy.

Moving Out

Air Jordan Shoes were a part of the Nike, Inc. family until late in 1997 Nike unveiled a new marketing plan and Jordan became its own sub-brand of Nike. To mark this change, the new Jordan Brand released the Air Jordan XIII (http://www.sneakerhead.com/nike-air-jordan-history-p2.html), Air Jordan Team, and Air Jordan Trainers. From this point on, Jordan Brand products no longer featured the Nike name or Nike Swoosh, and their only connection to Nike,Inc is a fine print address for Nike headquarters to be used for insurance purposes.

The Shoes Changed the World

Air Jordan shoes have consistently been among the best selling basketball shoes since their creation in 1985. The Jordan brand is a household name and people of all ages and social strata line up eagerly for the release of the latest model. Some of this success can be attributed to the fact that the shoes, from the Jordan III (http://www.sneakerhead.com/nike-air-jordan-history-p1.html) to the most recent model, have always started with their namesake, Michael Jordan. The designers take his ideas, hobbies, and life into account and incorporate these feelings into the shoes. A number of Jordans have been designed after Jordan's cars and some of the more recent models, like the Jordan XXI (Jordan 21) (http://www.sneakerhead.com/nike-air-jordan-history-p2.html%3EJordan%20XX%3C/a%3E,%20have%20included%20tributes%20to%20his%20family%20and%20his%20career.%20%20With%20%3Ca%20href =) on the way, some wonder when the Air Jordan line will be retired while others speculate that, in honor of the man, the last Air Jordan will be the Jordan XXIII (Jordan 23). No matter what happens to the signature Air Jordan line, it's a good bet that the brand and its tradition of quality, high-fashion basketball and athletic shoes will continue long after Air Jordans have retired.


I don't think there are kids in Haiti wearing Gretzky jerseys..

[Avenger]

Just watched When We Were Kings again this morning.

It's Ali.

Always Ali.

Greatest sportsman, sports personality ever.

Genius.

[Corporate CockSnogger]

Hulk Hogan:shifty:

[James Steele]

Ali is the obvious "all time icon". Tiger Woods is not even close to the top of this list though.

[Stickman]

Basically what I was getting at is hockey was completely unheard of in many states, the sun belt states, prior to Gretzky. Remember too, everybody can play basketball all you need is a ball. Hockey's a bit different. Oh, and I am in no way denying what Jordon has done.

I rank Tiger ahead of them both.

[FakeLaser]

Ranking Tiger ahead of Jordan is ridiculous.

[Stickman]

How

[FakeLaser]

Jordan is way more recognizable and popular.

[ron the dial]

Tiger is no where near Jordan. Come on.

[FakeLaser]

The only plausible debate is Ali vs Jordan.

[Funky Fly]

And Ali wins.

Ali bumaye!

[ct2k]

I honestly cannot believe nearly 50% of people have said Jordan is the biggest sports icon ever, I mean its insane to think its anybody but Ali. Honestly I'm shocked, especially by guys with some smarts like the Rza.

[McLegend]

In my defense I forget about Ali when I voted

[Innovator]

Ali

[Supreme Olajuwon]

It's not so much the individual's accomplishments as it is his ability to captivate an audience. It's a lot easier to do that when there is a good back story to go with the competition. I think one of the key differences that put Jordan and Ali above Tiger and Gretzky is that Jordan and Ali had clear rivalries with opponents who could be easily identified as the villains in the battle. Jordan had the Pistons, Reggie Miller, Charles Barkley, and Karl Malone who were all more than happy to be labeled the bad guys playing against the heroic Jordan. Ali had Joe Frazier which we really don't need to go into detail about.

Who did Gretzky have to face? The Islanders? The Flames? Sure, there were some good rivalries but nothing that captivated the viewing audience to the extent of anything Jordan and Ali had. As for Woods, no one is even close to challenging him. The only other golfer I've ever considered close to being able to compete with Tiger was David Duval and then he had a mental breakdown and hasn't come close to regaining his old form. There's just not enough drama with Gretzky and Tiger to compel more people to pay attention to how amazing they are/were.

[DaveWadding]

It's not so much the individual's accomplishments as it is his ability to captivate an audience. It's a lot easier to do that when there is a good back story to go with the competition. I think one of the key differences that put Jordan and Ali above Tiger and Gretzky is that Jordan and Ali had clear rivalries with opponents who could be easily identified as the villains in the battle. Jordan had the Pistons, Reggie Miller, Charles Barkley, and Karl Malone who were all more than happy to be labeled the bad guys playing against the heroic Jordan.


You're wrong. Charles Barkley and the Suns were the heroes.

[RP]

I'd have to go with Bob Sanders

[Kapoutman]

Michael Jordan is not really a big deal anywhere outside of the USA. Gretzky is not really a big deal anywhere outside of Canada. More people have heard of Ali, so I do believe he is the bigger icon.

[Downunder]

Ali, no contest.

Jordan and Gretzky don't even make the list.

[Y2C]

Nobody outside the US or Canada gives a fuck about Gretzky or Ice Hockey.

Where abouts would Babe Ruth come on the list?

[Nervous Ferret]

Micheal StiMa tackle #34 Woburn High

[Crimson]

1. ALI
2. Jordan
3. Tiger
4. Marion Barber

[Innovator]

1. ALI
2. Jordan
3. Tiger
4. Jeremy Shockey

[Skippord]

I think it is Brandon Marshall tbh

[Nervous Ferret]

Kerry Rhodes

[ct2k]

Kerry Kittles

[Avenger]

Fuck sake all Jordan did was throw a ball into a basket.

[McLegend]

And competly changed the business and Marketing world.

