When I learned that there would be a competition for a spot in Business Week's Power 100, I decided to take a stab. So, when I thought about the most powerful athletes in the industry, the obvious came to mind. The Lebrons, the Tigers, and the Kobes were first. Then I started to think, the top five would probably be too easy. So instead of picking apart the top five or ten, this article will discuss the top 25.
25. Candace Parker, Women's Basketball
The first woman to dunk in a women's college basketball game. She is now assisting her teammate Lisa Leslie in expanding the WNBA. When most people think of women's basketball, Candace is the second name that comes to mind. She could go down as being the best female basketball player to ever suit up. She is the first athlete on this list who is on her way to moving up.
24. Andy Roddick, Tennis
Not what he used to be, but he still deserves to be in here. He has earned a spot as, probably, the most recognizable male United States Tennis player—partly because there are few others who are competitive. James Blake might be better than Roddick, but he needs time and he needs to be able to compete with Federer and Nadal to elevate himself to the next level.
23. Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR
Dale is not the best driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, yet he remains one of the sport's most popular. Being Dale Earnhardt's son probably isn't hurting him. When his father died in 2001, fans were heart broken. People soon began to fall in love with Dale Jr. after his win at Daytona in the first race there after his father's death and the rest is history.
22. Yao Ming, Basketball
Yao is an extremely marketable player, especially to an Asian audience. He is one of the NBA's best centers and everyone knows of him. The word Yao can be recognized by almost every American that has ever watched television.
21. Adrian Peterson, Football
Here is our second up-and-comer. Adrian Peterson will soon be huge. In his first NFL season, he was a pro bowl running back. He broke the NFL's single game rushing record against San Diego and would have led the league in rushing if not for an injury against Green Bay. When he was 100 percent, Peterson dominated the league and should continue to dominate the league. The Minnesota Vikings will look to be competitive for a Superbowl in the coming years, with Adrian being the centerpiece of the offense.
20. Shaquille O'neal, Basketball
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
A great, complete point guard. One of the last ones I thought we'd see until Chris Paul and Deron Williams came along. The two-time MVP will surely be in the hall of fame and is unstoppable in terms of getting his team to score. A great player who is highly marketable and should continued to be marketed with great success.
12. Sidney Crosby, Hockey
Sid the Kid. He is hockey right now. Everyone who has watched hockey since the 2004 strike knows about this kid. At such a young age, he has proven to be the Lebron James of his sport, leading his young team to the Stanley Cup Finals. Without his injury this season, Crosby would likely have been the MVP for the second consecutive season. He is a very fun player to watch and will continue to grow.
11. Lisa Leslie, Women's Basketball
She is a pioneer for the WNBA. One of the greatest females, if not the greatest, to ever play the game. She is the first to dunk in a game and the Sparks have been very good for a very long time. It should be fun to watch the league continue to grow. It's good to have the games after the NBA season because it allows the league to shine on its own.
10. Terrell Owens, Football
He's T.O. Do I really have to explain this one? He's one of the best wide receivers ever and attention follows him everywhere he goes. There is always a Terrell Owens soap opera on and it is a lot of fun to watch. Whether or not he's playing there is always something going on. Whether you are a lover or a hater of the T.O. story, you will tune in anyway to see what is happening. Easily deserving to be in the top ten.
9. Peyton Manning, Football
The man is simply incredible. One of the best to ever lace them up. Every year he gets his team to the playoffs with a chance to win. Through his first ten seasons, he has 306 touchdown passes and only 153 interceptions thrown. He held the single-season touchdown pass record with 49—until Brady broke it this past season. He has one Superbowl, and his career is far from over.
8. Dwayne Wade, Basketball
Everybody knows D Wade. He teamed up with Shaq to win the NBA title in just his third NBA season. Wade is an unstoppable scorer and an overall great player. If he can stay healthy, Wade will be a sure hall of famer. His chances of getting back to the playoffs aren't too bad now that the Heat have brought in Sean Marion and Michael Beasley. The team is young and shouldn't be half as bad as they were in 2007-2008.
7. Derek Jeter, Baseball
He is Mr. November, if you recall the 2001 playoffs. He has been in the playoffs every season of his career and has been extremely successful in the post season. He has played in 25 series with the Yankees. He has a record of 17-8, but a four series losing streak. In terms of his career numbers, he will likely reach 3,000 hits for his career and bat around .315. He is an excellent fielder and probably the most popular Yankee ever. He will play in his ninth career all-star game next week.
6. Tom Brady, Football
In the past seven seasons, Brady averages 28 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions per year. He has led the Patriots to three Superbowl titles in four attempts. He broke the record for touchdown passes in a season last year by throwing 50. He may go down in history as the biggest steal of any draft. He went 199th overall to the Patriots.
5. LaDainian Tomlinson, Football
LT. When at his best there are few better than LT. He may end up being the NFL's all-time leading rusher when all is said and done. He broke the record for touchdowns scored in 2006 when he rushed for 28 and received three. LT is regarded as the NFL's top offensive player in fantasy leagues for the second consecutive season. He is a sure thing to be great year after year and he is the most marketed football player there is.
4. Alex Rodriguez, Baseball
A-Rod is one of the best baseball players ever. He will probably shatter the home run record of 760 and hit well over 800. He has two gold gloves and nine silver slugger awards. He is also a ten time all-star. A-Rod has never won a world series, but he will likely get there eventually.
3. Kobe Bryant, Basketball
Kobe Bryant just won his first MVP award in his 12th NBA season. He has led the Lakers to three NBA titles in five tries and will likely return to the finals shortly. Kobe is Mr. Clutch in the fourth quarter of a close game. He quickly grew to become a special player and easily deserves to be No. 3 on this list.
2. Lebron James, Basketball
Lebron James is the best basketball player in the world. He is 23 years old and in five NBA seasons he averages 27 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds per game. He has led a pretty crumby team to the NBA finals and could be the NBA's highest paid player in 2010 when he becomes of free agent. He is an excellent actor and thus, great for advertisements. He has hosted the ESPYs and will only continue to grow. Most players hit their primes when they are between the ages of 27 and 30. To think that this type of player has yet to peak is scary. He could go down as the all-time leading scorer, racking up 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists as well.
1. Tiger Woods, Golf
Tiger Woods is golf. No other player can compete with Tiger at his best. He, not only, is the best athlete in the United States, but in the world. He showed us recently at the U.S. Open when he overcame tremendous knee pain to win the tournament. He recently said that his knee has bothered him for 10 to 12 years and that he is looking forward to playing with a good knee. Wow. That's all that can be said. In the past 10-12 years Eldrick has won 14 major championships. He is only 32 in a sport where athletes compete deep into their 40s and 50s. Tiger is on pace to shatter the records of career wins and career majors. Every American knows his name. He is easily the most marketed athlete ever. Tiger Woods exemplifies American sports.
Notable Athletes not listed: Dwight Howard, Phil Mickelson, Jason Kidd, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Ken Griffey Jr, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, Brett Favre, Donovan McNabb, Ben Roethlisberger, Tracy McGrady, Johan Santana, Mariano Rivera, Lance Armstrong, Vince Carter, Martin Brodeur, Jaromir Jagr, Evgeni Malkin, etc.
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