This is a list of ''Sports Illustrated'' magazine's all-decade awards and honors for 2000–2009.

Top 20 Male Athletes of the Decade

Top 20 Male Athletes of the Decade were: #

Tiger Woods Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods (born December 30, 1975) is an American professional golfer. He is tied for first in List of golfers with most PGA Tour wins, PGA Tour wins, ranks second in List of men's major championships winning golfers, men's m ...

(U.S.), golf #

Roger Federer Roger Federer ( , ; born 8 August 1981) is a Swiss former professional tennis player. He was ranked as the List of ATP number 1 ranked singles tennis players, world No. 1 in men's singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for 3 ...

(Switzerland), tennis #

Michael Phelps Michael Fred Phelps II (born June 30, 1985) is an American former competitive swimmer. He is the most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 28 medals. Phelps also holds the all-time records for Olympic gold me ...

(U.S.), swimming #

Lance Armstrong Lance Edward Armstrong (''né'' Gunderson; born September 18, 1971) is an American former professional road bicycle racing, road racing cyclist. He achieved international fame for winning the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times fro ...

(U.S.), cycling #

Usain Bolt Usain St. Leo Bolt (; born 21 August 1986) is a Jamaican retired sprinter who is widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time. He is an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and the world record holder in the 100 metres, 200 metres, ...

(Jamaica), track and field #

Tom Brady Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. (born August 3, 1977) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 23 seasons. He spent his first 20 seasons with the New Engla ...

(U.S.), American football #

Kobe Bryant Kobe Bean Bryant ( ; August 23, 1978 – January 26, 2020) was an American professional basketball player. A shooting guard, he List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise, spent his entire 20-year career with t ...

(U.S.), basketball #

Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the In ...

(U.S.), American football #

Albert Pujols José Alberto Pujols Alcántara (, ; born December 11, 1985) is a Dominicans, Dominican professional baseball Manager (baseball), manager and former first baseman and designated hitter who is the manager of the Leones del Escogido of the Domin ...

(U.S.), baseball #

Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher (; born 3 January 1969) is a German former racing driver, who competed in Formula One from to and from to . Schumacher won a record-setting seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles, tied by Lewis Hamilton in ...

(Germany), auto racing #

Mariano Rivera Mariano Rivera (born November 29, 1969) is a Panamanian Americans, Panamanian-American former professional baseball pitcher who played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, from 1995 to 2013. Nicknamed "Mo" and " ...

(Panama), baseball #

Tim Duncan Timothy Theodore Duncan (born April 25, 1976) is an American former professional basketball player and coach. He List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise, spent his entire 19-year career with the San Antonio Sp ...

(U.S.), basketball #

Zinedine Zidane Zinedine Yazid Zidane (; ; ''Zineddin Lyazid Zidan''; ; born 23 June 1972), popularly known as Zizou, is a French professional Manager (association football), football manager and former Football player, player who played as an attacking midfi ...

(France), football #

Shaquille O'Neal Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal ( ; born March 6, 1972), commonly known as Shaq ( ), is an American former professional basketball player who is a sports analyst on the television program ''Inside the NBA''. He is a and Center (basketball), center ...

(U.S.), basketball #

Jimmie Johnson Jimmie Kenneth Johnson (born September 17, 1975) is an American professional auto racing driver. He currently competes part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE for Legacy Motor Club. Johnson has won seven Cup ch ...

(U.S.), NASCAR #

LeBron James LeBron Raymone James Sr. ( ; born December 30, 1984) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "King James", he is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and ...

(U.S.), basketball #

Manny Pacquiao Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao Sr. ( ; ; born December17, 1978) is a Filipino politician, businessman, and professional boxer. Nicknamed "PacMan", he is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time. He previously serv ...

(Philippines), boxing #

Derek Jeter Derek Sanderson Jeter ( ; born June 26, 1974), nicknamed "the Captain", is an American former professional baseball shortstop, businessman, and baseball executive. As a player, Jeter spent his entire 20-year Major League Baseball (MLB) caree ...

(U.S.), baseball #

Nicklas Lidström Erik Nicklas Lidström (; born 28 April 1970) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey defenceman and current vice president of hockey operations for the Detroit Red Wings. He played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Detr ...

(Sweden), ice hockey #

Alex Rodriguez Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez (born July 27, 1975), nicknamed "A-Rod", is an American former professional baseball shortstop, third baseman and designated hitter and current businessman. Rodriguez played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (ML ...

(U.S.), baseball

Top 20 Female Athletes of the Decade

Top 20 Female Athletes of the Decade were: #

Serena Williams Serena Jameka Williams (born September 26, 1981) is an American former professional tennis player. She was ranked as the List of WTA number 1 ranked singles tennis players, world No. 1 in women's singles by the Women's Tennis Association (WT ...

(U.S.), tennis #

Annika Sörenstam Annika Charlotta Sörenstam (; born 9 October 1970) is a Swedish professional golfer regarded as one of the best female golfers in history. Before stepping away from competitive golf at the end of the 2008 season, she had won 96 international p ...

(Sweden), golf #

Yelena Isinbayeva Yelena Gadzhievna Isinbayeva ( rus, Елена Гаджиевна Исинбаева, p=jɪˈlʲɛnə gɐˈdʐɨjɪvnə ɪsʲɪnˈbajɪvə; born 3 June 1982) is a Russian former pole vaulter. She is twice an Olympic gold medalist (2004 and 200 ...

(Russia), pole vault #

Justine Henin Justine Henin (; born 1 June 1982) is a Belgian former professional tennis player. She was ranked as the List of WTA number 1 ranked singles tennis players, world No. 1 in women's singles by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) for 117 weeks, i ...

(Belgium), tennis #

Lisa Leslie Lisa Deshaun Leslie (born July 7, 1972) is an American former professional basketball player. She is formerly the head coach for Triplets (basketball), Triplets in the BIG3 professional basketball league, as well as a studio analyst for Orlando ...

(U.S.), basketball #

Venus Williams Venus Ebony Starr Williams (born June 17, 1980) is an American inactive tennis player. She has been ranked as the List of WTA number 1 ranked singles tennis players, world No. 1 in women's singles by the Women's Tennis Association, WTA for 11 wee ...