[Loose Cannon]

Jordan only ever dominated America


Very untrue. He's certainly a Worldwide sports hero. Not disagreeing about Ali, but Jordan is not only big or dominate in America

[Loose Cannon]

but my vote would have to be Stone Cold Steve Austin

[Savio]

Ali, no contest.

Jordan and Gretzky don't even make the list.what? Jordan doesn't even make the list?

I did forget about Ali when making the topic but if someone ever says biggest sports icon I think Jordan

[ron the dial]

Fuck sake all Jordan did was throw a ball into a basket.
All Ali did was punch people. All Gretzky did was put pucks in the net.

See, I can play that game, too.

[Ogen]

If I understood multiquote I'd do it to all the Ali ones with a :y: icon so imagine that's what's happening here.

[Stickman]

David Beckham.

[Dazz]

Ali for sure, but for football I'd put Beckham ahead of Maradona or Pele, although Pele played in America he did it after his prime, Beckham has done it whilst he could still play at the top level.

Massive in Asia, Europe and North America, he is probably the best known sports icon but mainly because he whores himself out so much. Maradona did that photo with his wanger out, if Becks had done that it would be all over the place because although he isn't as talented and hasn't lead a team to World Cup glory he has so much publicity about him and whores himself out immensely.

Ali was obviously more inspirational, straight talking, charismatic and better at his sport, and being black he was an icon for them etc etc, he is probably talked about now so much more then Beckham will be in 10-40 years. Definitely Ali, Jordan et al have the advantage of being recent and still in everyones mind.

[ct2k]

Fuck sake all Jordan did was throw a ball into a basket.

Yknow when you make comments like that Christopher you pretty much invalidate any claim you may have as far as your opinion meaning shit.

[Shisen Kopf]

David Beckham in all honesty if we are talking about world wide recognition

[Y2C]

Hulk Hogan

[Downunder]

what? Jordan doesn't even make the list?

I did forget about Ali when making the topic but if someone ever says biggest sports icon I think Jordan

And when I think sporting icon, I think Ali, Valentino Rossi, David Beckham.

See, Jordan didn't make the list.

[ct2k]

What the fuck nunder, how the hell can you put Valentino friggin Rossi before Michael Jordan you pieface eejit?:foc:

[ron the dial]

who the fuck is valentino rossi

[ct2k]

Motorbike guy, a bigger sporting icon than Michael Jordan apparently:lol:

[ron the dial]

sounds like a gay porn star

[Downunder]

What the fuck nunder, how the hell can you put Valentino friggin Rossi before Michael Jordan you pieface eejit?:foc:

Same as half of the posts here putting people on I've never heard of.


And Rossi is God :foc:

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Boxing was a truly worldwide sport when Ali was on top so probably him for all time.

Michael Jordan is a true marketing success but on a worldwide scale David Beckham is the biggest sporting icon and probably the most famous person in the world, regardless of sport. Americans don't get it because you're insular, laughably so when you propose Wayne Gretzky as a global sporting icon.

At his peak Beckham was probably the 4th or 5th best player in the Manchester United team but undoubtedly the biggest name.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I don't think anyone in America thinks Wayne Gretzky is/was a global sporting icon

Personally I don't think Jordan is the biggest sporting icon in the World - basketball isn't popular enough across the globe for that, he is the most marketable athlete ever in the United States though

[Mr Regal]

Jordan was popular for making trainers.

[Y2C]

And when I think sporting icon, I think Ali, Valentino Rossi, David Beckham.

See, Jordan didn't make the list.

Valentino Rossi isn't even the best at his sport, let alone one of the biggest sporting icons.

[Y2C]

Fucking Phar Lap comes way ahead of most of the people who have been mentioned, and before any yank asks "who the fuck is Phar Lap?" YOU CUNTS FUCKING MURDERED HIM.

[Skippord]

Who the fuck is Phar Lap?

and why did us cunts fucking murder him?

[therocksays]

Which is the better movie: Space Jam or Ali?

space jam, it had newman from seinfeld.

[BCWWF]

FakeRazor you can't even pretend that Michael Jordan was responsible for NBA expansion. Most of those teams were added before Jordon did anything in the league.

[Downunder]

Valentino Rossi isn't even the best at his sport, let alone one of the biggest sporting icons.

Neither is David Beckham

[BCWWF]

I feel like Beckham gets a bum rap because he is not the ultra-creative, goal scoring, attacking central midfielder. By the nature of his position he probably could never be active in a game as Paul Scholes but he is easily one of the best to ever do what he does and I don't think he was any less important on United than anybody else. Not saying he is or ever was the best in the world, but he suffers the same fate as Anna Kournakova. At his prime he was clearly one of the top players in the world, but because he got a lot of attention he is vilified for not being No. 1.

Rob, opinions?

[Jeritron]

Jordan and Babe Ruth are tied.

Gretsky, Ali, Tiger Woods and whoever else are honorable mentions, but they're just not on that level.

Jordan/Babe Ruth. That is all.

[Skippord]

I think its really Matt Holliday guys

[Y2C]

Neither is David Beckham

David Beckham is a fag tho.

[Downunder]

And to be fair even though he isn't the current World champion, Valentino Rossi is widely regarded as the greatest racer alive today. In time possibly the greatest racer to ever live.



Also gonna chuck Don Bradman in there, because I keep seeing "icons" posted here that I have never heard of.

[WestNZ]

The greatest sports icon ever is Muhammad Ali. Simple as that.

too true man, just the mention of his name has people talking, weather they follow boxing or not. I know of many people who would say "Micheal who???"

[WestNZ]

but then again, names like Donald Bradman, Sir Richard Hadlee, Micheal Holding, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh done alot for their sport, so its hard to narrow down to just one or two