Most Colorful Athletes of All Time

Entertaining. Charismatic. Or just plain weird. The biggest sports characters have a long tradition of making headlines outside the lines.

The most interesting athletes aren’t always the best players. They may excel, but they’re often more famous for their style — the louder, the better.

The greatest sports characters are entertaining, charismatic or just plain weird. And they have a long tradition of making headlines outside the lines.

These are the most colorful athletes in sports history.

50. Maya Gabeira

Surfer Maya Gabeira maya / Instagram

Sport: Surfing

Years active: 2005-present

Famous words: “It gets peaceful when you blackout. When you’re gone, you’re gone. And I knew before I was gone, I knew that the only thing I could do was to try my very hardest to get as close as I could to the shore.” — Maya Gabeira after a near-death experience surfing in Portugal in 2013

Bottom line: There aren’t many athletes in the world — male or female — with the kind of daring and guts of big-wave surfer Maya Gabeira.

The Brazilian’s appeal begins with her eclectic background. Her father was a well-known former guerilla warrior and founder of the Green Party in Brazil.

Gabeira won an ESPY for Best Female Action Sports Athlete in 2009, the same year she rode the largest wave ever by a woman when she got a 46-foot wave in South Africa.

She broke that record in 2018 by riding a 68-foot wave.

49. Chad Johnson

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson. Al Behrman / AP Photo

Sport: Football (NFL)

Years active: 2001-17

Teams: Cincinnati Bengals (2001-2010), New England Patriots (2011), Miami Dolphins (2012), Montreal Alouettes (2014-15), Monterrey Fundidores (2017)

Famous words: “There are only three things certain in life; death, taxes and 85 always being open.” — Chad Johnson talking about his prowess as a wide receiver

Bottom line: Chad Johnson, who changed his name to Chad Ochocinco from 2008 to 2012, was one of the NFL’s best wide receivers for almost a decade and a four-time All-Pro.

He was also one of the first professional athletes to connect with fans via social media, including famously announcing he would live tweet during a game before the NFL even had rules against such things … although they invented one quickly in this case.

And that’s one of his tamer stunts.

48. Turk Wendell

New York Mets pitcher Turk Wendell. Pablo Martnez Monsivais / AP Photo

Sport: Baseball (MLB)

Years active: 1993-2004

Teams: Chicago Cubs (1993-97), New York Mets (1997-2001), Philadelphia Phillies (2001, 2003), Colorado Rockies (2004)

Famous words: “I’d like to play my last season for free, as a testament to the game. All I ever wanted out of life was a wife, a child and a place to hunt deer. I have all those things.” — Turk Wendell on his last MLB season (his salary was $700,000 with the Rockies)

Bottom line: Turk Wendell was a solid but not overwhelming pitcher for the better part of a decade, but the right-handed reliever became much more well known for his personality.

Wendell, who was voted the “Most Superstitious Baseball Player of All Time” by Men’s Journal magazine, chewed black licorice when he pitched and made a point of never touching foul lines on his way to the mound.

He also was the first player to publicly accuse Barry Bonds of steroid use.

47. Gilbert Arenas

Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas. Nick Wass / AP Photo

Sport: Basketball (NBA0

Years active: 2001-2013

Teams: Golden State Warriors (2001-03), Washington Wizards (2003-10), Orlando Magic (2010-11), Memphis Grizzlies (2012), Shanghai Sharks (2012-13)

Famous words: “It sucks the way the world works. You can do a hundred things for people, but you do one bad mistake and everyone crucifies you, and that’s all they want to remember.” — Gilbert Arenas, to Sports Illustrated, after his reputation was permanently damaged by a locker-room incident involving guns

Bottom line: Gilbert Arenas was one of the most exciting players in the NBA in the early 2000s.

The three-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA pick also had two of the greatest nicknames of his generation, “Hibachi” and “Agent Zero,” both nods to his scoring prowess.

Arenas’ quirky charisma brought him into contact with A-list celebrities — Diddy even hosted his birthday party when he turned 25.

But Arenas’ image never recovered from a locker-room incident when he and Wizards teammate Javaris Crittenton allegedly pulled unloaded guns out after an argument.

46. Marta

Brazilian soccer star Marta. Yiorgos Nissistis / AP Photo

Sport: Soccer

Years active: 2000-present

Teams: Vasco de Game (2000-02), Santa Cruz (2002-04), Brazil National Team (2002-present), Umea IK (2004-08), Los Angeles Sol (2009), FC Gold Pride (2010), Santos (2011), Western New York Flash (2011), Tyreso FF (2012-14), FC Rosengard (2014-17), Orlando Pride (2017-present)

Famous words: “Cry in the beginning so you can smile at the end.” — Marta’s advice to young girls facing the challenge of playing soccer growing up in Brazil

Bottom line: There aren’t a lot of athletes in the world who can go by just one name. Brazilian soccer superstar Marta is one of them.

Considered the greatest women’s soccer player of all time, she’s the only player, man or woman, to score in five different World Cups.

Fans are drawn to Marta because of her sincerity, as evidenced by the video of her emotional plea to Brazilian girls to keep the game alive in her home country.

