How did Russell, Jordan Become Legends?

Star athletes are born just like us. They are everyday people, chosen to one day be the hero that inspires men and women across the world.

What makes these legends what they are? It's not the stats. I've seen many a great athlete statistically be legendary but never garner the heroic status of some.

Instead it's the heart these athletes show, their determination, willpower, and down right attitude towards their respective sport and peers.

Athletes like Bill Russell who is known as the greatest winner of all-time still speak and walk with an essence of greatness. It's like just being in the same room with them could make you understand. Understand the importance of passion—passion for what you love and not just what we as people consider love these days; too often the love of money.

Some athletes like Roger Federer and Tom Brady are genuine legends already, yet their careers haven't even come to a close.

Federer will go down as the greatest tennis player of all-time. He is widely known as a warrior on a tennis court, giving his heart into every swing.

Brady, who has won three championships with the New England Patriots is a hero to many. He was an overlooked sixth round draft pick who was too weak, had no arm, and too skinny to survive in the NFL.

A decade later, Brady is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. He's proven that given the right situation and enough hard work, anyone can become anything. For that he is truly a legend.

Michael Jordan is the picture we get in our minds when we think about athletes that inspired us. He was a fearless competitor, beloved teammate, with blood as cold as ice water running through his veins.

Time after time he wowed the world with against-the-odds shots that somehow made their way in. Most of all he was a winner. Jordan won six championships—not as many as Russell, but still the stuff of legend.

When we look at these players we see hope. Hope can help people who have nothing make it through tough times.

So when we say these player make too much for playing the game they love, we are probably right. But remember as children we looked up to them as our hero's and not just that but as role models of what we wish we could be.

For that, I will forever be grateful