Get ready to be inspired and join in the fun as we explore the world of Chasing Greatness Dynasty Football League! In this league, every team pays homage to a legend who has transcended the norms of their sport, both on and off the field. These icons are remembered for their championship wins, being named the best athletes in their profession, and their charitable contributions that have helped those in need. For these athletes, being great was not just a goal, it was a constant chase. These athletes earned the title of All-Time Greats!
Greatness is Earned, Never Awarded!
Steve Yzerman
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Steve Yzerman is a retired Canadian ice hockey player and current executive. He was born on May 9, 1965, in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada. Yzerman played for the Detroit Red Wings for his entire career, which spanned from 1983 to 2006.
During his playing career, Yzerman was known for his exceptional skills as a forward, his leadership on and off the ice, and his dedication to the game. He won three Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997, 1998, and 2002. Yzerman was also a ten-time NHL All-Star, won the Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward, and was a member of Canada's gold medal-winning Olympic hockey team in 2002.
After retiring as a player, Yzerman served as the Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Detroit Red Wings and helped build the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2008. He then became the General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2010, and in 2020, he returned to the Detroit Red Wings as their General Manager and Executive Vice President.
Yzerman's leadership, skill, and dedication to the game of hockey have made him one of the most respected and beloved figures in the sport. He is considered a sports great because of his numerous accomplishments as a player and executive, his impact on the game of hockey, and his reputation as a humble and gracious individual both on and off the ice.
Wayne Gretzky
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Wayne Gretzky is a retired Canadian ice hockey player who is widely considered to be one of the greatest hockey players of all time. He was born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada.
During his playing career, Gretzky played for the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers. He is widely regarded as the greatest player in NHL history, having won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers in 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988.
Gretzky's records are numerous and legendary. He holds the records for the most goals, assists, and points in NHL history, and his records are considered to be some of the most unbreakable records in all of sports. He won the Hart Trophy (MVP) nine times and the Art Ross Trophy (scoring leader) ten times.
Off the ice, Gretzky has remained involved in the sport of hockey, serving as a coach and executive. He is also known for his charitable work and has been a supporter of numerous causes, including the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, and the Special Olympics.
Gretzky is considered a sports great because of his incredible achievements as a player, his impact on the game of hockey, and his ongoing commitment to the sport and his community. He has inspired countless young players and continues to be recognized as one of the most influential figures in the history of sports.
John Madden
AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)
John Madden is a retired American football player, coach, and broadcaster. He was born on April 10, 1936, in Austin, Minnesota, United States. As a player, Madden was an offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1958 to 1961. After his playing career ended, Madden became a coach, leading the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl victory in 1977. He retired from coaching in 1979, with a record of 103 wins, 32 losses, and 7 ties.
Madden is perhaps best known for his work as a broadcaster for CBS and Fox. He became one of the most recognizable and popular broadcasters in sports history, working as a color commentator for NFL games from 1980 to 2009. He was known for his enthusiastic and insightful commentary and for his signature catchphrases, such as "Boom!" and "Doink!" Off the field, Madden has been involved in numerous business ventures, including the development of the popular Madden NFL video game series. He has also been a vocal advocate for player safety and has been credited with helping to improve the safety of the sport.
Madden is considered a sports great because of his contributions as a player, coach, and broadcaster, as well as his impact on the sport of football. He is widely regarded as one of the most beloved sports figures and continues to be recognized for his dedication, passion, and contributions to the sport.
Jim Brown
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Jim Brown is a retired American football player who is widely considered to be one of the greatest football players of all time. He was born on February 17, 1936, in St. Simons, Georgia, United States. During his playing career, Brown played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, leading the league in rushing for eight of his nine seasons. He was a three-time NFL MVP, a nine-time Pro Bowler, and a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1960s.
Off the field, Brown has been involved in numerous social and political causes. He has been an advocate for civil rights and has been outspoken on issues related to race, poverty, and education. He has also been involved in numerous business ventures, including film and television production.
Brown is considered a sports great because of his incredible achievements as a player, his impact on the game of football, and his ongoing commitment to social justice and activism. He has inspired generations of athletes and activists and continues to be recognized as one of the most influential figures in the history of sports.
Ray Lewis
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Ray Lewis is a retired American football player who played as a middle linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He was born on May 15, 1975, in Bartow, Florida, United States.
