List of modern sports heroes that have made a lasting impact

IKEJA, Nigeria - Jan. 19, 2023 - PRLog -- Certain characteristics characterize sports heroes. Heroes are people admired or idealized for their courage, outstanding accomplishments, or noble qualities. In other words, it isn't just success on the field that turns these athletes into heroes in the eyes of the masses. It takes accomplishments at and away from the arena for someone to become one of the biggest sports heroes in modern history.

Pat Tillman: In the midst of an All-Pro NFL career, Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman stepped away from the game to enlist in the US Army shortly after 9/11. He was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2004 at the age of 27. The Cardinals have honored Tillman's heroic sacrifice with a statue of him situated outside State Farm Stadium.

Kobe Bryant: Bryant was such a legend that the Los Angeles Lakers retired both jerseys he wore during his time with the team, #8 and #24. Kobe won five NBA titles with the Lakers and was an 18-time NBA All-Star. Away from the hardwood, Bryant won a 2018 Academy Award for his film Dear Basketball. He was also involved in numerous charities and dedicated to philanthropic work. He died on January 26, 2020, in a helicopter crash while taking his daughter to a youth basketball game. All on board the helicopter died in the crash.

LeBron James: King James has won four NBA titles and three league MVP awards. He's also a three-time NBA Finals MVP. He led his teams to eight successive NBA Finals appearances from 2011-18. Off the court, James has lent his support to many causes. In 2015, LeBron announced a partnership between the LeBron James Foundation and the University of Akron to provide college scholarships for as many as 2,300 children.

Sidney Crosby: Arriving in the NHL as the first pick of the 2005 NHL entry draft, Sid The Kid was ordained for greatness and found himself stepping immediately into that role. He won three Stanley Cups, two Hart Trophies, and a pair of Olympic gold medals. The 2010 Vancouver Winter Games saw Crosby registering the so-called Golden Goal in Canada's overtime gold medal victory over the USA.

Lionel Messi: On the pitch, Messi is considered the world's best. The Argentine star has won six FIFA Ballon d'Or awards to recognize the world's top player. He has earned the Golden Shoe as Europe's leading scorer on six occasions. Not to mention his efforts leading Barcelona to four UEFA Champions League titles.

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