10 Superheroes Who Happen to Be Athletes

One of this summer's big blockbuster movie was Captain America: The First Avenger, a story about a scrawny little dude transformed into a kick-ass, Nazi-fighting machine.

The world of sports has also produced its share of superheroes.  These are athletes, whose feats of strength and courage go above and beyond those of mere mortals, taking the ordinary and turning it into the extraordinary.

Here now is a look at some of those athletes who's unbelievable performances put them in the class of superhero.

Jessie Owens

Super Hero Status:  Single handedly bitch-slapped Adolf Hitler in his own backyard.

Bobby Orr

Super Hero Status:  His superhuman skills were instrumental in redefining the way the sport of hockey was played.  Unfortunately for the sporting world, just as Superman had his Kryptonite, Bobby had his left knee.

Jim Brown

Super Hero Status:  More powerful than a locomotive, Jim Brown's ball carrying skills helped solidify him as the best running back ever to play the game.

After 118 games, his average of 104.3 yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry have yet to be equaled.

Dale Earnhardt

Super Hero Status:  It may not have had as many "gadgets" as the Bat-mobile, but the black No. 3 helped define Dale Earnhardt as a true racing superhero.

Michael Jordan

Super Hero Status:  Able to leap tall players in a single bound, M.J.’s on court exploits are legendary.  When all seemed lost, it was Michael Jordan's clutch, last second shots that always saved the day.

Mickey Mantle

Super Hero Status:  He had it all: power, speed, strength. 

Pele

Super Hero Status:  Considered to be the greatest soccer player who ever played the game, this Brazilian's accomplishments are what have earned him the right to be called a "National Hero."

Jack Nicklaus & Arnold Palmer

Super Hero Status:  When you think of golf's greatest swingers, this dynamic duo always rises to the top of the name game.

Lance Armstrong

Super Hero Status:  Able to overcome and triumph after encountering one of our planets most evil villain, cancer.

Roger Federer

Super Hero Status:  Dedicated, unsung, but when called into action, is ready to defeat any and all adversaries.  He's Clark Kent with a tennis racket.