(U.S.), tennis #

Marta Marta may refer to: People * Marta (given name), a feminine given name * Märta, a feminine given name * Marta (surname) * Marta (footballer) (born 1986), Brazilian professional footballer Places * Marta (river), an Italian river that flow ...

(Brazil), football #

Lorena Ochoa Lorena Ochoa Reyes (; born 15 November 1981) is a Mexican former professional golfer who played on the U.S.-based LPGA Tour from 2003 LPGA Tour, 2003 to 2010 LPGA Tour, 2010. She was the Women's World Golf Rankings#World number ones, top-ranked ...

(Mexico), golf #

Diana Taurasi Diana Lorena Taurasi (born June 11, 1982) is an American former professional basketball player who played in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) for 20 seasons, spending her entire career with the Phoenix Mercury. Taurasi is widely ...

(U.S.), basketball #

Misty May-Treanor Misty Elizabeth May-Treanor (; née May; born July 30, 1977) is an American retired professional beach volleyball player. She is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, and , was the most successful female beach volleyball player having won 112 tou ...

and

Kerri Walsh Kerri Lee Walsh Jennings (born August 15, 1978) is an American professional beach volleyball player, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and a one-time Olympic bronze medalist. She is the beach volleyball leader in career victories as of 2016 hav ...

(U.S.), beach volleyball #

Candace Parker Candace Nicole Parker (born April 19, 1986), nicknamed "Ace", is an American former professional basketball player. Widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, she was selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA dr ...

(U.S.), basketball #

Paula Radcliffe Paula Jane Radcliffe Order of the British Empire, MBE (born 17 December 1973) is a British former long-distance runner. She is a three-time winner of the London Marathon (2002, 2003, 2005), three-time New York Marathon champion (2004, 2007, 200 ...

(U.K.), marathon #

Janica Kostelić Janica Kostelić (; born 5 January 1982) is a Croatian former alpine ski racer. She is a four-time Olympic gold medalist. In addition to the Olympics, she won five gold medals at the World Championships. In World Cup competition, she won thir ...

(Croatia), alpine skiing #

Carolina Klüft Carolina Evelyn Klüft (; born 2 February 1983) is a retired Swedish track and field athlete who competed in the heptathlon, pentathlon, long jump and triple jump. She was an Olympic Champion, having won the heptathlon title in 2004. She was al ...

(Sweden), heptathlon #

Sheryl Swoopes Sheryl Denise Swoopes (born March 25, 1971) is an American former professional basketball player. She was the first player to be signed in the WNBA, is a three-time WNBA MVP, and was named one of the league's Top 15 Players of All Time at the 2 ...

(U.S.), basketball #

Hayley Wickenheiser Hayley Wickenheiser (born August 12, 1978) is a Canadian former ice hockey player, physician and assistant general manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs. She was the first woman to play full-time professional men’s hockey in a position other ...

(Canada), ice hockey #

Cat Osterman Catherine Leigh Osterman (born April 16, 1983) is a retired American softball player and currently the general manager of the Volts for the inaugural 2025 season of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). Osterman pitched on the United Stat ...

(U.S.), softball #

Cathy Freeman Catherine Astrid Salome Freeman (born 16 February 1973) is an Australian former sprinter, who specialised in the 400 metres event. Her personal best of 48.63 seconds currently ranks her as the ninth-fastest woman of all time, set while fin ...

(Australia), track and field #

Dara Torres Dara Grace Torres (born April 15, 1967) is an American former competitive swimmer, who is a 12-time Olympic medalist and former world record-holder in three events. Torres is the first swimmer to represent the United States in five Olympic Ga ...

(U.S.), swimming #

Tirunesh Dibaba Tirunesh Dibaba (, Amharic: ጥሩነሽ ዲባባ ቀነኒ; born 1 October 1985) is an Ethiopian long-distance runner athlete who competes in long-distance track events and international road races. She has won three Olympic track gold meda ...

(Ethiopia), distance running

All-Decade Team (in eight sports)

MLB All-Decade Team

MLB All-Decade Team: *C –

Joe Mauer Joseph Patrick Mauer (born April 19, 1983) is an American former professional baseball catcher and first baseman who spent his entire 15-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Minnesota Twins. Regarded as one of the greatest contact h ...

, Twins *1B –

, Cardinals *2B –

Chase Utley Chase Cameron Utley (born December 17, 1978) is an American former professional baseball second baseman who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 16 seasons, primarily for the Philadelphia Phillies. He also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers. ...

, Phillies *SS –

, Yankees *3B –

, Mariners–Rangers–Yankees *LF –

Barry Bonds Barry Lamar Bonds (born July 24, 1964) is an American former professional baseball left fielder who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Bonds was a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1986 to 1992 and the San Francisco Giants f ...

, Giants *CF –

Carlos Beltrán Carlos Iván Beltrán (; born April 24, 1977) is a Puerto Rican former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as an outfielder from 1998 to 2017 for the Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, New York Mets, San F ...

, Royals–Astros–Mets *RF –

Vladimir Guerrero Vladimir Guerrero Alvino (born February 9, 1975), nicknamed "Vlad the Impaler", is a People of the Dominican Republic, Dominican former professional baseball player who spent 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right fielder and des ...

, Expos–Angels *DH –

David Ortiz David Américo Ortiz Arias (born November 18, 1975), nicknamed "Big Papi", is a Dominican Americans, Dominican-American former professional baseball designated hitter and first baseman who played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1997 ...

, Twins–Red Sox *Pitchers: **Starting rotation –

Pedro Martínez Pedro Jaime Martínez (born October 25, 1971) is a Dominican-American former professional baseball starting pitcher, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from to , for five teams—most notably the Boston Red Sox from to . As of 2023, M ...

, Red Sox–Mets–Phillies;

Johan Santana Johan Alexander Santana Araque (; born March 13, 1979) is a Venezuelan former professional baseball starting pitcher. Santana pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins from 2000 to 2007 and for the New York Mets from 2008 ...

, Twins–Mets;

Roy Halladay Harry Leroy Halladay III (May 14, 1977 – November 7, 2017) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies between 1998 and 2013. His nickname, "Doc ...

, Blue Jays;

Randy Johnson Randall David Johnson (born September 10, 1963), nicknamed, "the Big Unit," is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (1988–2009) for six teams, primarily the Seattle Mariners and Arizo ...

