Fansided

Picking the Sports Mount Rushmore for all 50 states

By Dave Stevenson

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 02: Detail of baseballs during batting practice to the MLB opening day game between the San Francisco Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 2, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 02: Detail of baseballs during batting practice to the MLB opening day game between the San Francisco Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 2, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Alabama

The Mount Rushmore of Alabama is surprisingly strong, despite the fact the state is home to zero professional sports teams. No Rushmore of Alabama would be complete without the late Crimson Tide head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Bryant’s influence on the University of Alabama and on football is felt to this day. Nick Saban has accomplished a lot in a very short period of time, but he still has a long way to go to pass Bryant.

Boxer Joe Louis was born in LaFayette, Alabama. Not only was he one of the greatest boxers of all time, he was the first African-American boxer who the press and boxing fans both accepted as their champion. That was likely due to his military service and his remarkably professional approach to boxing. Louis definitely gets a spot on this list, even if people rarely associate him with Alabama.

Bo Jackson is also a must for Alabama’s Rushmore. The beloved dual-sport superstar might have seen both his NFL and MLB careers end prematurely, but his impact on both games was extraordinary. Jackson helped put the University of Auburn on the map. His commitment to the state of Alabama makes him arguably the most beloved athlete from the state, even among Crimson Tide fans.

Hall of Fame outfielder Willie Mays hails from Westfield, Alabama. He is arguably the greatest baseball player ever. For many years, he patrolled the infamous center field of the Polo Grounds, which was no easy feat. A very strong argument could be had to put Mobile native Hank Aaron here as well, but we’re going with Mays.

Next: Colorado