The United States has produced some of the greatest athletes in history, with legends emerging from every corner of the country. Some states are known for consistently churning out elite talent, while others have a single star who stands above the rest.
From Olympic champions to Hall of Famers, these are the most iconic athletes to come from each state.
50. Wyoming – Boyd Dowler
Rock Springs native Boyd Dowler made his mark in the NFL as a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. He won NFL Rookie of the Year in 1959 and played a key role in the team’s dominance throughout the 1960s. After his playing days, he stayed in football as a coach, working with multiple teams over the years.
49. Vermont – Carlton Fisk
Born in Bellows Falls, Carlton Fisk became one of baseball’s greatest catchers. He won AL Rookie of the Year in 1972 and played over two decades with the Red Sox and White Sox, both of whom retired his jersey. An 11-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, Fisk is best remembered for his dramatic walk-off home run in the 1975 World Series.
48. Alaska – Lance Mackey
Fairbanks’ own Lance Mackey dominated the world of dog sled racing, winning the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and Yukon Quest four times each. He was the first musher to win both races in the same year, a feat once thought impossible. His incredible determination made him a legend in the sport.
47. North Dakota – Darin Erstad
A versatile athlete from Jamestown, Darin Erstad was a key player for the Angels, White Sox, and Astros. He won three Gold Gloves and was a two-time All-Star. Before his MLB career, he was a standout high school athlete and earned North Dakota’s Athlete of the Year honors.
46. South Dakota – Brock Lesnar
Hailing from Webster, Brock Lesnar is one of the most dominant athletes across multiple sports. He was an NCAA wrestling champion before becoming a WWE megastar and later a UFC heavyweight champion. His brief stint in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings proved he was willing to test his limits in any arena.
45. Delaware – Elena Delle Donne
Born in Wilmington, Elena Delle Donne became one of the greatest players in WNBA history. The two-time MVP led the Washington Mystics to their first championship and was a seven-time All-Star. She also starred in college, leading the nation in scoring in 2012.
44. Montana – Dave McNally
Billings native Dave McNally was a dominant left-handed pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles. He helped lead the team to two World Series titles and is the only pitcher in history to hit a grand slam in a World Series game.
43. Rhode Island – Nap Lajoie
Born in Woonsocket in 1874, Nap Lajoie was one of baseball’s early superstars. He won five batting titles and was the namesake of the Cleveland Naps before they became the Guardians. His powerful hitting earned him a place in the Hall of Fame.
42. Maine – Ian Crocker
Portland-born Ian Crocker set multiple world records in butterfly swimming. He was the first person to swim under 51 seconds in the 100-meter butterfly and won five Olympic medals, including a gold in 2000 and 2008.
41. New Hampshire – Matt Bonner
The “Red Mamba” from Concord, Matt Bonner played power forward in the NBA and won two championships with the San Antonio Spurs. Known for his deadly three-point shot, he became a fan favorite for his hardworking style.
40. Hawaii – Duke Kahanamoku
Hailing from Honolulu, Duke Kahanamoku wasn’t just an Olympic swimming champion—he popularized modern surfing. Winning five Olympic medals from 1912 to 1924, he became an ambassador for Hawaiian culture and water sports.
39. Idaho – Harmon Killebrew
Born in Payette, Harmon Killebrew was one of baseball’s greatest power hitters. A 13-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, he crushed 573 home runs over his career, leading the AL in homers six times.
38. West Virginia – Jerry West
The man behind the NBA logo, Jerry West was born in Cheylan and became one of basketball’s greatest guards. A 14-time All-Star, he won an NBA title with the Lakers and later built championship teams as a front-office executive.
37. Nebraska – Bob Gibson
Omaha’s Bob Gibson was a dominant force on the mound, winning two Cy Young Awards and leading the Cardinals to two World Series titles. His 1968 season, where he posted a 1.12 ERA, is considered one of the best ever.
36. New Mexico – Al Unser Sr.
A racing legend from Albuquerque, Al Unser Sr. is one of only four drivers to win the Indianapolis 500 four times. His career spanned three decades, making him one of the most accomplished racers in history.
35. Nevada – Andre Agassi
Las Vegas native Andre Agassi was one of tennis’ biggest stars, winning eight Grand Slam titles. His flashy style and fierce rivalries made him a fan favorite throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
34. Kansas – Barry Sanders
One of the most electrifying running backs ever, Wichita-born Barry Sanders dominated the NFL with his jaw-dropping speed and agility. The Hall of Famer won the 1997 MVP and retired as one of the game’s all-time greats.