, Diamondbacks–Yankees–Giants;

Curt Schilling Curtis Montague Schilling (born November 14, 1966) is an American former Major League Baseball right handed pitcher and commentator for media outlet BlazeTV. He helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series appearance in 1993 World Seri ...

, Phillies–Diamondbacks–Red Sox **Setup man –

Scot Shields Robert Scot Shields (born July 22, 1975) is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He played his entire baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was the last member of the Anahei ...

, Angels **Closer –

, Yankees *MANAGER –

Joe Torre Joseph Paul Torre Jr. (; born July 18, 1940) is an American professional baseball Senior management, executive and former player, Manager (baseball), manager, and television color commentator. He has served as a special assistant to the Commiss ...

, Yankees–Dodgers

NBA All-Decade Team

NBA All-Decade Team: ;STARTING LINEUP *PG –

Steve Nash Stephen John Nash (born 7 February 1974) is a Canadian professional basketball coach and former player who most recently served as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played 18 seasons in the NBA, ...

, Mavericks–Suns *SG –

, Lakers *SF –

, Cavaliers *PF –

, Spurs *C –

, Lakers–Heat–Suns–Cavaliers *COACH –

Phil Jackson Philip Douglas Jackson (born September 17, 1945) is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Jackson is a 13-time NBA champion, having won two as a player and 11 as ...

, Lakers *GENERAL MANAGER –

Gregg Popovich Gregg Charles Popovich (born January 28, 1949) is an American professional basketball executive and former coach who is the president for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was the List of current NBA head co ...

R. C. Buford Robert Canterbury Buford (born May 16, 1960) is an American basketball executive who is the CEO of the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was named general manager in 2002 after five seasons serving as team presid ...

, Spurs ;RESERVES *PF –

Kevin Garnett Kevin Maurice Garnett ( ; born May 19, 1976) is an American former professional basketball player who played 21 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "the Big Ticket," Garnett is considered one of the greatest power f ...

, Timberwolves–Celtics *PG –

Jason Kidd Jason Frederick Kidd (born March 23, 1973) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is the List of current NBA head coaches, head coach for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Widely regar ...

, Suns–Nets–Mavericks *SG –

Dwyane Wade Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. ( or , born January 17, 1982) is an American former professional basketball player who is currently the co-owner of the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association. He is also currently the host of the American a ...

, Heat *PF –

Dirk Nowitzki Dirk Werner Nowitzki (; born June 19, 1978) is a German former professional basketball player who is a special advisor for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Listed at , he is widely regarded as one of the great ...

, Mavericks *SF –

Paul Pierce Paul Anthony Pierce (born October 13, 1977) is an American former professional basketball player. He played 19 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), predominantly with the Boston Celtics. As of September 2024, he is a contributo ...

, Celtics *SG –

Allen Iverson Allen Ezail Iverson ( ; born June 7, 1975) is an American former professional basketball player. Nicknamed "The Answer", he played 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as both a shooting guard and point guard. As an NBA rook ...

, 76ers-Nuggets-Pistons-Grizzlies *SF –

Carmelo Anthony Carmelo Kyam Anthony ( ; born May 29, 1984) is an American former professional basketball player. Anthony played 19 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and is a ten-time NBA All-Star Game, NBA All-Star and six-time All-NBA T ...

, Nuggets

NFL All-Decade Team

NFL All-Decade Team: ;OFFENSE *WR –

Randy Moss Randy Gene Moss (born February 13, 1977) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee Tit ...

, Vikings–Raiders–Patriots *T – Walter Jones, Seahawks *G – Steve Hutchinson, Seahawks–Vikings *C –

Kevin Mawae Kevin James Mawae (; born January 23, 1971) is an American former professional football player who was a center in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons. Mawae played college football for the LSU Tigers, earning first-team All-SE ...

, Jets–Titans *G –

Alan Faneca Alan Joseph Faneca (; born December 7, 1976) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a Guard (gridiron football), guard in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. He played college football for L ...

, Steelers–Jets *T –

Jonathan Ogden Jonathan Phillip Ogden (born July 31, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle and spent his entire career with the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football ...

, Ravens *TE –

Tony Gonzalez Anthony David Gonzalez (born February 27, 1976) is an American former professional football tight end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons. Regarded as one of the greatest tight ends of all time, he is the NFL's all ...

, Chiefs–Falcons *WR –

Hines Ward Hines Edward Ward Jr. (born March 8, 1976) is an American American football, football coach and former player who is the wide receivers coach for Arizona State Sun Devils football, Arizona State. He played as a wide receiver in the National Foo ...

, Steelers *QB –

, Patriots *RB –

LaDainian Tomlinson LaDainian Tarshane Tomlinson (born June 23, 1979), nicknamed "LT", is an American former professional football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. After a successful college football career with the T ...

, Chargers *FB –

Lorenzo Neal Lorenzo LaVonne Neal (born December 27, 1970) is an American former professional football player who was a fullback in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons. Neal played college football for the Fresno State Bulldogs and was select ...

, Titans–Bengals–Chargers–Ravens ;SPECIAL TEAMS *K –

Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker for 24 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Vinatieri is the ...

, Patriots–Colts *P –

Shane Lechler Edward Shane Lechler (; born August 7, 1976) is an American former professional football player who played as a punter for 18 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas A&M University and was selected by ...

, Raiders *KR/PR –

Dante Hall Damieon Dante Hall (born September 20, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He is nicknamed "the Human Joystick" and "the ...

, Chiefs–Rams *COACH –

Bill Belichick William Stephen Belichick ( ; born April 16, 1952) is an American football coach who is the head coach for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Widely regarded as one of the greatest head coaches of all time, he holds numerous coaching records, inc ...

, Patriots ;DEFENSE *DE –

Aaron Smith Aaron Smith may refer to: Music *Aaron Smith (born 1985), real name of American rapper Shwayze *Aaron Smith (musician) (born 1950), American drummer and percussionist *Aaron Smith (DJ), American music producer *Aaron Smith, American guitarist for t ...

, Steelers *DT – Kevin Williams, Vikings *DT/NT –

Jamal Williams Jamal Williams (born April 28, 1976) is an American former professional football player who was a nose tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons. He was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 199 ...

, Chargers *DE – Jason Taylor, Dolphins–Redskins *OLB –

Mike Vrabel Michael George Vrabel ( ; born August 14, 1975) is an American professional American football, football coach and former linebacker who is the head coach of the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college footba ...