45. Ricky Williams

Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams. Keith Skrakocic / AP Photo

Sport: Football (NFL)

Years active: 1999-2011

Teams: New Orleans Saints (1999-2001), Miami Dolphins (2002-03, 2005, 2007-10), Toronto Argonauts (2006), Baltimore Ravens (2011)

Famous words: “I was never strong enough to play football. I’m finally free. I can’t remember ever being this happy.” — Ricky Williams after retiring from the NFL in 2004

Bottom line: Don’t let Ricky Williams fool you. He could ball on the gridiron.

He won a Heisman Trophy at the University of Texas and had a lengthy pro career that spanned over a decade in which he was one of the NFL’s best running backs.

Even with all those accomplishments, Williams is now known more for his eccentricities, including doing interviews with his helmet and visor on and “retiring” from football for one year to study holistic medicine in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

44. Chris Cooley

Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley. Gerald Herbert / AP Photo

Sport: Football (NFL)

Years active: 2004-12

Teams: Washington Redskins

Famous words: “I simply have a tiny attention span, and it is impossible for me to sit and listen to someone talk for an extended period of time.” — Chris Cooley writing on his blog, “The Cooley Zone,” in 2008

Bottom line: Chris Cooley brought an “Animal House” attitude to the Washington Redskins locker room and ended his career as a two-time Pro Bowl pick and the franchise’s leader for receptions by a tight end.

Cooley’s wild hairstyles, love of heavy metal and style of play earned him the nickname “Captain Chaos” from his teammates.

Cooley was in the first group of NFL players to find added fame through social media in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

43. Chloe Kim

Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim. Gregory Bull / AP Photo

Sport: Snowboarding

Years active: 2014-present

Famous words: “I have this different opportunity because I’m Korean-American, but I’m riding for the States. … I’m starting to understand that I can represent both countries.” — Chloe Kim on balancing her Korean and American heritage in Olympic competitions

Bottom line: Chloe Kim represents a new generation of superstar athletes and is the best women’s snowboarder in the world right now following her Olympic gold medal in 2018.

One of the most marketable athletes today, Kim was on the cover of Sports Illustrated following her Olympic win and on the front of the fastest-selling Wheaties box in history.

Kim’s intellect helps up her Q rating. She’s trilingual, speaking French, English and Korean, and was admitted to the Princeton class of 2022, but deferred admission for a year.

42. Brian Wilson

Matt Slocum / AP Photo

Sport: Baseball (MLB)

Years active: 2006-14

Teams: San Francisco Giants (2006-2012), Los Angeles Dodgers (2013-2014)

Famous words: “An elite closer is a closer who’s part of a World Series win. If you get that final out in the final win of the season, then you can consider yourself elite.” — Brian Wilson at the start of the 2010 season, which he would end by getting the final out of a World Series-clinching game

Bottom line: Brian Wilson had the best season of his career in 2010, leading the National League in saves and helping lead the San Francisco Giants to the World Series title.

During that stretch, America became obsessed with Wilson’s intensity, coming out of the bullpen to House of Pain’s “Jump Around,” and his large, dyed-black beard.

Wilson, who claimed to be a ninja and live a “ninja lifestyle,” actually had his own reality show on Showtime at one point.

41. Jim McMahon

Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon, left. AP Photo

Sport: Football (NFL0

Years active: 1982-96

Teams: Chicago Bears (1982-88), San Diego Chargers (1989), Philadelphia Eagles (1990-92), Minnesota Vikings (1993), Arizona Cardinals (1994), Cleveland Browns (1995), Green Bay Packers (1995-96)

Famous words: “I’m the punky QB known as McMahon/When I hit the turf, I’ve got no plan/I just throw my body all over the field/I can’t dance, but I can throw the pill.” — Jim McMahon rapping during the “Super Bowl Shuffle,” in 1985

Bottom line: After quarterback Jim McMahon was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the No. 5 overall pick in 1982, he met head coach Mike Ditka and George Halas in person for the first time with a cold beer in his hand. They weren’t impressed.

McMahon’s distaste for authority would become legendary in pro sports, as would his run helping lead the Bears to a Super Bowl victory in 1986.

He’s also one of just a handful of athletes to land on the cover of Rolling Stone.

40. Sean Avery

New York Rangers’ Sean Avery, top. Ed Betz / AP Photo

Sport: Hockey (NHL)

Years active: 2001-12

Teams: Detroit Red Wings (2001-03), Los Angeles Kings (2003-07), New York Rangers (2007-08, 2009-12), Dallas Stars (2008)

Famous words: “Our commissioner hasn’t realized that he needs to probably do a better job of marketing the game and certainly some of the players in it. Nobody cares about Jarome Iginla and guys like that. They’re just not exciting enough. They don’t bring enough to the game.” — Sean Avery being critical of NHL marketing campaigns

Bottom line: Sean Avery was known as much for his eclectic tastes and interests outside the rink as much as he was known for his play throughout his career.

Avery often alienated teammates by bringing attention to his personal life through the media, including one incident where Avery was suspended for talking about NHL players dating his ex-girlfriends.

On the other hand, Avery also has been an outspoken advocate for gay marriage rights over the last decade.

39. Diana Taurasi

Team USA guard Diana Taurasi. Eric Gay / AP Photo

Sport: Basketball (WNBA)

Years active: 2004-present

Teams: Phoenix Mercury

Famous words: “Because we have Diana Taurasi.” — University of Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma on why his team could win the 2004 NCAA tournament

Bottom line: Perhaps the greatest women’s basketball player of all time, Diana Taurasi won three NCAA titles at UConn, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft and is a three-time WNBA champion. Oh, and she’s also won four gold medals as part of the U.S. Olympic basketball team.