Lewis played for the Baltimore Ravens for his entire career, which spanned from 1996 to 2012. He was known for his incredible athleticism, his fierce competitive spirit, and his ability to lead and inspire his teammates. He won two Super Bowls with the Ravens, in 2001 and 2012, and was named the Super Bowl MVP in 2001.
During his playing career, Lewis was also a 13-time Pro Bowler, a seven-time First-Team All-Pro, and a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He was considered one of the best middle linebackers in NFL history and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
Off the field, Lewis was known for his charitable work and his strong Christian faith. He established the Ray Lewis Foundation to support disadvantaged youth and also founded the Ray of Hope Foundation, which provides resources to at-risk youth and their families. Lewis is considered a sports great because of his numerous accomplishments as a player, his impact on the game of football, and his dedication to his community. He is regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history, and his leadership and work ethic continue to inspire players and fans alike.
Barry Sanders
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Despite retiring at the relatively young age of 30, Barry Sanders is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL History. He was born on July 16, 1968, in Wichita, Kansas, United States. During his playing career, Sanders played for the Detroit Lions from 1989 to 1998. He is known for his elusive running style, his incredible speed and agility, and his ability to make defenders miss. He won the NFL MVP award in 1997 and was selected to the Pro Bowl 10 times.
Sanders rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his 10 seasons and finished his career with a total of 15,269 rushing yards, which is the third-highest total in NFL history. Off the field, Sanders has been involved in various charitable causes, including education, health, and poverty reduction. He has established the Barry Sanders Foundation, which provides support and resources for disadvantaged youth in his community.
Sanders is considered a sports great because of his incredible achievements as a player, his impact on the game of football, and his ongoing commitment to his community. He has inspired countless young players and continues to be recognized as one of the most influential figures in the history of football.
Junior Seau
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Junior Seau was a former American football player who played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on January 19, 1969, in San Diego, California, United States. During his playing career, Seau played for the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots. He is regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history and was selected to the Pro Bowl 12 times. He was known for his toughness, his ability to read plays, and his leadership on the field.
Off the field, Seau was involved in various charitable causes, including youth programs, disaster relief efforts, and educational initiatives. He established the Junior Seau Foundation, which provided support and resources for children in need.
Tragically, Seau took his own life in 2012 at the age of 43. It was later revealed that he had been suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that has been linked to repeated head trauma. His death brought awareness to the disease and has been a major contributor to all the research that has been conducted in making football a safer game at all levels, from pop-warner to the NFL.
Despite the tragic end to his life, Seau is still regarded as a sports great for his incredible achievements as a player, his leadership on and off the field, and his ongoing impact on the world of football. He continues to be remembered as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history and his legacy is celebrated by his many fans and supporters today.
Tom Brady
AP Photo/Gregory Payan
Tom Brady is a professional American football player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He was born on August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California, United States. During his playing career, Brady has played for the New England Patriots and retired recently as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. He is known for his leadership, his clutch performances in important games, and his ability to read and analyze defenses. He has won seven Super Bowl championships, and five Super Bowl MVP awards, and has been selected to the Pro Bowl 14 times.
Off the field, Brady has been involved in various charitable causes, including education, health, and poverty reduction. He has established the Tom Brady Foundation, which provides support and resources for children in need. Brady is set to join Fox Sports as a lead NFL Analyst, signing a lucrative 10-year, $375M contract with the network.
Brady is considered a sports great because of his incredible achievements as a player, his impact on the game of football, and his ongoing commitment to his community. He has inspired countless young players and continues to be recognized as one of the most influential figures in the history of football. His longevity and continued success at an advanced age have also added to his status as a sports legend.
Peyton Manning
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Peyton Manning is a retired American football quarterback who is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He was born on March 24, 1976, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. During his playing career, Manning played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos. He was known for his intelligence, accuracy, and ability to read defenses. He won five NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, two Super Bowl championships, and was selected to the Pro Bowl 14 times.
Off the field, Manning was involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including the Peyback Foundation, which he founded to provide opportunities for underprivileged children in his home state of Louisiana and other communities. Peyton and his brother, Eli Manning, host Manningcast on ESPN during Monday Night Football, with a spin on analysis, commentary, and special guests.
Manning is considered a sports great because of his incredible achievements as a player, his impact on the game of football, and his contributions to his community. He revolutionized the quarterback position with his ability to read defenses and his meticulous preparation. His impact on the game extended beyond his playing career, as he became a respected commentator and analyst. Additionally, his philanthropy and charitable work have had a positive impact on countless lives.
Ken Griffey Jr.