, Steelers–Patriots–Chiefs *ILB –

Ray Lewis Raymond Anthony Lewis Jr. (born May 15, 1975) is an American former professional football player who spent his entire 17-year career as a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football f ...

, Ravens *ILB –

London Fletcher London Levi Fletcher-Baker (born May 19, 1975) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the John Carroll Blue Streaks and sign ...

, Rams–Bills–Redskins *OLB –

Derrick Brooks Derrick Dewan Brooks (born April 18, 1973) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for his entire 14-year career in the National Football League (NFL) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brooks played college footbal ...

, Buccaneers *CB –

Champ Bailey Roland "Champ" Bailey Jr. (born June 22, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs, where he earned consensus All-Ame ...

, Redskins-Broncos *CB – Antoine Winfield, Bills–Vikings *S –

Ed Reed Edward Earl Reed Jr. (born September 11, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL), spending the majority of his career with the Baltimore Ravens. He played college footbal ...

, Ravens *S –

Brian Dawkins Brian Patrick Dawkins Sr. (born October 13, 1973), nicknamed "Weapon X", is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played ...

, Eagles–Broncos

NHL All-Decade Team

NHL All-Decade Team: ;FIRST TEAM *G –

Martin Brodeur Martin Pierre Brodeur (; born May 6, 1972) is a Canadian–American former professional ice hockey goaltender and current team executive. He played 22 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), 21 of them for the New Jersey Devils, with whom ...

, Devils *D –

, Red Wings *D –

Scott Niedermayer Scott Niedermayer (born August 31, 1973) is a Canadian former ice hockey defenceman and current special assignment coach of the Anaheim Ducks. He played 18 seasons and over 1,000 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New Jersey Dev ...

, Devils–Ducks *LW –

Alexander Ovechkin Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin (, ; born 17September 1985) is a Russian professional ice hockey Winger (ice hockey), left winger and Captain (ice hockey), captain of the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed "the ...

, Capitals *C –

Sidney Crosby Sidney Patrick Crosby (born August 7, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey Centre (ice hockey), centre and Captain (ice hockey), captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed "Sid the Kid" and dubb ...

, Penguins *RW –

Jaromír Jágr Jaromír Jágr (; born 15 February 1972) is a Czech professional ice hockey Winger (ice hockey), right winger and owner of Rytíři Kladno of the Czech Extraliga (ELH). He previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh ...

, Penguins–Capitals–Rangers *COACH –

Mike Babcock Mike Babcock (born April 29, 1963) is a Canadian former ice hockey player and coach. He spent parts of eighteen seasons as a head coach in the National Hockey League (NHL), beginning when he was named head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, Mighty Duck ...

, Ducks–Red Wings ;SECOND TEAM *G –

Jean-Sébastien Giguère Jean-Sébastien Giguère (; born May 16, 1977) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played with the Halifax Mooseheads in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), and was drafted 13th overall by the Hartford Whalers ...

, Flames–Ducks *D –

Chris Pronger Christopher Robert Pronger ( or ; born October 10, 1974) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player for the 1999–2000 season and was inducted to the Hockey Hall o ...

, Blues–Oilers–Ducks–Flyers *D –

Zdeno Chára Zdeno Chára (; born 18 March 1977) is a Slovak former professional ice hockey defenceman. He played 24 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals between 1997 a ...

, Islanders-Senators–Bruins *LW –

Ilya Kovalchuk Ilya Valeryevich Kovalchuk (; born 15 April 1983) is a Russian former professional ice hockey Winger (ice hockey), winger. He played for the Atlanta Thrashers, New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens, and Washington Capitals in ...

, Thrashers *C –

Joe Sakic Joseph Steven Sakic (; () born July 7, 1969) is a Canadian professional ice hockey executive and former player. He played his entire 21-year National Hockey League (NHL) career, which lasted from 1988 to 2009, with the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado ...

, Avalanche *RW –

Jarome Iginla Jarome Arthur-Leigh Adekunle Tig Junior Elvis Iginla (; born July 1, 1977) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger (ice hockey), winger. He played over 1,500 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Calgary Flames, Pittsbu ...

, Flames *COACH –

Lindy Ruff Lindy Cameron Ruff (born February 17, 1960) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player who is the List of NHL head coaches, head coach for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL). Ruff was previously the head coa ...

, Sabres

College basketball All-Decade Team

College basketball All-Decade Team: ;FIRST TEAM *SF –

Shane Battier Shane Courtney Battier ( ; born September 9, 1978) is an American former professional basketball player. He also worked for ESPN and recently joined the board of Yext. Battier is best known for his four years playing basketball at Duke, his 13 ...

, Duke *PF –

Tyler Hansbrough Andrew Tyler Hansbrough (born November 3, 1985) is an American former professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for seven seasons, as well as internationally. In college, Hansbrough was a star with t ...

, North Carolina *C –

Emeka Okafor Chukwuemeka Ndubuisi Okafor (born September 28, 1982) is an American former professional basketball player. Okafor attended Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas and the University of Connecticut, where in 2004 he won a national championship. ...

, Connecticut *SG –

JJ Redick Jonathan Clay "JJ" Redick ( ) (born June 24, 1984) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He most recently served as an analyst ...

, Duke *PG – Jason Williams, Duke *COACH – Roy Williams, North Carolina ;SECOND TEAM *SF –

, Syracuse *SF –

Adam Morrison Adam John Morrison (born July 19, 1984) is an American former professional basketball player. Morrison played for three years at Gonzaga University and was considered to be one of the top college basketball players in 2005–06. He was a finalist ...

, Gonzaga *SF –

Kevin Durant Kevin Wayne Durant (born September 29, 1988), also known by his initials KD, is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Durant has won two List of NBA champions, NBA champ ...

, Texas *SG –

Juan Dixon Juan Max Dixon (born October 9, 1978) is an American former professional basketball player and the previous head coach for Coppin State University in Baltimore. Dixon led the University of Maryland Terrapins to their first NCAA championship in ...

, Maryland *PG –

Jameer Nelson Jameer Lamar Nelson Sr. (born February 9, 1982) is an American former professional basketball player who serves as general manager for the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Saint Joseph's Hawks men's ba ...

