Month: March 2018

Top 10 Most Dominating Athletes in the Past 20 Years

Awards, Basketball, Boxing, College, Football, Golf, Media, NBA, NCAA, NFL, Olympics, PGA, Rivalry, Sports, Tennis

A few days ago, Colin Cowherd gave us his list for top ten most dominant athletes in the last 10 years. His influence came from ESPN the magazine when they decided to list their most dominant athletes in the past 20 years to celebrate their 20 year anniversary. His list consists of Floyd Mayweather, Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Tom Brady, and Barry Bonds. I respect Colin’s list but I don’t agree with it. Ultimately, his list influenced me to create my own with the assistance of my good friend D.Reed. The list is completely unbiased and each ranking is based on accolades during their dominance in this 20-year window. Some of the athletes that didn’t crack the top ten include Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter, Sidney Crosby, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Peyton Manning. Let’s take a look.

10) Maya Moore

  • WNBA champion (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017)
  • NCAA champion (2009 and 2010)
  • WNBA Finals MVP (2013)
  • WNBA MVP (2014)

9) Jimmie Johnson

  • Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016)

8) Roger Federer

  • 97 Career wins, 20 Grand Slam wins
  • Australian Open champion (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018)
  • French Open champion (2009)
  • Wimbledon champion (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017)
  • US Open champion (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)

7) LeBron James

  • NBA champion (2012, 2013, 2016)
  • NBA Finals MVP (2012, 2013, 2016)
  • NBA Most Valuable Player (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
  • 7 Straight Trips to the NBA Finals (2011-2017)

6) Tom Brady

  • Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI)
  • Super Bowl MVP (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XLIX, LI)
  • NFL Most Valuable Player (2007, 2010, 2017)

5) Floyd Mayweather

  • 50-0 record (27 KO)
  • Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year award (2007, 2013, and 2015)

4) Michael Phelps

  • 28 Olympic Medals (23 gold)
  • 8 in Athens (2004), 8 in Beijing (2008), 6 in London (2012), 6 in Rio (2016)

3) Usain Bolt

  • 8 Olympic Medals (8 gold)
  • 2 in Beijing (2008), 3 in London (2012), 3 in Rio (2016)

2) Tiger Woods

  • 79 PGA Tour wins, 14 Majors wins
  • Masters Tournament (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005)
  • U.S. Open (2000, 2002, 2008)
  • The Open Championship (2000, 2005, 2006)
  • PGA Championship (1999, 2000, 2006, 2007)

1) Serena Williams

  • 72 WTA wins, 23 Grand Slam wins
  • Australian Open (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017)
  • French Open (2002, 2013, 2015)
  • Wimbledon (2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016)
  • US Open (1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014)

The top 4 on this list are arguably the greatest of all time in their respective sports. Their level of dominance is unmatched. Their competition isn’t “cupcakes” either which makes their success much more fulfilling. Floyd Mayweather’s undefeated record is impressive, however, during the prime of his career he avoiding fighting certain opponents such as Manny Pacquiao. That fight happened 6 years too late. Tom Brady has been dominant in an era with Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. LeBron James finally got over the hump in 2011 and has been to the finals ever since. Roger Federer was dominant until injuries started to get the best of his abilities and field caught up with him. Jimmie Johnson was unstoppable from 2006-2010. Maya Moore has been sensational since her iconic days playing for UConn. She’s arguably the best female basketball player since Sheryl Miller. I’m sure this list may be different from most but I can defend every spot. Let me know what you think!

JGOOD

Tourney Contest 2018

Basketball, College, Media, NCAA, Sports

We’re already in March, but it feels like the new year just started. Now that we’re past the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Weekend, GRAMMY Awards, and the Oscars, we can turn our attention to March Madness. Last year, I gave away multiple prizes. This year, it will be at least a $25 Amazon Gift Card and the possibility of more prizes is legit so stay tuned! Make sure you slam dunk your entry into the contest like Jordan Davis from North Colorado did to lock his team into the tournament:

Here are the rules:

  • FREE ENTRY
  • I will create a private group on ESPN once the bracket entries are open.
  • One entry per person.
  • You have to be a follower. If you’re NOT a blogger, CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE or scroll below. (make sure you check your email to verify the subscription).
  • Once you become a follower, send me an email with the subject “March Madness” at jgoodwithsports@gmail.com with your name. Once I receive your email, I will send you an invite to fill out your bracket.

If you have any questions, feel free to comment or send me an email.

Good luck!

