GQ Coolest Athletes Of All Time: Which Picks Are Genius and Which Are Jokes?

Moment of confession: There was a time when I read GQ regularly.

I couldn't care less about all the clothes, and mostly picked it up because I thought the journalism was often exceptional. I used to grab about four or five magazines regularly for that purpose, and especially loved any quality sportswriting I got to read.

GQ just published its list of the 25 Coolest Athletes of All Time. Most of them I'd heard of, and others left me clueless. But it was a pretty interesting list.

Some of them were perfect selections. Others? Not so much.

So let's take a look at the list and figure it out: Which ones were genius picks and which are jokes? I've got my opinions. And I want to hear yours: 

1. Muhammad Ali

Verdict: Genius

He is still larger than life, one of the greatest boxers ever and admired by athletes, actors, actresses, leaders and people of all ages. If you've never watched him, go on YouTube and check out some of the vintage footage of Ali training early in his career.

You won't regret it.

2. Mario Andretti

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

SONOMA, CA - AUGUST 22: Mario Andretti stands with Road Championship Trophy after the IZOD IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Sonoma at Infineon Raceway on August 22, 2010 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Verdict: Genius

I'm not a huge race fan, but I know Andretti is one of the legends of the sport and is still admired and loved all these years later.

3. Arthur Ashe

Verdict: Genius

One of the most dignified and incredible role models in sports history.

Here's hoping there are others who emerge with his character and strength.

4. George Best

Verdict: Genius

For those who don't know, Best is a legendary soccer player for Manchester United. A native of Ireland, he was nicknamed "The Fifth Beatle."

Best, who battled alcoholism, died in 2005 at age 59.

5. Bjorn Borg

Verdict: Joke

I understand he's a tennis legend, and people will make a big deal about his trademark headbands, but I would say Agassi and Federer are just as cool.

6. Tom Brady

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks on in the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Verdict: Genius

He's got the coverboy looks, a supermodel wife and is both loved and hated by sports fans around the country.

7. Jim Brown

Harry How/Getty Images

17 Sep 2000: A close-up of celebrity Jim Brown watching the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Cleveland Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Steelers 23-20.Mandatory Credit: Harry How /Allsport

Verdict: Joke

I know he's a legend, but I would have put Barry Sanders in over him, or gone with other legends like Deacon Jones or Joe Montana. 

8. Dr. J

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 14: Former NBA player Julius Erving arrives at the 2010 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on July 14, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Verdict: Genius

He made the "slam dunk" famous and was one of basketball's flashiest pioneers. 

9. Walt Frazier

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 25: Former NBA player Walt Frazier attends the premiere of 'Black Magic' at The Apollo Theatre February 25, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Verdict: Genius

There are some NBA legends like Dr. J and Walt "Clyde" Frazier who never loose their coolness over time.

10. Bob Gibson

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

COOPERSTOWN, NY - JULY 26: Hall of Famer Bob Gibson waves to the crowd as he is introduced at Clark Sports Center during the 2009 Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on July 26, 2009 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Verdict: Genius

What's pathetic about baseball today is seeing pitchers get tossed if they throw high-and-tight at a batter, or brush him back to keep him from crowding the plate. Gibson was a master at this when he was the Cardinals' ace.

It's part of the game, and he was one of its fiercest competitors.

11. Allen Iverson

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - FEBRUARY 20: Allen Iverson #3 of the Philadelphia 76ers moves against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the 76ers 122-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees tha

Verdict: Joke

I guess GQ was trying to appeal to a younger demographic. But to put Iverson in over Shaq or Kobe Bryant is absolutely stupid.

12. Bo Jackson

Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

ATLANTA - DECEMBER 4: Former Auburn Tigers player Bo Jackson looks into the crowd during the 2010 SEC Championship against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Georgia Dome on December 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)

Verdict: Genius

Greatest two-sport athlete ever.

I'll never forget watching him bulldoze The Boz, or break a bat over his leg and then run up a wall to make a catch in the All-Star game. 

13. Michael Jordan

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 28: Basketball legend Michael Jordan walks off a tee box during the pro am prior to the start of the 2010 Quail Hollow Championship at the Quail Hollow Club on April 28, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Scott Halleran/G

Verdict: Genius

Do we even need to get into why?