, Saint Joseph's

College football All-Decade Team

College football All-Decade Team: ;OFFENSE *WR –

Larry Fitzgerald Larry Darnell Fitzgerald Jr. (born August 31, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the ...

, Pittsburgh *T –

Ryan Clady Ryan Jacob Clady (born September 6, 1986) is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Boise State Broncos, earning con ...

, Boise State *G – Steve Hutchinson, Michigan *C –

Greg Eslinger Greg Eslinger (born April 23, 1983) is an American former football center. He played college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, where he won both the Outland Trophy and the Rimington Trophy, also received unanimous All-American honors. ...

, Minnesota *G –

Duke Robinson George "Duke" Robinson (born October 10, 1986) is an American former professional football player who was a guard in the National Football League (NFL). Robinson played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners, earning consensus All-American ho ...

, Oklahoma *T –

Jake Long Jake Edward Long (born May 9, 1985) is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, twice earning consensus All-Ameri ...

, Michigan *TE –

Kellen Winslow II Kellen Boswell Winslow II (born July 21, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Playing college football for the Miami Hurricanes, he earned unanimous All-American ...

, Miami *WR –

Michael Crabtree Michael Alex Crabtree Jr. (born September 14, 1987) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, twi ...

, Texas Tech *QB –

Tim Tebow Timothy Richard Tebow (; born August 14, 1987) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for three seasons, primarily with the Denver Broncos. Tebow played college football for t ...

, Florida *RB –

Darren McFadden Darren McFadden (born August 27, 1987) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks football, Arkansas ...

, Arkansas *RB –

Adrian Peterson Adrian Lewis Peterson (; born March 21, 1985) is an American former professional football running back who played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He is widely considered to be one of the greatest running backs in football hist ...

, Oklahoma ;SPECIAL TEAMS *K –

Mike Nugent Michael Nugent (born March 2, 1982) is an American former professional American football, football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes football, Ohio State Buckeye ...

, Ohio State *P –

Daniel Sepulveda Daniel Wade Sepulveda (born January 12, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a punter for five seasons in the National Football League (NFL), all with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football for the Bayl ...

, Baylor *KR –

Felix Jones Felix Jones Jr. (born May 8, 1987) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football for the Arkansas Razo ...

, Arkansas *PR –

Wes Welker Wesley Carter Welker (born May 1, 1981) is an American professional football coach and former wide receiver who is a personnel analyst for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played in the NFL for 12 seasons, mo ...

, Texas Tech *COACH –

Urban Meyer Urban Frank Meyer III (born July 10, 1964) is an American Sports commentator, sportscaster and former college football coach. He spent most of his coaching career at the collegiate level, having served as the head coach of the Bowling Green F ...

, Florida ;DEFENSE *DE –

David Pollack David M. Pollack (born June 19, 1982) is an American college football analyst and former player who was a linebacker two seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Georgia, was a three-time ...

, Georgia *DT –

Tommie Harris Tommie Harris Jr. (born April 29, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Oklahoma, and was r ...

, Oklahoma *DT –

Ndamukong Suh Ndamukong Ngwa Suh ( , born January 6, 1987) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football ...

, Nebraska *DE –

Terrell Suggs Terrell Raymonn Suggs (born October 11, 1982), nicknamed "T-Sizzle", is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for 17 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona State ...

, Arizona State *LB – A. J. Hawk, Ohio State *LB –

Derrick Johnson Derrick O'Hara Johnson (born November 22, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns, twice earning consensus All-Amer ...

, Texas *LB –

Patrick Willis Patrick L. Willis (born January 25, 1985) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for his entire eight-year career with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football ...

, Mississippi *CB –

Antoine Cason Antoine Brandon Cason (born July 9, 1986) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats where he was recognized as a consensus ...

, Arizona *CB –

Derrick Strait Derrick Lee Strait (born August 27, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for three seasons in the National Football League (NFL) during the early 2000s. He played college football for the Oklahoma Soone ...

, Oklahoma *S –

Eric Berry James Eric Berry (born December 29, 1988) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a Safety (gridiron football position), safety for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played co ...

, Tennessee *S –

, Miami

Soccer All-Decade Team

Soccer All-Decade Team: *G –

Gianluigi Buffon Gianluigi Buffon (; born 28 January 1978) is an Italian former professional Association football, footballer who played as a Goalkeeper (association football), goalkeeper. Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, he is ...

, Parma-Juventus *D –

Cafu Marcos Evangelista de Morais (born 7 June 1970), known as Cafu (), is a Brazilian former professional Association football, footballer who played as a Defender (association football)#Full-back, right-back. Widely regarded as one of the greates ...

, AS Roma-AC Milan *D –

Fabio Cannavaro Fabio Cannavaro (; born 13 September 1973) is an Italian professional association football, football coach and former player who last was the head coach of Croatian club GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Dinamo Zagreb. He is regarded as one of the greatest De ...

, Parma-Inter Milan-Juventus-Real Madrid *D –

Paolo Maldini Paolo Cesare Maldini (; born 26 June 1968) is an Italian football executive and former professional footballer who played as a left-back or as a centre-back for AC Milan and the Italy national team. He is widely regarded as one of the greates ...

, AC Milan *D –

Roberto Carlos Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha (born 10 April 1973), often known as Roberto Carlos and sometimes ''RC3'', is a Brazilian former professional association football, footballer. He has been described as the "most offensive-minded left-back in the ...

, Real Madrid-Fenerbahçe *M –

Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro (; born 5 February 1985) is a Portuguese professional Association football, footballer who plays as a Forward (association football), forward for and Captain (association football), captains both Saudi Pr ...

, Sporting-Manchester United-Real Madrid *M –

, Juventus-Real Madrid *M –

Patrick Vieira Patrick Paul Vieira (; born 23 June 1976) is a French professional association football, football manager and former player who is the head coach of Serie A club Genoa CFC, Genoa. He was named in the FIFA 100 of the greatest living footballers i ...

, Arsenal-Juventus-Inter Milan *M –

Lionel Messi Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi (; born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine professional Association football, footballer who plays as a forward (association football), forward for and Captain (association football), captains both Major League Soccer ...

, FC Barcelona *M –

Ronaldinho Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (born 21 March 1980), commonly known as Ronaldinho Gaúcho () or simply Ronaldinho, is a Brazilian former professional Association football, footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or left winger. Widely reg ...