33. Arkansas – Bear Bryant
Moro Bottom’s Paul “Bear” Bryant became one of college football’s greatest coaches, leading Alabama to six national championships. His legendary career shaped the Crimson Tide into a powerhouse program.
32. Mississippi – Jerry Rice
Widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time, Jerry Rice set nearly every NFL receiving record. The Starkville native won three Super Bowls and remains the league’s all-time leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
31. Utah – Merlin Olsen
A defensive legend from Logan, Merlin Olsen was a cornerstone of the Rams’ “Fearsome Foursome.” The Hall of Famer made 14 Pro Bowls and later became a successful TV personality.
30. Iowa – Dan Gable
One of the greatest wrestlers and coaches ever, Dan Gable won Olympic gold without surrendering a single point. The Waterloo native later led the University of Iowa to 15 NCAA wrestling titles.
29. Connecticut – Calvin Murphy
Born in Norwalk, Calvin Murphy was an explosive scorer in the NBA despite being only 5’9.” The Hall of Famer played his entire career with the Houston Rockets and remains one of the best pure shooters in history.
28. Oklahoma – Jim Thorpe
A true multi-sport legend, Jim Thorpe won Olympic gold in track and field, played professional football, baseball, and basketball, and was the first president of the NFL. The Prague-born athlete is often called the greatest athlete of all time.
27. Oregon – Danny Ainge
Born in Eugene, Danny Ainge was a rare two-sport star, playing MLB before switching to the NBA. He won two championships with the Celtics and later became a top executive in the league.
26. Kentucky – Muhammad Ali
Louisville’s Muhammad Ali is one of the most famous athletes ever. A three-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, Ali’s charisma and impact extended far beyond boxing.
25. Louisiana – Peyton Manning
New Orleans-born Peyton Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks in football history. The son of NFL legend Archie Manning and older brother of Eli Manning, Peyton carved out his own legacy with an incredible career. He won five MVP awards, two Super Bowls, and retired as the all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns (records later broken). A 14-time Pro Bowler, Manning’s intelligence and precision made him one of the most feared passers in NFL history.
24. Alabama – Bo Jackson
Bessemer’s Bo Jackson is one of the greatest two-sport athletes of all time. A Heisman Trophy winner at Auburn, he was drafted No. 1 in the 1986 NFL Draft but also played in Major League Baseball. His speed and power made him an All-Star outfielder, while his strength and agility made him a Pro Bowl running back for the Raiders. Unfortunately, a hip injury cut his football career short, but his legacy remains unmatched.
23. South Carolina – Joe Frazier
Beaufort native Joe Frazier was one of the most dominant heavyweight boxers in history. The 1964 Olympic gold medalist became the undisputed heavyweight champion in 1970 and famously handed Muhammad Ali his first professional loss in the “Fight of the Century.” Known for his relentless pressure and devastating left hook, Frazier finished his career with 32 wins, 27 by knockout.
22. Colorado – Jack Dempsey
Born in Manassa, Jack Dempsey was one of boxing’s first global superstars. Nicknamed the “Manassa Mauler,” he dominated the heavyweight division from 1919 to 1926. His aggressive, all-action style revolutionized the sport and drew record-breaking crowds. Dempsey’s fights, including his legendary battles with Gene Tunney, helped make boxing one of America’s biggest sports in the early 20th century.
21. Minnesota – Kevin McHale
Hibbing native Kevin McHale was a key part of the Boston Celtics dynasty of the 1980s. The Hall of Fame power forward was a dominant low-post scorer, known for his footwork and defensive ability. He won three NBA championships with the Celtics and later became a coach and executive.
20. Wisconsin – Eric Heiden
Madison’s Eric Heiden is one of the greatest speed skaters of all time. At the 1980 Winter Olympics, he won an unprecedented five individual gold medals, setting four Olympic records in the process. After his speed skating career, he transitioned to professional cycling, proving his athletic versatility.
19. Maryland – Michael Phelps
Baltimore’s Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time, winning 28 medals, including 23 gold. His dominance in swimming spanned four Olympic Games, breaking world records in multiple events. His impact on the sport remains unmatched, and his success made swimming a mainstream attraction.
