Just watched the 30 for 30 on Bo Jackson. I wanted to get people's opinion on this. Who was the greatest athlete of all time in terms of pure physical ability? So, not referring to historical importance or impact on the game from a popularity standpoint. Just raw athleticism. Was it Bo Jackson? Who else should get consideration?
Damn, this one sounded intriguing. Some 30 for 30s have been good, others sucked. Looking forward to this one. Catching up on some on netflix.
Found this bleacher report list on the same topic, published in August. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1288306-the-greatest-pure-athletes-of-all-time/ 1. Jim Thorpe 2. Jim Brown 3. Bo Jackson 4. Dave Winfield 5. Jackie Robinson 6. Rafer Johnson 7. Michael Jordan 8. Rickey Henderson 9. Deoin Sanders 10. Lou Gehrig 11. Wilt Chamberlain 12. Bob Gibson 13. LeBron James 14. Michael Vick 15. Gordie Howe 16. Usain Bolt 17. Darrell Green 18. Pele 19. Herschel Walker 20. Eric Heiden 21. Julius Peppers 22. Carl Lews 23. John Elway 24. Ken Griffey Jr. 25. Allen Iverson
Jim Brown deserves some mention because he was not only the greatest RB, but also was a great Rugby player.
Hard to beat Thorpe... Pro football, baseball, and basketball plus gold medals in the Pentathlon and Decathlon. He was also a ballroom dancing champion and played lacrosse.
I know I'll catch some flak for this one (and I'm an old school dude), but LeBron's name has to be thrown out there.
Even before tonight's 30 for 30 I thought it was Bo Jackson. The dude is like an amazing golfer now too.
For my time line of keeping up with sports starting in the mid 80's it has to be Bo. Honorable mention to Herschel Walker.
Decent list they put together but considering Hershel Walker never lifted weights, I'd probably rank him a little higher. Dude was a freak.