JGOOD

Follow Your Dreams

Awards, College, Fantasy Football, Football, Media, NFL, Personal, Sports

Have you ever woke up in the morning, mad at your current situation instead of doing something that you love? Are you content in your day-to-day life and lack motivation to change? Even if you want to change what’s around you, do you feel that the obstacles in your path takes too much time and energy to overcome?

I feel like many of us have the same issues and are in similar situations. Well, I found our motivation. If this doesn’t inspire you or give you a spark to change your current situation, I’m not sure what will. His name is Shaquem Griffin.

Griffin was a linebacker at the University of Central Florida. The first time I saw him on television was this past December when UCF was playing the Memphis Tigers in the American Championship Game. He caught my attention because he only has one hand. Come to find out, his hand was amputated at age 4 but that didn’t stopped him from playing sports. He was making plays and helped his team win the football game.

He’s currently at the NFL combine pursuing his dream of playing in the NFL. Even though he wasn’t initially invited, Griffin has made the most of his opportunity this far.

His 40 yard dash time is the fastest by any linebacker since they started keeping track back in 2003. He had went above and beyond many people’s expectations.

Shaquem has inspired me to continue to pursue my dreams even at times I don’t feel motivated. He’s actions during the NFL combine has spoken volumes across the football community. It’s people like him who doesn’t let anything get in his way to achieve what he’s trying to accomplish. In life, a lot more people will tell you “no, you can’t…” or “you don’t have…” or “you’re not able…” instead of believing in your goals and dreams. I have nothing but respect for him, and I want him to succeed at the next level. Let his current story inspire you to do what you always wanted to do, even if it’s against all odds.

JGOOD

Becoming The Bar

Basketball, Football, Media, NBA, NFL, Rivalry, Sports

In life, it’s easier to fail than it is to succeed. In sports, it’s easier to lose than it is to win. You have to have talent, skills, chemistry, motivation and willing to put the team first. Dominance is not achieved by accident. Consistency doesn’t happen overnight. Gregg Popovich and Bill Belichick have set the bar in their respective sports for almost the past 2 decades.

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There are plenty of similarities between the two in my eyes. Both have won 5 championships as head coaches (Popovich: 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014. Belichick: 2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2017). Each coach has had a transcending and iconic player during their championship runs (Popovich: Tim Duncan. Belichick: Tom Brady). Both coaches have established a culture to where it’s about the name on the front of the jersey instead of the back. When it comes to the media, both of them have had unique responses to questions asked.

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Even with the success, both have had their share of scrutiny. Popovich has been criticized for being “short” with his answers to questions about basketball. However, he’s opinionated about questions outside of the sport, like politics and social issues. Personally, I don’t have a problem with it because life is bigger than the NBA, but I understand the frustration of the media at times. Belichick and the New England Patriots were under fire for “Spygate” and “Deflategate”. Spygate occurred in 2007 when the team was caught filming the New York Jets play-call signals. Deflategate happened in 2015 against the Indianapolis Colts during the AFC Championship game where the Patriots were accused of having slightly underinflated footballs.

FOXBOROUGH, MA – JUNE 4: Head coach Bill Belichick, of the New England Patriots, speaks to the media after organized team activities at Gillette Stadium on June 4, 2015 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

What I do appreciate the most about both coaches is their consistency over the years. Since the NBA lockout shortened-season in 1999, the San Antonio Spurs have won a least 50 games each season and are on pace to extend the streak this season. The Spurs have been able to demonstrate their winning culture with different players over the years. It started with the “Twin Tower” era with David Robinson and Tim Duncan. Then it changed to the Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili era. Now Kawhi Leonard is the face of the franchise with LaMarcus Aldridge next to him. The common denominator has been Gregg Popovich and his ability to adjust his coaching with the personnel around him.

Image result for gregg popovich winning

Since becoming the head coach in 2000 for the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick has won 15 division titles and has won at least 10 games since 2003. Like the San Antonio Spurs, the Patriots have been able to continue their winning culture by plugging in players around Tom Brady that fits the system. Brady went from having Troy Brown as his favorite target to Deion Branch, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, and Julian Edelman.

Image result for bill belichick winning

When you set the bar for excellence, you eventually become the bar. Gregg Popovich and Bill Belichick have done just that. With respect to Red Auerbach, Phil Jackson, and Pat Riley, I believe Gregg Popovich is the greatest coach in NBA history. I firmly believe the same for Bill Belichick in the NFL. You don’t have to be a fan of either, but you have to respect their greatness to keep this longevity of excellence up for almost 20 years.

JGOOD