Taurasi’s nickname — “White Mamba” — was given to her by none other than Kobe Bryant. She was an inspiration for two generations of basketball players because of her talent and classy demeanor. And she’s just really cool.

38. Clinton Portis

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis, front. Evan Vucci / AP Photo

Sport: Football (NFL)

Years active: 2002-2010

Teams: Denver Broncos (2002-03), Washington Redskins (2004-10)

Famous words: “Because Southeast Jerome came up missing at the same time last year. I’m looking for him. I have to find him. Someone has to have seen something.” — Clinton Portis responding to a question about why he was doing interviews in character as “Dolemite Jenkins”

Bottom line: Clinton Portis probably doesn’t get enough credit as being one of the greatest running backs to ever play for the Washington Redskins, even earning an All-Pro nod in 2008.

He also doesn’t get enough credit for doing his interviews dressed up as multiple personalities. There was Dr. Do Itch Big, a dentist. Prime Minister Yah Mon, a presidential candidate. Budd Fox, an ultimate fighter. Electra, the environmentalist. Redskins dance instructor Choo Choo.

And there was his greatest creation, Dolemite Jenkins, a direct rip-off of Napoleon Dynamite.

37. Ilie Nastase

Romanian tennis star Ilie Nastase. AP Photo

Sport: Tennis

Years active: 1969-85

Famous words: “I was always rather nasty. I was willing to be friends with the Devil, just to cross the bridge.” — Ilie Nastase on his style of play

Bottom line: Ilie Nastase was one of the best tennis players in the world in the 1970s, winning U.S. Open and French Open singles titles in back-to-back years.

But he was known as much for his antics on the court — a mix of mocking opponents and verbally assaulting umpires that included a call against Nastase, which caused a near-riot at the U.S. Open.

Nastase’s act hasn’t aged well. He’s currently serving a four-year suspension from the International Tennis Federation for his behavior as a coach. His punishment ends in 2021.

35. (tie) Misti May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings

Misti May-Treanor, left, and Kerri Walsh Jennings. Jan Bauer / AP Photo

Sport: Beach volleyball

Years active: 2001-12

Famous words: “The first two medals, I think it was more volleyball. The friendship was there, but it was all volleyball, volleyball. This was so much more about the friendship, the togetherness, the journey. And volleyball was just a small part of it.” — Misti May-Treanor, in 2012, after winning a third straight Olympic gold medal with Kerri Walsh Jennings

Bottom line: Misti May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings are the greatest beach volleyball duo of all time, winning three Olympic gold medals and three world championships in 11 years together.

The reason the two grabbed headlines and saw their fame skyrocket together was that the bond between the two of them was so strong from the start.

And they had tons of fun along the way.

34. World B. Free

Cleveland Cavaliers guard World B. Free. Mark Duncan / AP Photo

Sport: Basketball (NBA)

Years active: 1975-88

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers (1975-78, 1986-87), San Diego Clippers (1978-80), Golden State Warriors (1980-82), Cleveland Cavaliers (1982-86), Houston Rockets (1987-88)

Famous words: “The fellas back home gave me the nickname ‘World.’ … They just started calling me ‘All-World’ or ‘World’ because All-City and All-County weren’t good enough. But I’m still the same guy I was when I was Lloyd.” -World B. Free on the origins of his colorful name

Bottom line: World B. Free was just good ‘ol Lloyd B. Free until he legally changed his name in 1981, one day before his 28th birthday.

It matched up with his outgoing personality and Free’s game, which was centered around offense and filling up the basket as much as he possibly could, and he averaged over 20 points in nine out of his 14 seasons, including 30.2 points in 1979-80.

He’s carved out a second career as a player/fan ambassador for the 76ers.

33. Lenny Dykstra

New York Mets outfielder Lenny Dykstra. AP Photo

Sport: Baseball

Years active: 1985-96

Teams: New York Mets (1985-89), Philadelphia Phillies (1989-96)

Famous words: “I think the world will end before there’s another .400 hitter. … I think that’s actually written in the Bible.” — Lenny Dykstra when asked what he thought of today’s MLB hitters

Bottom line: Lenny Dykstra made his name as a hard-nosed outfielder on the New York Mets’ 1986 World Series title team, when he earned the nickname “Nails” from his teammates.

Dykstra’s approach to playing the game was similar to his approach to living life — all gas and no brakes. The results were disastrous for Dykstra, with a series of missteps and arrests stemming from the early 1990s to 2018 for a variety of transgressions.

Those incidents have made Dykstra almost a more compelling figure because of his openness about his struggles.

32. Kevin Greene

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker/defensive end Kevin Greene. Hans Deryk / AP Photo

Sport: Football (NFL)

Years active: 1985-99

Teams: Los Angeles Rams (1985-92), Pittsburgh Steelers (1993-95), Carolina Panthers (1996), San Francisco 49ers (1997), Carolina Panthers (1998-99)

Famous words: “I didn’t play this game for any other reason than love and passion.” — Kevin Greene during his 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame speech

Bottom line: Kevin Greene, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016, is still No. 3 on the NFL’s career sacks list.

With his long blonde hair, he also appealed to another demographic — professional wrestling fans.

Greene’s crossover appeal was directly rooted in that fanbase, and he had a side career as a professional wrestler in the WCW.