For those who haven't seen it, here's an incredible video that pays tribute to His Airness.

14. Jean-Claude Killy

Verdict: Joke

Anyone else a die-hard follower of snow skiing? The five of you will hate me for this pick, then.

Killy was a legendary alpine skier and a three-time Olympic champion in 1968. I've got nothing against snow skiers, but if you're going to pick random sports, go with surfing or snowboarding.

15. Evel Knievel

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - JULY 02: The Evel Knievel themed helmet of Clint Bowyer (not pictured), driver of the #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet, sits atop the car prior to practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International

Verdict: Genius

There's a story I once read about how the legendary stuntman walked with a cane that was hallowed out in the middle, which he used to fill with whiskey.

You've got to put Knievel on this list. He attempted things that were just insane.

16. Tim Lincecum

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 01: Starting pitcher Tim Lincecum #55 of the San Francisco Giants looks on against the Texas Rangers in Game Five of the 2010 MLB World Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on November 1, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by D

Verdict: Joke

Was this something to make the potheads happy?

The Freak is an absolute superstar, but to put him on over Albert Pujols, Derek Jeter, Josh Hamilton, or A-Rod?

A little strange.

17. Pete Maravich

Verdict: Genius

One of the freakiest basketball players in college basketball history, he holds the record for career scoring average at 44.2 points per game.

18. Joe Namath

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 24: Joe Namath, former Jets quarterback, looks on from the sidelines before the New York Jets take on the Indianapolis Colts during the AFC Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 24, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Pho

Verdict: Genius

Heck, he's Broadway Joe. He's a college legend, and an NFL legend.

The photo of him raising his index finger in the air after upsetting the Baltimore Colts remains one of the greatest moments in sports history.

19. Arnold Palmer

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

CANONSBURG, PA - SEPTEMBER 03: Arnold Palmer talks to the media prior to watching his grandson Sam Saunders play during the second round of the Mylan Classic presented by CONSOL Energy at Southpointe Golf Club on September 3, 2010 in Canonsburg, Pennsilv

Verdict: Joke

Yes, I love Arnie, think he's a legend and know what he means to golf.

But this is a cool list, and to not mention Greg Norman is a bit of a head-scratcher when you're talking golfers.

20. Pele

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

NEW YORK - AUGUST 01: Soccer Legend Pele announces the return of the New York Cosmos at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on August 1, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for the New York Cosmos)

Verdict: Genius

A legend, a great ambassador for soccer and one of the many reasons why Brazil is such a cool country.

21. Gary Player

Verdict: Genius

When it comes to old-school players and golfing legends, Player qualifies.

There's the South African accent, the trademark black outfits and just his continued place as one of the game's great gentlemen that make him deserving for this list.

22. Derek Sanderson

Verdict: Joke

The former Boston Bruin was known for his flashy lifestyle. He drove a Rolls Royce, wore mink coats and had diamond rings.

Big deal.

There are more than enough flashy athletes around today.

23. Kelly Slater

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - AUGUST 06: Kelly Slater performs a backside off the lip during the Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing on August 6, 2010 in Huntington Beach, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Verdict: Genius

He's made a living as a surfer, and a really good one.

I think that says it all.

24. Ken Stabler

Michael Cohen/Getty Images

UNITED STATES - MAY 18: Ken Stabler during a radio braodcast during the first round of the Regions Charity Classic at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge in Hoover, Alabama on May 18, 2007. (Photo by Michael Cohen/Getty Images)

Verdict: Genius

He's an NFL legend and helped make the Raiders into what they are today. I thought USA Today got pretty brutal with its description of Stabler when talking about him being on this list: "The Snake was very cool back in the day, but he's looking a little homeless in some of his recent photos."

Wow. 

25. Ted Turner

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 11: Ted Turner, former owner of the Atlanta Braves, watches game five of the National League Division Series against the Houston Rockets on October 11, 2004 at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Verdict: Joke

He is an absolute nut-job.

To have Turner in over the Maloof Brothers has to leave you wondering again if the people who made this list really know what cool means.