18. Missouri – Yogi Berra
St. Louis-born Yogi Berra was one of baseball’s greatest catchers. A 13-time World Series champion with the Yankees, Berra was known for his clutch hitting and leadership. His humorous personality and famous “Yogi-isms” made him a beloved figure in sports history.
17. Tennessee – Pat Summitt
Clarksville’s Pat Summitt transformed women’s college basketball as the longtime head coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers. She won eight national championships and remains the all-time winningest coach in Division I women’s basketball. Summitt’s legacy as a leader and trailblazer in the sport is unparalleled.
16. Indiana – Larry Bird
West Baden Springs native Larry Bird is one of the greatest basketball players ever. The Hall of Famer led the Boston Celtics to three championships and won three MVP awards. Known for his deadly shooting, elite passing, and intense competitiveness, Bird remains one of the most iconic figures in basketball history.
15. Massachusetts – Rocky Marciano
Brockton’s Rocky Marciano is the only heavyweight champion in boxing history to retire undefeated. He finished his career 49-0 with 43 knockouts, dominating the division in the 1950s. His relentless fighting style and iron chin made him one of the toughest champions the sport has ever seen.
14. Arizona – Randall McDaniel
Phoenix-born Randall McDaniel was one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history. A 12-time Pro Bowler, he dominated at the guard position for the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His strength and versatility helped define his era of football.
13. Washington – John Stockton
Spokane native John Stockton is the NBA’s all-time leader in assists and steals. The Hall of Fame point guard spent his entire career with the Utah Jazz, leading them to two NBA Finals appearances. Known for his precise passing and durability, Stockton was one of the best floor generals in basketball history.
12. Virginia – Arthur Ashe
Richmond’s Arthur Ashe broke racial barriers in tennis, becoming the first Black man to win singles titles at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Australian Open. He was a vocal activist for social justice and humanitarian causes, earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1993.
11. New Jersey – Shaquille O’Neal
Newark-born Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. A four-time champion and three-time Finals MVP, Shaq combined size, skill, and personality to become one of basketball’s biggest stars. His larger-than-life presence extended beyond the court into entertainment and business.
10. Michigan – Magic Johnson
Lansing’s Earvin “Magic” Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with his size and skill. A five-time NBA champion and three-time MVP with the Lakers, Magic’s flashy play and leadership helped define the NBA’s golden era in the 1980s.
9. North Carolina – Dale Earnhardt Sr.
Kannapolis native Dale Earnhardt Sr. was one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. A seven-time Cup Series champion, he was known for his aggressive driving style and fierce competitiveness. His tragic death in the 2001 Daytona 500 cemented his legendary status in the sport.
8. Georgia – Jim Brown
St. Simons-born Jim Brown is widely regarded as the greatest running back in NFL history. A three-time MVP and eight-time rushing champion, he dominated the league before retiring early to pursue acting and civil rights activism.
7. Ohio – LeBron James
Akron’s LeBron James has dominated the NBA for two decades. A four-time MVP and four-time NBA champion, he is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His longevity and all-around game have kept him at the top of the sport well into his late 30s.
6. Pennsylvania – Wilt Chamberlain
Philadelphia’s Wilt Chamberlain was a statistical marvel, scoring 100 points in a single game and averaging 50 points per season. The Hall of Famer dominated his era, winning four MVPs and two NBA championships.
5. Illinois – Jackie Joyner-Kersee
East St. Louis-born Jackie Joyner-Kersee is one of the greatest female athletes of all time. She set the world record in the heptathlon and won six Olympic medals, including three golds.
4. New York – Michael Jordan
Brooklyn-born Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. A six-time NBA champion, five-time MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist, his impact on basketball and global sports culture is unmatched.
Read More: Ranking the Most Overrated NFL Hall of Fame Inductees
3. Florida – Deion Sanders
Fort Myers native Deion Sanders is the only athlete to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series. A Hall of Fame cornerback and elite baseball player, his confidence and charisma made him one of sports’ biggest personalities.
Read More: The 14 Most Overrated Athletes Ever
2. Texas – Rogers Hornsby
Winters-born Rogers Hornsby was one of the greatest hitters in MLB history. A two-time MVP and seven-time batting champion, he retired with a .358 career batting average, one of the highest ever.
Read More: Ranking the 30 greatest Golfers of All Time
1. California – Tom Brady
San Mateo’s Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time. A seven-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Super Bowl MVP, his longevity and dominance over 23 seasons set records that may never be broken.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best WNBA Players of All Time