31. Babe Didrikson Zaharias

Olympian Babe Didrikson Zaharias. AP Photo

Sport: Golf, track and field

Years active: 1932-55

Famous words: “That little white ball won’t move until you hit it, and there’s nothing you can do after it has gone.” — Babe Didrikson Zaharias on the mental aspect of playing golf

Bottom line: Widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, Babe Didrikson Zaharias won two gold medals at the 1932 Olympics, then went on to win 10 LPGA Tour events.

She wasn’t just great in those two sports, either. She also pitched exhibition innings for several MLB teams and still holds the women’s world record for throwing a baseball farther than any woman.

Tragically, Zaharias died of colon cancer in 1956, when she was just 47 years old.

30. William “Refrigerator” Perrry

Chicago Bears defensive tackle William Perry, left, and Bob Hope. Charlie Bennett / AP Photo

Sport: Football (NFL)

Years active: 1985-96

Teams: Chicago Bears (1985-93), Philadelphia Eagles (1993-94), London Monarchs (1996)

Famous words: “Even when I was little, I was big.” — William Perry talking about being 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds by the time he was 11 years old

Bottom line: William Perry earned the nickname “Refigerator” while playing for Clemson, and midway through his NFL rookie year, “The Fridge” was a household name in the United States.

At 6-foot-3 and over 300 pounds, Perry was an athletic marvel who played nose guard, could dunk a basketball and outrun linebackers.

When Bears coach Mike Ditka lined Perry up at running back in short-yardage situations — essentially to spite defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan — Perry started scoring touchdowns, and a national obsession was born.

29. Eric “Butterbean” Esch

Boxer Eric “Butterbean” Esch. Jeff Scheid / AP Photo

Sport: Boxing

Years active: 1994-2013

Famous words: “Hit me at least once.” — Butterbean talking to Johnnie Knoxville in the 2002 film “Jackass: The Movie” during a department store fight

Bottom line: Eric Esch entered the boxing world via Toughman competitions in Arkansas, working his way up to becoming National Toughman champion.

He earned the nickname “Butterbean” because of his diet of chickens and butterbeans to get himself under the 400-pound weight limit for Toughman competitions.

He gained worldwide fame by fighting in a series of four-round fights notable for Butterbean’s appearance and his ability to knock out opponents in dramatic fashion.

28. Shaquille O’Neal

Orlando Magic center Shaquille O’Neal. Chris O’Meara / AP Photo

Sport: Basketball (NBA)

Years active: 1992-2011

Teams: Orlando Magic (1992-96), Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2004), Miami Heat (2004-08), Phoenix Suns (2008-09), Cleveland Cavaliers (2009-10), Boston Celtics (2010-11)

Famous words: “I’m tired of hearing about money. I just want to play (basketball), drink Pepsi and wear Reebok in peace.” — Shaquille O’Neal to the media after reports he’d signed a seven-year, $121 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996

Bottom line: One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Shaquille O’Neal won four NBA titles and was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player three times in a row.

From the start of his career, it was obvious Shaq looked at himself as much more than an athlete, leveraging his magnetic personality into a platinum rap album, movie career and lucrative marketing contracts.

He’s still in the public eye as an analyst on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” and a corporate pitchman, and Forbes estimated Shaq’s net worth at $400 million in 2018.

27. Richard Petty

Richard Petty. Steve Helber / AP Photo

Sport: Auto racing

Years active: 1958-92

Famous words: “These cats know, coming out of four, they better be standin’ on it or they’ll be standin’ in it.” — Richard Petty on his approach to racing down the stretch

Bottom line: Richard Petty — “The King” — is the most accomplished driver in NASCAR history, winning the title seven times and winning the Daytona 500 a record seven times.

He’s also still one of the most recognizable drivers ever, in no small part thanks to his signature look: trademark sunglasses, cowboy hat with a large snakeskin hat and plume of rooster feathers at the front.

He’s also one of the richest drivers in NASCAR history, with a net worth close to $80 million.

26. Gabby Douglas

Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas. Julie Jacobson / AP Photo

Sport: Gymnastics

Years active: 2011-16

Famous words: “My message is to never quit, never give up. When you have a little trouble here and there, just keep fighting.” — Gabby Douglas on how she deals with adversity

Bottom line: Gabby Douglas is one of the greatest gymnasts in U.S. Olympic history, winning the 2012 all-around gold medal and team gold medals in 2012 and 2016.

Why has Douglas’ popularity continued well beyond her career? Her personality has been the key. She’s witty, funny and resilient, with a major touch of gravity-defying bravery when she’s on the floor.

Douglas was nicknamed “The Flying Squirrel” for her high release points on the uneven bars.

25. Metta World Peace

Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace. Jae C. Hong / AP Photo

Sport: Basketball (NBA)

Years active: 1999-2017

Teams: Chicago Bulls (1999-2002), Indiana Pacers (2002-06), Sacramento Kings (2006-08), Houston Rockets (2008-09), Los Angeles Lakers (2009-13, 2015-17), New York Knicks (2013-14), Sichuan Blue Whales (2014)

Famous words: “I honestly didn’t know who the coach was when I was coming to New York. … It could have been Aunt Jemima. They could have had the syrup coaching.” — Metta World Peace after being traded to the New York Knicks in 2013

Bottom line: Metta World Peace legally changed his name from Ron Artest in 2011.