, Grêmio-Paris Saint Germain-FC Barcelona-AC Milan *F –

Ronaldo Ronaldo is a Portuguese given name equivalent to the English Ronald. It became a common name in all Portuguese-speaking countries, also prevalent in other Romance countries. People Notable people known as Ronaldo include: Association footballe ...

, Inter Milan-Real Madrid-AC Milan-Corinthians *MANAGER –

Guus Hiddink Guus Hiddink (; born 8 November 1946) is a Dutch former football manager and professional player. He enjoyed a long career playing as a midfielder in his native Netherlands. Retired as player in 1982, Hiddink went into management, leading both c ...

, Real Betis-South Korea-PSV Eindhoven-Australia-Russia-Chelsea

Golf All-Decade Team

Golf All-Decade Team: *

Phil Mickelson Philip Alfred Mickelson (born June 16, 1970) is an American professional golfer who currently plays in the LIV Golf League. He has won 45 events on the PGA Tour, including six Men's major golf championships, major championships: three Masters ...

Annika Sorenstam Annika is a feminine given name with multiple origins in different cultures. It is a Swedish diminutive for Anna, derived in the 15th century from Anneke, a Dutch and Northern Germanic diminutive of Anna. Swedish-born retired professional golfer ...

Vijay Singh Vijay Singh ( ; born 22 February 1963) is a Fijians, Fijian professional golfer. In 1982, Singh turned professional and played on the local Asia Golf Circuit. However, his early career met with controversy, as he was accused of numerous rules ...

Hale Irwin Hale S. Irwin (born June 3, 1945) is an American professional golfer. He was one of the world's leading golfers from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. He is one of the few players in history to win three U.S. Opens, becoming the oldest ever U.S. ...

* Ryan Moore *

Dana Quigley Dana C. Quigley (born April 14, 1947) is an American professional golfer. Early life Quigley was born in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1969. Professional career In 1971, Quigley turned profess ...

Pádraig Harrington Pádraig Peter Harrington (born 31 August 1971) is an Irish professional golfer who plays on the European Tour, PGA Tour and the PGA Tour Champions. He has won three men's major golf championships, major championships: The Open Championship in 2 ...

* Tom Watson

Top 10 Coaches/Managers of the Decade

Top 10 Coaches/Managers of the Decade: #

, Los Angeles Lakers (NBA) #

, New England Patriots (NFL) #

, New York Yankees–Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB) #

Terry Francona Terrence Jon Francona (born April 22, 1959), nicknamed "Tito", is an American professional baseball manager and former player who is the manager of the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously managed the Cleveland Indians/G ...

, Boston Red Sox (MLB) #

Tony Dungy Anthony Kevin Dungy ( ; born October 6, 1955) is an American former professional football safety and coach who served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts ...

, Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Indianapolis Colts (NFL) #

, San Antonio Spurs (NBA) #

Geno Auriemma Luigi "Geno" Auriemma (born March 23, 1954) is an American basketball coach who is the head coach of the University of Connecticut Huskies women's basketball team. He holds the NCAA basketball records for wins and winning percentage with a mi ...

, University of Connecticut women's basketball # Roy Williams, University of North Carolina men's basketball #

, Bowling Green football – Utah football – Florida football #

Tom Izzo Thomas Michael Izzo (, ; born January 30, 1955) is an American college basketball coach who has been the head coach at Michigan State University since 1995. On April 4, 2016, Izzo was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Izzo has le ...

, Michigan State men's basketball

Top 10 GMs/Executives of the Decade

Top 10 GMs/Executives of the Decade: #

Scott Pioli Scott Pioli (born March 31, 1965) is an American professional football executive who currently serves as a consultant for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was an NFL analyst for NBC Sports' ''Football Night in America'', NBC Sports Network's Pro Football T ...

, New England Patriots (NFL) #

Ken Holland Kenneth Mark Holland (born November 10, 1955) is a Canadian ice hockey executive and former goaltender, and is currently serving as the vice president and general manager of the Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League. Holland most not ...

, Detroit Red Wings (NHL) #

Theo Epstein Theo Nathaniel Epstein (born December 29, 1973) is an American Major League Baseball executive who is, since 2024, the senior adviser and part-owner of Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball and Liverpool FC o ...

, Boston Red Sox (MLB) #

Kevin Colbert Kevin Colbert (; born January 1957) is an American professional football executive who serves a consultant for Colorado State. He served as the general manager of Pittsburgh Steelers from 2000 to 2021. Colbert is widely credited with putting to ...

, Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) #

, San Antonio Spurs (NBA) #

Rick Hendrick Joseph Riddick "Rick" Hendrick III (born July 12, 1949) is an American businessman. He is best known as the owner of the NASCAR team Hendrick Motorsports. He is also a co-owner of JR Motorsports and founder of the Hendrick Automotive Group, the l ...

, Hendrick Motorsports (NASCAR) #

Pat Gillick Lawrence Patrick David Gillick (born August 22, 1937) is an American professional baseball executive. He previously served as the general manager of four MLB teams: the Toronto Blue Jays (1978–1994), Baltimore Orioles ( 1996– 1998), Seattle ...

, Toronto Blue Jays/Seattle Mariners/Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) # Jeremy Foley, University of Florida (NCAA) #

Joe Dumars Joe Dumars III ( ; born May 24, 1963) is an American professional basketball executive and former player who is the head of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans. He could play either shooting guard or point guard on offense and was ...

, Detroit Pistons (NBA) #

Billy Beane William Lamar Beane III (born March 29, 1962) is an American former professional baseball player and current Front office (sports), front office executive. He is currently senior advisor to owner John Fisher (baseball owner), John Fisher and ...

, Oakland Athletics (MLB)

Top Team of the Decade (in six sports)

Top Team of the Decade:

MLB

New York Yankees The New York Yankees are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of the Bronx. The Yankees compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Am ...

NBA

Los Angeles Lakers The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles. The Lakers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Pacific Division (NBA), Pacific Division of the Western Conference (NBA ...

, 2000–01

NFL

New England Patriots The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area. The Patriots compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East division. The Pa ...

2007 2007 was designated as the International Heliophysical Year and the International Polar Year. Events January * January 1 **Bulgaria and Romania 2007 enlargement of the European Union, join the European Union, while Slovenia joins the Eur ...