Ken Griffey Jr in Nike Air Max Griffey III 55th Home Run
Ken Griffey Jr. is a retired American baseball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He was born on November 21, 1969, in Donora, Pennsylvania, United States. During his playing career, Griffey Jr. played for the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago White Sox. He is known for his smooth swing, incredible athleticism, and his impact on the game of baseball. He won the American League MVP award in 1997 and was a 13-time All-Star.
Griffey Jr. is also known for his contributions to the sport of baseball off the field. He has been involved in numerous charitable causes, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Children's Hospital in Seattle. He has also been a vocal advocate for the importance of education and has been involved in several educational initiatives. He recently served as hitting coach for the USA team during the World Baseball Classic.
Griffey Jr. is considered a sports great because of his incredible achievements as a player, his impact on the game of baseball, and his contributions to his community. He has inspired countless young players and continues to be recognized as one of the most influential figures in the history of baseball.
Michael Jordan
Photograph: Gary Hershorn/Reuters
Michael Jordan is a retired American basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, United States. During his playing career, Jordan played for the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards. He is known for his incredible athleticism, his ability to score in clutch situations and his impact on the game of basketball. He won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and was a five-time NBA MVP.
In 1993, following the death of his father, Jordan retired from basketball and announced that he would pursue a career in professional baseball. He signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox organization and played for the team's Double-A affiliate, the Birmingham Barons, during the 1994 season. He returned to the NBA a season later, first to the Bulls, followed by a short three-year retirement, and a final two seasons for the Wizards.
Off the court, Jordan has been involved in numerous business ventures, including the Jordan brand of athletic shoes and apparel. He has also been involved in various charitable causes, including education, health, and poverty reduction. In 2006, Jordan became a part-owner and executive of the Charlotte Bobcats (now known as the Charlotte Hornets) NBA franchise. He was later named the team's majority owner in 2010.
Jordan is considered a sports great because of his incredible achievements as a player, his impact on the game of basketball, and his ongoing influence on popular culture. He has inspired countless young players and continues to be recognized as one of the most iconic figures in the history of sports.
LeBron James
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LeBron James is a professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, United States. During his playing career, James has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers. He is known for his incredible athleticism, his versatility on the court, and his ability to lead his teams to victory. He has won four NBA championships, four NBA MVP awards, and has been selected to the NBA All-Star team 17 times.
Off the court, James has been involved in various charitable and social causes, including education, poverty reduction, and racial justice. He has established the LeBron James Family Foundation, which provides educational resources and support for at-risk youth, and he has been involved in numerous other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of young people in his community.
James is considered a sports great because of his incredible achievements as a player, his impact on the game of basketball, and his ongoing commitment to social justice and activism. He has inspired countless young players and continues to be recognized as one of the most influential figures in the history of sports.
Mike Tyson
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Mike Tyson is a retired American boxer who is widely considered one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. He was born on June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, United States. During his professional boxing career, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20. He won his first 19 fights by knockout, and he held the heavyweight title for more than three years. He was known for his explosive power, quickness, and aggressive fighting style.
Off the ring, Tyson had a troubled personal life, including legal troubles and controversial incidents that marred his reputation. However, he has been involved in various charitable causes, including youth programs and animal welfare.
Despite his personal troubles, Tyson is considered a sports great because of his incredible achievements as a boxer, his impact on the sport of boxing, and his ability to transcend the sport and become a cultural icon. His explosive style and intimidating presence in the ring captivated audiences and inspired countless young fighters. He continues to be recognized as one of the most influential and legendary figures in the history of boxing.
Muhammad Ali
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Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. He was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, United States.
During his career, Ali won numerous titles and accolades, including the Olympic gold medal in boxing and the world heavyweight championship. He was known for his quickness, agility, and powerful punches, as well as his charismatic personality and confident demeanor both in and out of the ring.
Ali was also known for his activism and advocacy, particularly for civil rights and social justice causes. He famously refused to serve in the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the war, and he was stripped of his boxing titles as a result. However, he ultimately won his case in the Supreme Court and resumed his boxing career. Throughout his life, Ali was also involved in various charitable causes, including the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, which he founded to support research and treatment for Parkinson's disease.
Ali is considered a sports great not only for his incredible achievements in the ring but also for his impact on the sport of boxing and his larger cultural influence. He remains an inspiration to many for his dedication to his beliefs and his willingness to stand up for what he believed in, even in the face of opposition and adversity.
A Peyton Manning mention. Ugh. Sorry. Old wounds leave scars.