His career covered the entire spectrum. He was NBA Defensive Player of the Year, played the instigating role in the most infamous fight in NBA history with and teamed with Kobe Bryant to win an NBA title in 2010.

Early in his playing days with the Bulls, he tried to work at Best Buy in the offseason because he was bored, once asked the Pacers for a month off to promote his rap album and wore No. 37 with the Lakers in honor of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” being the No. 1 album for 37 weeks.

24. Ryan Lochte

Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte. Mark Baker / AP Photo

Sport: Swimming

Years active: 2004-present

Famous words: “Something will pop up in my head. It could be like the weirdest thing. Like all’a sudden like I have like a jumping banana in my head. And I stop and pause. I’m like that damn jumping banana is in my head. Like, I don’t know what’s going on.” — Ryan Lochte, on his reality show, talking about what he thinks about when he’s alone

Bottom line: Ryan Lochte is evidence that we should never underestimate the power of the dude-bro movement.

With 12 Olympic medals since 2004, Lochte was able to stay in the public eye between Olympic competitions because of his laid-back personality, even trademarking the word “Jeah” and getting his own reality show on the E! Network.

Back-to-back scandals at the 2016 Olympics, where he made up a story of being held at gunpoint, and an 18-month suspension in 2018 for using illegal IV fluids have waylaid his earning power and popularity.

23. Manny Ramirez

Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez. Steven Senne / AP Photo

Sport: Baseball (MLB)

Years active: 1993-2011

Teams: Cleveland Indians (1993-2000), Boston Red Sox (2001-08), Los Angeles Dodgers (2008-10), Chicago White Sox (2010), Tampa Bay Rays (2011)

Famous words: “Hey, everybody is invited to my house tonight for free drinks!” — Manny Ramirez speaking to Boston Red Sox fans at the team’s 2004 World Series parade, which was attended by an estimated 3.2 million people

Bottom line: Despite a pair of suspensions for using performance-enhancing drugs, Manny Ramirez is still viewed as perhaps the best right-handed hitter of his generation.

And despite those setbacks, Ramirez is still very much beloved in almost every city he ever played in because of his fun-loving, carefree nature that took on a life of its own.

“Manny being Manny,” a term coined by former Cleveland manager Mike Hargrove, became synonymous with the star.

22. Jimmy Piersall

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jimmy Piersall. Peter J. Carroll / AP Photo

Sport: Baseball (MLB)

Years active: 1950-67

Teams: Boston Red Sox (1950, 1952-1958), Cleveland Indians (1959-1961), Washington Senators (1962-1963), New York Mets (1963), Los Angeles/California Angels (1963-1967)

Famous words: “Going nuts was the best thing that ever happened to me.” — Jimmy Piersall on his “nervous breakdown” in the early 1950s

Bottom line: In the early 1950s, there was little to no understanding of issues like anxiety disorders, and Boston Red Sox outfielder Jimmy Piersall missed almost an entire season from “nervous exhaustion” before he received the proper care.

Afterward, Piersall was one of the best players in baseball, making two All-Star teams and winning two Golden Gloves. He was also one of its most colorful, outspoken characters, experiencing a sense of freedom after his struggles with mental health.

Piersall died in 2017 at 87 years old.

21. Joe Namath

New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath. AP Photo

Sport: Football (NFL)

Years active: 1965-77

Teams: New York Jets (1965-76), Los Angeles Rams (1977)

Famous words: “I don’t like going out on a date unless I know the broad a little bit beforehand. By the way, ‘broad’ to me is not a detrimental term for women. It’s simply another word for female. Anyway, I don’t really go out a whole lot, because there aren’t many girls I like to take out and spend a whole evening with — at least not an evening in public.” —Joe Namath

Bottom line: Joe Namath was the author of the most outlandish prediction of all time when he said his New York Jets would upset the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III — even though the Colts were 18-point favorites.

Namath delivered the win and became a pop culture icon because of his boldness and opened up athletes to levels of media and advertising opportunities that were previously untouchable for not just football players but professional athletes.

“Broadway Joe” was a trendsetter in every sense of the word.

20. Walt “Clyde” Frazier

New York Knicks guard Walt Frazier. Richard Drew / AP Photo

Sport: Basketball (NBA)

Years active: 1967-10

Teams: New York Knicks (1967-77), Cleveland Cavaliers (1977-80)

Famous words: “Erratic, charismatic, dramatic, acrobatic … that’s J.R.” — Walt Frazier describing former New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith

Bottom line: Walt Frazier is one of the greatest Knicks of all time, helping lead the team to its only two NBA titles in 1970 and 1973.

Beyond his influence on the court, Frazier became just as well known for his incredible style off-the-court, earning his nickname “Clyde” from his teammates because he wore a hat similar to the one in the film “Bonnie and Clyde” worn by Warren Beatty’s character, Clyde Barrow.

Frazier remains a true fashion and basketball icon.

19. Vinnie Jones

Soccer player Vinnie Jones, left. Max Nash / AP Photo

Sport: Soccer

Years active: 1984-99

Teams: Wealdstone (1984-86), IFK Holmsund (1986), Wimbledon (1986-89, 1992-98), Leeds United (1989-90), Sheffield United (1990-91), Chelsea (1991-92), Wales national team (1994-97), Queens Park Rangers (1998-99)

Famous words: “I must have been too high, too wild, too strong or too early, because, after three seconds, I could hardly have been too bloody late!” — Vinnie Jones writing about setting the record for quickest ejection in a pro soccer match in his autobiography

Bottom line: Vinnie Jones was to professional soccer what enforcers are to the NHL.

