Billboard Sports & Music Power Players Answer: Who Is Your Favorite Athlete of All Time?

“If I had to choose, it would be Michael Jordan, even though that might be controversial given the rivalry with the Pistons. There was simply nothing like Jordan in our era, and you still see his influence everywhere today. From the number 23 to the way players move, dribble, dunk and shoot, so much of the modern game traces back to the blueprint he created. But my favorite team is the ’04 Pistons! The Bad Boys and them changed the NBA forever!”

“Anderson Silva, because he was my favorite to watch in any era.”

“It’s got to be Michael Jordan! The way he went about his business on and off the court ’til this day, I haven’t seen anyone come close to his overall body of work.”

“LeBron James. Not only did he make a big splash — well, more than a splash — but his story, he’s really the GOAT in basketball, but also off the court. He uses his platform for something bigger — entrepreneurship, community impact, and I feel like he really put his money where his mouth is, especially with the schools and stuff, so I love that about him. That’s the kind of athlete I want to continue to be — making an impact on the court and off.”

“Bo Jackson. The combination of being a two-sport athlete, with the iconic Nike campaigns, and the SC Trainer shoes was incredibly impactful in my childhood and I still am one of his biggest fans to this day.”

“John Starks, who as a kid made me believe I could accomplish anything. Josh Allen — Go Bills — inspires me to never give up.”

“Favorite athlete and president of football ops: Denver’s very own, John Elway.”

“Legacy-wise, the GOAT Michael Jordan — his entire ethos has had the most inspiring influence on my life and career. More contemporary — Lamar Jackson, his speed and ferocity on the field is mesmerizing.”

“Roger Federer, not only because of his undeniably incredible talent, but also for his poise and sportsmanship.”

“Michael Jordan. He was a legend on the court, he broke barriers, believed there was no glass ceiling at such an early age, and has been defining trends for the past 30 years.”

“Steph Curry. He’s transformed the game, is an assassin on the court and has a killer instinct. He’s never afraid to take the last shot. And most impressively he does so while staying humble and family-focused. You never see him in the headlines for the wrong reasons.”

“Mike Tyson. He has gone from ultimate bad ass to bad guy and humbly climbed back up the road again to become who he is today. Legend.”

“Donovan McNabb. Watching him as a kid got me hooked on football and sports in general. Go Birds.”

“Jim Abbott. He was born with no right hand and watching him pitch a no-hitter live against the Cleveland Indians in ’93 and the resilience and grit in how he played that game made me a lifelong fan of his and the Yankees.”

“Ken Griffey Jr., because as a former baseball player/outfielder myself, I looked up to him growing up. He was one of the first athletes to truly bring culture to the sport and played the game with effortless energy and joy.”

“Growing up in Houston, Hakeen Olajuwon will always be the best, delivering back-to-back championships! The ’93-‘94 throwback uniforms are still the most underrated jerseys of all time. Same goes for Craig Biggio, Ken Caminiti and Jeff Bagwell of the Houston Astros, who I saw play countless times.”

“Charles Barkley. He’s always been authentic and unapologetically candid. When I was a kid, I used to write to him every year trying to get his autograph — we even share the same birthday, Feb. 20. I finally got to meet him in 2010 while I was at NBC, and after all those years, I finally got that autograph.”

“[Kevin Durant]. Need I say more?”

“Kellen Winslow Sr. — Hall of Fame tight end of the LA Chargers, because that’s who I was named after.”

“Dustin Pedroia. How he approached the game and his work ethic was always inspiring.”

“Serena Williams. She’s the embodiment of female empowerment on and off the court. She’s a cultural and social icon who has always challenged norms and biases and has done it in such a fierce and unapologetic way.”

“Tom Seaver. I was a pitcher as a kid, and he was my hero. The way he carried himself, his performance, and his respect for the game left a lasting impression on me. He represented excellence, preparation, and quiet confidence — everything I aspired to as a young player.”

“Muhammad Ali. His confidence.”

“Michael Jordan, hands down. He’s played — and dominated — multiple sports at the elite level, from basketball to baseball to golf, and he owns a basketball franchise and a NASCAR team. Don’t get me started on the sneakers — I have more Jordan 1s than I can count!”

“Wayne Gretzky. When people talk about the GOAT of our sport, there is only The Great One. I pinch myself when now, later in life, I can clearly call him a friend.”

“LeBron James. Because getting to witness his journey up close and actually be a part of it is something special. That perspective goes far beyond what the average fan gets to experience.”

“Troy Aikman. I am a diehard Cowboys fan and he played 12 seasons and delivered three Super Bowl titles! He’s also an Oklahoma boy.”

“I grew up with a great passion for basketball and, more generally, I have always been deeply attracted to athletes who manage to convey values, in addition to their extraordinary talent. I think of Michael Jordan, who marked an era not only for what he did on the court, but for the cultural and value-based impact he was able to generate. Similarly, looking at our current times, I think of Jannik Sinner, who, with his attitude, his dedication and his authenticity, also as a Formula 1 ambassador, is a positive example for the younger generation.”

“Niki Lauda, because of his unparalleled courage, technical genius and relentless determination.”

“Muhammad Ali. An all-time great competitor and champion whose dominance in the ring earned every ounce of his confidence. What truly sets him apart is how he leveraged that greatness to shape culture, challenge society, and leave a lasting impact on the world that extended far beyond boxing.”

“Nick Mangold. I had the privilege to work with him for the duration of his career at the Jets. Watching him develop into an all-time great on the field, a strong leader, his toughness playing every game four years straight at a physically demanding position. But most importantly, he was an excellent man with a great sense of humor and always treated everyone with kindness and respect. Even after we both left the team, we remained friends until his passing this fall.”

“Michael Jordan. His iconic Wings poster, quoting William Blake — ‘No bird soars too high, if he soars with his own wings’ — perfectly reflects his relentless focus, dedication and ability to turn preparation into opportunity.”