Forbes lists are my favorite. I was surprised, but not surprised by this one. Forbes came out with a 2013 list of America’s Most Influential Athletes and as they pointed out, the four most influential athletes in America really don’t play. At least not lately. I was surprised that Kobe Bryant didn’t make the list. Check out the top 10 & let us know what you think…
Via Tom Van Riper at Forbes:
1. Tim Tebow – New York Jets – NFL
Influential: 29%
Awareness: 48%
N-Score: 227
Like Tebow or not, you never stop hearing about him.
2. Michael Phelps
Swimming
Influential: 25%
Awareness: 70%
N-Score: 401
All time Olympic medal winner has secured a prominent place in sports history.
3. Usain Bolt
Track
Influential: 23%
Awareness: 27%
N-Score: 125
When you’re the fastest man in the world, you have influence.
4. Derek Jeter
MLB – New York Yankees
Influential: 22%
Awareness: 46%
N-Score: 184
His recovery from an ankle injury gets more press than any Yankee’s exploits on the field do.
5. Peyton Manning
NFL – Denver BroncosInfluential: 21%
Awareness: 56%
N-Score: 325
A mainstay on this list, Manning impressed in his second career chapter by recovering from a neck injury and leading the Broncos to a 13-3 season.
6. Drew Brees
Influential: 21%
Awareness: 31%
N-Score: 180Riding a long time rep as a good QB and a good guy. Brees will always be remembered as the one who led post-Katrina New Orleans to its first Super Bowl title.
7. Gabby Douglas
Gymnastics
Influential: 19%
Awareness: 47%
N-Score: 362
The third figure to benefit from the just-completed Olympic year – Douglas showcased her amazing moves on the mats and balance beam in prime time last summer.
8. Aaron Rodgers
NFL – Green Bay Packers
Influential: 19%
Awareness: 27%
N-Score: 133
Probably the NFL’s best quarterback, playing for one its more popular teams. And always in the playoffs.
9. LeBron James
Influential: 18%
Awareness: 49%
N-Score: 112
LeBron’s “decision” may have been unpopular three years ago, but he’s since taken things to a whole new level: an NBA title, an Olympic gold medal, and a spectacular 2012-13 season chasing another ring.
10. David Beckham
Soccer – Paris Saint-Germain FC
Influential: 18%
Awareness: 59%
N-Score: 245
The British native has influenced soccer fans all over the world, playing with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and the LA Galaxy, among other stops.