Jones tallied up a stunning 12 ejections during his lengthy career, and set the record by being ejected three seconds into a match.

Despite having a 15-year career on the highest levels of soccer, Jones is more well known for his acting career, appearing in critical and box-office hits like “Snatch” and “X-Men: The Last Stand” as comic-book villain Juggernaut.

18. Nick Kyrgios

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios. Jason DeCrow / AP Photo

Sport: Tennis

Years active: 2013-present

Famous words: “I feel like the offseason, for me, is not about getting on court and trying to improve or get better. I want to completely step away from the game and, like, really just enjoy my time at home.” — Nick Kyrgios answering a question about how much time he practices in the offseason

Bottom line: Tennis fans around the world have become very familiar with Australian star Nick Kyrgios in the last two years because of his talent and his volatile temper.

Yet to make the semifinals of a Grand Slam event, Kyrgios earned the biggest single fine in International Tennis Federation history, $113,000, for his behavior at the Cincinnati Masters in 2019.

As a player, Kyrgios is electric and unpredictable — he’s even brought fame to the underhand serve, which he’s used several times in competition.

17. Tim Richmond

NASCAR driver Tim Richmond. AP Photo

Sport: Auto racing

Years active: 1980-87

Famous words: “I am trying to prove that I was put on this earth to have fun … to succeed in the fun department.” — TIm Richmond talking about his approach to life in 1984

Bottom line: Tim Richmond represented a new generation of NASCAR drivers when he came on the scene in the early 1980s, with a mix of talent and charisma that seemed to run straight up against the old guard’s way of doing things.

Richmond was a rebel who earned the respect of older drivers with his skills, and his rise up the circuit was partly the inspiration for the 1990 movie “Days of Thunder” starring Tom Cruise.

Richmond died of complications from HIV/AIDS in 1989 at just 34 years old.

16. Mark “The Bird” Fidrych

Detroit Tigers pitcher Mark “The Bird” Fidrych with fans. Ed Kolenovsky / AP Photo

Sport: Baseball (MLB)

Years active: 1976-80

Teams: Detroit Tigers

Famous words: “Only I know my real value and can negotiate it.” — Mark Fidrych on why he never hired an agent

Bottom line: Mark Fidrych took the baseball world by storm in the late 1970s. The 1976 AL Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star captured the public’s imagination because of his unique approach to life and to pitching.

How popular did “The Bird” get? He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated twice and is the only baseball player ever to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone.

Fidrych died in 2009, at 54 years old, in an accident while working on his truck at home in Massachusetts.

15. Conor McGregor

MMA fighter Conor McGregor. Julio Cortez / AP Photo

Sport: Mixed martial arts

Years active: 2008-present

Famous words: “I said football stadiums. I said world titles. This is what I said and this is what is happening. It’s a beautiful thing when you have the ability to predict the future, and that is what I feel I have.” — Conor McGregor on his rise to fame

Bottom line: There aren’t many sports fans in the world who don’t know who Conor McGregor is.

McGregor took mixed martial arts to another level with his talent, personality and hardscrabble backstory out of Dublin, Ireland.

McGregor’s ability to trash talk is comparable with few fighters in the history of boxing and mixed martial arts and has gotten him into trouble several times, but it was also responsible for baiting Floyd Mayweather into a mega-payday fight in 2017.

14. Jorge Paez

raulbrindis / Twitter

Sport: Boxing

Years active: 1984-2003

Famous words: “My grandmother found out I was fighting in the streets, and she told me, ‘If you’re always going to be fighting, why don’t you at least get paid for it?'” — Boxer Jorge Paez on advice that set him on his path to boxing stardom

Bottom line: Jorge Paez held the WBO and IBF featherweight titles during his career, and was nicknamed “El Maromero” for his trademark somersault into the ring.

Paez was a born entertainer — he performed in the circus owned by his grandmother in Mexico as an acrobat, cyclist and clown since he was a small child.

Paez’s most famous fan and friend knew something about entertainment himself. Lakers owner Jerry Buss was so enamored with Paez he gave him a championship ring after the Lakers won an NBA title in 1988.

13. Charles Barkley

Phoenix Suns forward Charles Barkley. Gary Stewart / AP Photo

Sport: Basketball (NBA)

Years active: 1984-2000

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers (1984-92), Phoenix Suns (1992-96), Houston Rockets (1996-2000)

Famous words: “A million guys can dunk a basketball in jail. Should they be role models?” — Charles Barkley on whether basketball players should be role models

Bottom line: At just 6-foot-4, Charles Barkley is one of the greatest power forwards in basketball history and was named NBA Most Valuable Player in 1993.

His fame has continued long after his playing days, where he’s become a three-time Emmy Award winner for his work on TNT’s Inside the NBA” show.

Barkley’s combination of talent, humor, charm, controversy and wit have made him one of the more popular, beloved sports figures in American history.

12. Bill “Spaceman” Lee

Montreal Expos pitcher Bill “Spaceman” Lee. AP Photo

Sport: Baseball (MLB)

Years active: 1969-82

Teams: Boston Red Sox (1969-78), Montreal Expos (1979-82)

Famous words: “I’ve tried all of them. I just wouldn’t want to make it mandatory.” — Boston Red Sox pitcher Bill Lee responding to a question about whether Major League Baseball should implement mandatory drug testing

Bottom line: Bill Lee was one of the best left-handed pitchers of his era and is a member of the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame. His lasting fame came from his outspoken personality and comments throughout his career.