NHL

Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...

, 2001–02

College basketball

Florida Gators men's basketball The Florida Gators men's basketball team represents the University of Florida in the sport of basketball. The Gators compete in NCAA Division I's Southeastern Conference (SEC). Home games are played on Billy Donovan Court in the O'Connell Center, ...

, 2006–07

College football

Miami Hurricanes football The Miami Hurricanes football team represents the University of Miami in college football. The Hurricanes compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA's NCAA Division I, Division I NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, Foot ...

2001 The year's most prominent event was the September 11 attacks against the United States by al-Qaeda, which Casualties of the September 11 attacks, killed 2,977 people and instigated the global war on terror. The United States led a Participan ...

Top 25 Franchises of the Decade

Top 25 Franchises of the Decade including professional and college teams. #

(NBA) #

(NFL) #

Connecticut Huskies women's basketball The UConn Huskies women's basketball team is the college basketball program representing the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut, in the NCAA Division I women's basketball competition. They currently play in the Big East Conference. ...

San Antonio Spurs The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio. The Spurs compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division (NBA), Southwest Division of the Western Conference (NBA ...

(NBA) #

(MLB) #

(NHL) #

USC Trojans football The USC Trojans football program represents the University of Southern California in the sport of American football. The Trojans compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate ...

Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. The Colts compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division. Since the 2008 India ...

(NFL) #

Texas Longhorns football The Texas Longhorns football program is the intercollegiate team representing the University of Texas at Austin (variously Texas or UT) in the sport of American football. The Texas Longhorns, Longhorns compete in the NCAA Division I Football B ...

North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball The North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball program is a college basketball team of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels have won six NCAA championships (1957 NCAA University Division basketball tournament, 1957, 198 ...

Boston Red Sox The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Founded in as one of the Ameri ...

(MLB) #

Oklahoma Sooners football The Oklahoma Sooners football team represents the University of Oklahoma (OU) in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The program began in 1895 and is one of the most succ ...

Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball The Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball program is the college basketball, intercollegiate men's basketball program of the University of Kansas. The program is classified in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA's NCAA Division I, Divis ...

:14.

Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional American football team based in Pittsburgh. The Steelers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC North, North division. Founded in 1933 P ...

(NFL) :15.

Florida Gators football The Florida Gators football program represents the University of Florida (UF) in American football, American college football. Florida competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the ...

:16.

LSU Tigers football The LSU Tigers football program, also known as the Fighting Tigers, represents Louisiana State University in college football. The LSU Tigers and Lady Tigers, Tigers compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athle ...

:17.

Michigan State Spartans men's basketball The Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team is the college basketball, intercollegiate men's basketball program representing Michigan State University. The school competes in the Big Ten Conference of NCAA Division I college basketball. The ...

:18.

Detroit Pistons The Detroit Pistons are an American professional basketball team based in Detroit. The Pistons compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division (NBA), Central Division of the Eastern Conference (NBA), East ...

(NBA) :19.

New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The club w ...

(NHL) :20.

:21.

Ohio State Buckeyes football The Ohio State Buckeyes football team competes as part of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, representing Ohio State University in the Big Ten Conference. Ohio State has played its home games at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, since 1 ...

:22.

Duke Blue Devils men's basketball The Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team represents Duke University in NCAA Division I college basketball and competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The team is fourth all-time in wins of any NCAA men's basketball program, and is curr ...

:23.

St. Louis Cardinals The St. Louis Cardinals are an American professional baseball team based in St. Louis. The Cardinals compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Centra ...

(MLB) :24.

Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball The Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team represents the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee in NCAA women's basketball competition. The team has been a contender for national titles for over forty years, having made every NCAA ...

:25.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West Division. Since 1966, the team has pl ...

(MLB)

Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball: *Player of the Decade:

, Cardinals * MLB All-Decade Team (above) *Best Manager:

, Yankees and Dodgers *Best GM:

, Red Sox * Top Team of the Decade (above) *Best Franchise: New York Yankees *Best Regular-Season Game: Twins-Tigers, Oct. 6, 2009 *Best Postseason Game: Yankees-Diamondbacks, Game 7,

2001 World Series The 2001 World Series was the World Series, championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2001 Major League Baseball season, 2001 season. The 97th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff between the National League (ba ...

National Basketball Association

National Basketball Association: *Player of the Decade:

, Spurs * NBA All-Decade Team (above) *Best Coach:

, Lakers *Best GM:

, Spurs * Top Team of the Decade (above) *Best Franchise: Los Angeles Lakers *Best Regular-Season Game: Suns-Nets; Dec. 7, 2006 *Best Postseason Game: Lakers-Kings, Game 7, 2002 Western Conference finals

National Football League

National Football League: *Player of the Decade:

, Colts * NFL All-Decade Team (above) *Best Coach:

, Patriots *Best GM: Bill Polian, Colts *#NFL, Top Team of the Decade (above) *Best Franchise: New England Patriots *Best Regular-Season Game: Colts 38, Buccaneers 35 (OT); Oct. 6, 2003 *Best Playoff Game (non-Super Bowl): Steelers 21, Colts 18; 2005 AFC divisional game *Best Super Bowl: Steelers 27, Cardinals 23; Super Bowl XLIII, XLIII

National Hockey League

National Hockey League: *Player of the Decade:

, Red Wings *#NHL All-Decade Team, NHL All-Decade Team (above) *Best Coach:

, Ducks and Red Wings *Best GM:

, Red Wings *#NHL, Top Team of the Decade (above) *Best Franchise: Detroit Red Wings *Most Dramatic Regular-Season Games: Maple Leafs-Canadiens; April 7, 2007; Islanders-Devils; April 8, 2007 *Best Postseason Game: Flyers-Penguins; May 4–5, 2000

Soccer

Soccer: *Player of the Decade:

, Juventus-Real Madrid *Best Manager:

