Who Are The 3 Sports Figures That Influenced You Most As A Sports Fan?

So yesterday I was on Reags' podcast Fundamentally Sound doing our weekly Knicks Therapy Session (download/rate/subscribe/etc.) and the conversation inevitably led to David Stern, who died earlier this week. We talked about how influential Stern's reign on the NBA's throne was, which had me wondering if Stern was one of the most influential sports figures of my life over athletes, coaches, and other sports figures you think of before a commissioner. We talked about it for a bit on the pod and I figured I should try to list out my actual Top 3. So here we go.

3. David Stern

The 90s Knicks were easily my favorite sports team growing up and there is no chance that is the case if David Stern isn't the commissioner. Partially because Stern helped grow the NBA as commissioner

And partially because Stern helped improve the Knicks by freezing the Patrick Ewing envelope in the 1985 lottery,

Plus like I said yesterday, Stern is responsible for the NBA On NBC, which means he is responsible for this song and unintentional comedy goldmine, which pretty much makes him the most important person in the history of the world.

Most children of the 90s could say Michael Jordan influenced them to become basketball fans. But MJ wouldn't have had neeearly the reach he had without Stern and I hated Jordan with all my heart because he ripped it out of my chest every single time he faced the Knicks in the playoffs to the point I wouldn't buy any Jordan gear until I was older, the Knicks were irrelevant, and I realized Jordan brand gear was the most comfy stuff out there for big guys like me.

2. John Madden

Football is by farrrrrrr my favorite sport and the biggest reason for that is John Madden. I imagine younger Stoolies only caught the tail end of Madden's career where he was a huge name but clearly starting to lose his fastball. But I remember back in the day where he was a hilarious and fresh voice among all the boring announcers of the 80s and 90s. Whenever Madden and Summerall were doing a big regular season game, it felt like an event. I remember watching the old Cowboys-49ers games from the 90s and being enthralled with them even though I didn't have a dog in the fight. Madden was also perfect for kids since he would make BAM effects, fuck around with the telestrator, and do shit like giving away turduckens.

Oh yeah and he created the most popular sports video game franchise ever that got me through countless nights alone as a fat kid that was scared of girls. That was kind of important to my life I suppose and the reason I have the OG game I got for Christmas 29 years ago when I didn't know who the fuck John Madden was in a frame like a lunatic.

Also if I give Stern credit for the Roundball Rock video, I have to give Madden credit for the Greg Jennings video.

As well as the classic ambulance that would throw the internet into a tizzy if it was around today.

1. Dave Portnoy

Honestly, I wasn't sure who the number 3 spot on this list would be for me. Nobody in my family turned me into a sports fan since my dad was always much more of a music fan and as the oldest sibling, I chose whatever I wanted to like and for some reason my dumb brain decided to let a bunch of grown strangers determine my happiness for the rest of my life. I could choose Darryl Strawberry, since he is the guy that is most responsible for turning me into not only a Mets fan but a baseball fan (Thanks for nothing, Straw) but there were a bunch of other Mets that got me into the team like Mookie Wilson, Dwight Gooden, and oddly enough Kevin McReynolds. Lawrence Taylor and Bill Parcells are likely somewhere in my Top 10 as well, but I think Madden did the heavy lifting for me as a football fan as well as the asshole that invented fantasy who also kinda ruined the sport for me since I cannot enjoy a Sunday in peace anymore.

So I am choosing Dave Portnoy because he built Barstool Sports brick by brick which has kept me more interested in SPORTS than I would be if Barstool didn't exist and without Barstool, there is noooooooo chance in the universe my dumb ass would have my dream job of covering sports, let alone in the fun way I am. Plus there is a chance Dave will see this blog and it will make him happy with me after he called out most of the company before break.

Obligatory Portnoy video:

Now that I am done giving my boss an unnecessary ego boost, what does your Top 3 look like (No fat jokes since it's the New Year and I'm definitely going to lose a whole lot of weight over the next 12 months starting Monday since nobody starts a diet in the middle of the week).