Lee’s propensity to question management was usually not on his own behalf and derailed his career. More often than not he went against the powers that be, sticking up for teammates he believed had been wronged and speaking out for social issues he felt management didn’t agree with.

11. Ronda Rousey

MMA fighter Ronda Rousey. Isaac Brecken / AP Photo

Sports: Mixed martial arts, judo

Years active: 2004-16

Famous words: “I think it’s about just as likely as me going back to fight judo.” — Ronda Rousey answering a question from Ellen DeGeneres in 2018 about if she would ever fight MMA again

Bottom line: It might be a long time before sports fans really appreciate what Ronda Rousey did for women’s sports, going from an Olympic medalist in judo to the first female signee — and star — in UFC.

Rousey defended her UFC title a record six times before losing in 2016, but she parlayed her fame into roles in blockbuster action movies like “Furious 7” and “Mile 22” and became the WWE Raw Women’s Champion in 2018 for the first time.

She is one of the 10 most influential female athletes in sports history.

10. Dock Ellis

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dock Ellis. AP Photo

Sport: Baseball (MLB)

Years active: 1968-79

Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates (1968-75, 1979), New York Yankees (1976-77), Oakland Athletics (1977), Texas Rangers (1977-79), New York Mets (1979)

Famous words: “I started having a crazy idea in the fourth inning that Richard Nixon was the home plate umpire, and once I thought I was pitching a baseball to Jimi Hendrix, who to me was holding a guitar and swinging it over the plate.” — Dock Ellis on pitching a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres in 1970 after taking several hits of LSD

Bottom line: Dock Ellis lives on through pop culture history because of the phenomenal 2014 documentary “No No: A Dockumentary” about his life — the crux of which was the no-hitter he reportedly pitched while high on LSD.

Ellis was an outspoken advocate for African-American rights during his time as a player and one of the players credited with bringing about free agency for the first time.

Ellis, who died in 2008, also won a World Series with the Pirates in 1971 and was the 1976 AL Comeback Player of the Year.

9. Darryl Dawkins

Philadelphia 76ers center Darryl Dawkins. Rusty Kennedy / AP Photo

Sport: Basketball (NBA)

Years active: 1975-2000

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers (1975-82), New Jersey Nets (1982-87), Utah Jazz (1987), Detroit Pistons (1987-89), Auxilium Torino (1989-91), Olimpia Philips Milano (1991-92), Libertas Forli (1992-94), Harlem Globetrotters (1994-95), Sioux Falls Skyforce (1995-96), Winnipeg Cyclone (1999-2000)

Famous words: “The Chocolate-Thunder-Flying, Robinzine-Crying, Teeth-Shaking, Glass-Breaking, Rump Roasting, Bun-Toasting, Wham-Bam-Glass-Breaker-I-Am-Jam.” — Darryl Dawkins naming one of his backboard-breaking dunks in 1979

Bottom line: NBA big man Darryl Dawkins was a character for the ages, and his larger-than-life persona got a boost when musician Stevie Wonder nicknamed him “Chocolate Thunder” for his ferocious play.

Dawkins gave his dunks wild, weird nicknames and also claimed to live on “Planet Lovetron” to practice “interplanetary funkmanship” for part of his offseason training before each season.

Dawkins died in 2015 of a massive heart attack at 58 years old.

8. Serena Williams

Tennis star Serena Williams. AP Photo / Vincent Thian

Sport: Tennis

Years active: 1995-present

Famous words: “You can be whatever size you are and be beautiful, both inside and out.” — Serena Williams on what she thinks is beautiful

Bottom line: Serena Williams has won 23 Grand Slam titles, which is the most by any man or woman in the Open Era.

That alone makes you a superstar, but Williams’ outgoing personality and fashion sense with her on-court outfits — a la Florence Griffith Joyner — has pushed her fame to another level.

Williams is outspoken on and off the court and has taken a lot of heat for it, behavior that’s often been celebrated in her male counterparts.

7. Paul Bissonnette

Phoenix Coyotes forward Paul Bissonnette. David Zalubowski / AP Photo

Sport: Hockey (NHL)

Years active: 2002-17

Teams: Saginaw Spirit (2002-05), Owen Sound Attack (2005), Wheeling Nailers (2005-06, 2006-08), Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins (2005-08), Pittsburgh Penguins (2008-09), Phoenix Coyotes (2009-14), Portland Pirates (2014-15), Ontario Reign (2015-17)

Famous words: “I’ve had an awesome time engaging with the fans on Twitter. You make fun of me, and I make fun of you back. I can’t do that anymore because I’m a backup radio announcer.” — Paul Bissonnette’s Instagram post announcing his retirement in 2017

Bottom line: It’s hard to look at Paul Bissonnette’s six-year NHL career as anything more than pedestrian, but it was obvious during his career that Bissonnette had a certain amount of, well, swag.

Bissonnette, like others on this list, saw their fame rocket to previously unseen levels thanks to social media.

He leveraged that fame into a post-playing career as one of the hosts of the hockey podcast “Spittin’ Chiclets” on Barstool Sports.

