Today, February 17th, is a special day in the world of sports. It is a day in which two of the arguably greatest pro athletes of all-time were bornMichael Jordan, 47, and Jim Brown, 74.They each are arguably the greatest ever to play their respective sports, and on their birthday, I thought the least I could do in order to serve them justice would be to properly honor and remind others of their extraordinary body of work.At a young age, both played multiple sports and were offered full ride athletic scholarships from nearly every college in the nation.Jordan attended UNC for Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
three years, and Brown graduated from Syracuse. The pinnacle of Jordan's college career was winning a national championship and both the Naismith and Wooden College Player of the Year Awards after a strong junior campaign. For Brown, it was finishing fifth in the Heisman Trophy ballots in his senior year.Their domination in college and their tremendous pro potential made Jordan the 3rd overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft, and Brown the sixth overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft.Brown had a rather brief, nine year, NFL career (1957-1965). However, during his time he set several recordsincluding the most single season and career rushing yards, most career touchdowns, as well as most career all-purpose yards. Despite playing in an era where the talent level is no where close to where it is today, his achievements are still magnificent, especially considering the fact that he was one of the few African Americans in the league at that time. He was known for his bruising style of play as he would fight for every inch on the gridiron that the defense would allow.Brown attended the Pro Bowl all nine seasons, and was selected as a First-Team All-Pro in all but one, when he was selected to the Second-Team in 62. He is a three time NFL MVP, and is a Super Bowl winner.Jordan, on the other hand had a muchReebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
longer career as an NBA superstar, and as a result has more accolades. He was a versatile player, capable of playing both SG and SF. He was known for being a clutch performer and persevering through adverse situations. Jordan owns numerous records and awards. He has 10 scoring titles (record), 5 MVP (2nd most), and 6 consecutive NBA Finals victories, all of which he was MVP of. In addition, he was also part of the 1992 Dream Team in the Olympics. Jordan is undoubtedly the most decorated player in NBA history.Both players spectacular careers got them a spot in their respective sports Hall of Fame. What amazes me about Brown, and what most don know, is the fact that he is not only in the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame, but also in the Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Unfortunately for Michael, his baseball career didn pan out the way he hoped it would.In the years following their professional careers, the two have gone in different directions. Jordan has been a successful business man, teaming up with Nike and selling millions of shoes and athletic apparel from his famous Air Jordan line worldwide. Recently he has been in active pursuit to acquire the majority of the Charlotte Bobcats franchise, and inches closer to doing so.On the other hand, Brown has dedicated himself to being a civil rights activist and worked towards eliminating gang violence. In fact, not that, in an interview, Jim Brown criticized both Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods for their lack of social activism. Putting the controversy aside, both have demonstrated that their hard work ethic, Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
vision, and hunger for success has propelled them to winning not only on the field, but off-the-field too.Overall, these are two special men who have revolutionized the way the game is played. They both set the bar for future athletes, and will always be admired as one of the greatest ever. Both leave behind tremendous, long-lasting and well-deserving legacies. For these reasons, as well as many more, I wish them a very Happy Birthday.
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