Shaq. Everyone knows Shaq. He is one of the country's most marketed players ever, and two years ago I might have him in the top ten. His prime is over and he is no longer able to score 20 points and grab 13 rebounds on a consistent basis. He has joined the Phoenix Suns and will take a shot at getting back to the finals, but will likely not get back. Shaq is one of the greatest players of all time and in his prime he could have easily been in the top five on this type of list.
19. Venus Williams, Tennis
She is one of the world's greatest grass court players of all-time. She has won five Wimbledon titles and seven grand slams overall. She is one of tennis' greats. At 28 she still has a few very good seasons left in the tank. Off the court, Venus is a role model for young women who have powerful dreams. She has also been a big hit in the fashion industry. She is very marketable and very influential in our society.
18. Chris Paul, Basketball
Here is our third up-an-comer. CP3 was the runner up in this year's MVP voting and averaged 21.1 points and 11.6 assists this past season. I would be amazed to see Paul not win multiple MVP awards before his day is done. He is only 22 and we can expect him to get much better. The Hornets reached the Western Conference semi-finals this year where they lost to the Spurs. The team should be competitive for an NBA title in the coming seasons.
17. Jeff Gordon, NASCAR
Jeff has 81 career victories and 4 Sprint Cup Championships. He has also finished second twice. He ranks first among active drivers in most categories and is one of the greatest drivers of all-time. NASCAR is a growing sport and Jeff Gordon could be the next 100-win driver. He has an enormous fan base and is extremely marketable.
16. Serena Williams, Tennis
Serena is also one of tennis' greatest ever. She has eight grand slams and three grand slam runner-ups. She, much like Venus, is a major role model for young women and preaches about following your dreams. Serena and Venus are arguably the biggest sibling duo of sports of all-time. The Manning brothers are there, but they aren't as good as the Williams sisters yet.
15. Manny Ramirez, Baseball
Its just Manny being Manny. He is nuts, but you have to love watching him. He is a great player and a sure first ballot hall of famer. He will hit 600 home runs and drive in 2000 RBI before the day is done. He is one of the greatest players of all-time, and when many people think of the Red Sox, they think of Manny Ramirez.
14. Annika Sorenstam, Golf
Anika is retired, but she still gets in here by virtue of being one of the greatest female athletes ever. She took on the men on the PGA Tour and she dominated women's golf for a long time. She deserves more respect than most of these players because she took chances—and took on the guys. One of the best female golfers ever, she definitely deserves to be here.
13. Steve Nash, Basketball
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