6. Rene Higuita

Colombian national team goalkeeper Rene Higuita. Ricardo Mazaluna / AP Photo

Sport: Soccer

Years active: 1985-2009

Teams: Millonarios (1985), Atletico Nacional (1986-92, 1993-97), Colombian national team (1987-99), Real Valladolid (1992), Veracruz (1997-98), Independiente Medellin (1999-2000), Real Cartagena (2000-01), Atletico Junior (2001-02), Deportivo Pereira (2002-03, 2008-09), Aucus (2004), Guaros FC (2007), Deportive Rionegro (2008-09)

Famous words: “I’m a footballer. I don’t know anything about kidnapping laws.” — Rene Higuita after he was arrested for his role in a kidnapping plot alongside Pablo Escobar

Bottom line: Rene Higuita staked out his claim as one of the greatest goalkeepers in history, creating his own style of play by challenging the ball further away from the goal than anyone had ever seen, earning him the nickname “El Loco” — The Madman.

Higuita’s life off the pitch was just as legendary, and his friendship with drug lord Pablo Escobar once landed him in prison for seven months after a botched kidnapping ransom.

5. John Riggins

Washington Redskins running back John Riggins, right. Charles Harrity / AP Photo

Sport: Football

Years active: 1971-85

Teams: New York Jets (1971-75), Washington Redskins (1976-79, 1981-85)

Famous words: “Come on, loosen up. Sandy, baby, you’re too tight.” — John Riggins to Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor at a Washington, D.C., dinner party, in 1985

Bottom line: John Riggins was a running back pulled from another era, and he had a personality pulled from another universe.

Riggins sat out the 1980 season over a contract dispute with the Redskins — he wanted $300,000 per year — and when new coach Joe Gibbs came to meet Riggins at his farm in Kansas before the next season, Riggins told Gibbs: “I’m going to make you famous.”

Riggins returned, set the NFL record for postseason rushing yards and was named Super Bowl XVII Most Valuable Player.

4. Muhammad Ali

Boxer Muhammad Ali Ron Frehm / AP Photo

Sport: Boxing

Years active: 1960-81

Famous words: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. His hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see.” — Muhammad Ali before entering the ring for his 1964 fight against heavyweight champion Sonny Liston

Bottom line: Perhaps the most famous athlete of all time, Muhammad Ali had skills in the ring that were good enough to make him heavyweight champion.

Outside of the ring, Ali used his intellect, leadership and, if you asked him, good looks, to become a worldwide phenomenon. In 1999, Time magazine named him one of the 100 Most Important People of the 20th century, and Sports Illustrated named him its Sportsman of the Century.

If you asked Ali, he’d probably say it all had to do with his good looks.

3. Florence Griffith Joyner

Olympic sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner. Lennox McLendon / AP Photo

Sport: Track and field

Years active: 1980-89

Famous words: “When anyone tells me I can’t do anything … I’m just not listening anymore.” — Florence Griffith Joyner to Sports Illustrated in 1988

Bottom line: UCLA sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner missed out on Olympic glory in 1980 as the United States boycotted the Summer Games, but she returned in 1984 to win gold medals in the 100, 200 and 4×100 relay.

FloJo’s success in 1984 built a tremendous amount of buzz headed into the 1988 Summer Olympics, and she became just as well known for her provocative, unconventional clothing choices on the track — most notably the “one-legger” sprint suit and six-inch nails. She also designed the Indiana Pacers’ most iconic uniforms in the early 1990s.

Tragically, FloJo died in her sleep in 1998 at just 38 years old.

2. John Daly

Golfer John Daly. Lynne Sladky / AP Photo

Sport: Golf

Years active: 1987-present

Famous words: “I only smoke two packs of cigarettes a day, not three, so I’ll be alright.” — John Daly after suffering a collapsed lung in 2015

Bottom line: John Daly came out of nowhere in 1991 to win the PGA Championship and PGA Rookie of the Year, then showed he was no flash in the pan four years later by winning the British Open.

Daly’s frankness about his personal life endeared him to fans early on, and his struggles with alcohol, his health, marriages, money and gambling are legendary, including when Daly once famously claimed he’d lost between $50 million and $60 million gambling in his lifetime.

1. Dennis Rodman

Chicago Bulls forward Dennis Rodman. Bill Kostrun / AP Photo

Sport: Basketball

Years active: 1986-2006

Teams: Detroit Pistons (1986-93), San Antonio Spurs (1993-95), Chicago Bulls (1995-98), Los Angeles Lakers (1999), Dallas Mavericks (2000), Long Beach Jam (2003-04), Fuerza Regia (2004), Orange County Crush (2004-05), Torpan Pojat (2005), Tijuana Dragons (2005-06), Brighton Bears (2006)

Famous words: “If you sit down and talk to him with lunch and then shoot the s— with him, I think you’ll say, ‘Well, this guy’s cool and pretty nice.'” Dennis Rodman on his friendship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un

Bottom line: Dennis Rodman isn’t just one of the greatest defensive players and rebounders in NBA history. He’s also one of the most colorful figures to ever play professional sports.

The five-time NBA champion’s dyed hair, tattoos and piercings were a shock to the system in the mid-1990s. Rodman once wore a wedding dress to the debut of his best-selling autobiography, “Bad As I Wanna Be,” had a high-profile affair with Madonna and was briefly married to actress Carmen Electra.

He also mixed in five NBA titles along the way.