, Real Betis-South Korea-PSV Eindhoven-Australia-Russia-Chelsea *Best World Cup Game: 2002 FIFA World Cup Group D#United States vs Portugal, United States vs. Portugal, in 2002 *Best Non-World Cup Game: 2005 UEFA Champions League Final, AC Milan vs. Liverpool, in 2005 *Best National Team: Brazil national football team, Brazil *Best Club Team: Manchester United F.C. *Cinderella (sports), Cinderella: South Korea at the FIFA World Cup#Korea/Japan 2002, South Korea at the 2002 FIFA World Cup *Biggest Overachiever: Greece national football team#European Champions: Euro 2004 triumph, Greece at the 2004 UEFA European Championship *Biggest Underachiever: Argentina national football team, Argentina *Biggest Controversy: 2006 Italian football scandal *Hottest Feud: Landon Donovan-David Beckham *Signature Play: List of sports terms named after people#Association football, Zidane's pirouette *Under-the-Radar Story: Fraser v. Major League Soccer, MLS players' lawsuit *Biggest Meltdown: 2006 FIFA World Cup Final#Zidane sending off, Zinedine Zidane *Best Trash Talker: Marco Materazzi *Most Inspirational Story: Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Women's tournament, U.S. women's team, in 2008 *Biggest Villain: Cuauhtémoc Blanco *Pyrrhic Victory: 2009 Republic of Ireland v France football matches, France vs. Ireland, in 2009 *Best Club Rivalry: Arsenal F.C.–Manchester United F.C. rivalry *Best National-Team Rivalry: France–Italy football rivalry *Outsized Personality: José Mourinho *Best Innovation: High-definition football broadcasts *Worst Innovation: Tinkering with the ball *Biggest Near-Miss: Torsten Frings, Torsten Frings' uncalled penalty, in 2002

Golf

Golf: *Golfer of the Decade:

College basketball honors

College basketball: *Player of the Decade:

, North Carolina *#College basketball All-Decade Team, All-Decade Team (above) *Best Coach: Roy Williams, North Carolina *#College basketball, Top Team of the Decade (above) *Best School: Michigan State Spartans men's basketball, Michigan State *Best Single-Season Team: 2003–04 Saint Joseph's Hawks men's basketball team, Saint Joseph's, 2004 *Best Regular-Season Game: 2005–06 Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team, Gonzaga 109, 2005–06 Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team, Michigan State 103 (3 OT) in the 2005 Maui Invitational Tournament, Maui Invitational *Best Postseason Game: 2008–09 Syracuse Orange men's basketball team, Syracuse 127, 2008–09 Connecticut Huskies men's basketball team, Connecticut 117 2009 Connecticut vs. Syracuse men's basketball game, (6 OT) in the 2009 Big East men's basketball tournament, 2009 Big East tournament *Best Year for NCAA Tournament: 2005 *Best Recruiting Class: Florida Gators men's basketball, Florida, 2004 *Signature Play: Mario Chalmers' game-tying shot for 2007–08 Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team, Kansas at the end of regulation in the 2008 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament, 2008 NCAA tournament final against 2007–08 Memphis Tigers men's basketball team, Memphis * Biggest Controversy: Baylor University basketball scandal, 2003 * Biggest Cinderella (sports), Cinderella: 2005–06 George Mason Patriots men's basketball team, George Mason, 2006

College football honors

College football: *Player of the Decade:

, Florida *#College football All-Decade Team, All-Decade Team (above) *Best Coach:

, Bowling Green/Utah/Florida *#College football, Top Team of the Decade (above) *Best Program: USC Trojans football, USC *Best Regular-Season Game: 2005 USC vs. Notre Dame football game, USC at Notre Dame (2005) *Best Bowl Game: 2007 Fiesta Bowl (2006 Boise State Broncos football team, Boise State vs. 2006 Oklahoma Sooners football team, Oklahoma) *Biggest Upset: 2007 Appalachian State vs. Michigan football game, Appalachian State 34, Michigan 32 (2007) *Signature Play: Tim Tebow's jump pass *Biggest Controversy: *Most Outstanding Single-Game Performance: Vince Young, for 2005 Texas Longhorns football team, Texas against 2005 USC Trojans football team, USC (2006 Rose Bowl) *Best Recruiting Class: USC, 2003 *Best Team Rivalry: Oklahoma Sooners football, Oklahoma–Texas Longhorns football, Texas *Best Coaching Rivalry: Kyle Whittingham (Utah Utes football, Utah) vs. Bronco Mendenhall (BYU Cougars football, BYU) *Best Conference: Southeastern Conference, SEC *Best Innovation: Spread option

Top 24 one-hit wonders of the decade

Top 24 one-hit wonders: :# David Tyree (NFL) (see also Helmet Catch) :# 2005–06 George Mason Patriots men's basketball team, George Mason Patriots men's basketball (2006 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament, 2006) :# Hasim Rahman (boxing) :# Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) :# Maurice Clarett (NCAA football) :# Greece national football team (UEFA Euro 2004) :# Hilary Lunke (golf) :# Aaron Small (MLB) :# Giacomo (horse) :# Golden State Warriors (NBA) :# Derek Anderson (American football), Derek Anderson (NFL) :# Gastón Gaudio and Anastasia Myskina (tennis) :# Michael Waltrip (NASCAR) :# 2003 Florida Marlins season, Florida Marlins (MLB) (2003) :# José Théodore (NHL) :# Los Angeles Clippers (NBA) :# Jonathan Cheechoo (NHL) :# Bud Smith (MLB) :# ''Playmakers'' :# Bob May (golfer), Bob May (golf) :# Senegal national football team :# Jerome James (NBA) :# Edmonton Oilers (NHL)

Top 24 blockbuster trades of the decade

Top 24 blockbuster trades:

Top 10 new stadiums of the decade

Top 10 new stadiums: :# Busch Stadium (

) :# CenturyLink Field (Seattle Seahawks) :# Miller Park (Milwaukee), Miller Park (Milwaukee Brewers) :# Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies) :# NRG Stadium (Houston Texans) :# PNC Park (Pittsburgh Pirates) :# Yankee Stadium (

) :# AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys) :# AT&T Park (San Francisco Giants) :# University of Phoenix Stadium (Arizona Cardinals)

Top 21 milestones of the decade

Top 21 milestones: :#

's seven Tour de France titles :#

winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics :#

hitting 756 home runs :#

winning 14 majors :# Emmitt Smith breaking the all-time NFL rushing record :#

winning all four golfing majors in a single 12-month period :#

winning five consecutive NASCAR championships :#

winning consecutive NCAA championships :# Tiger Woods winning the 2000 U.S. Open (golf), 2000 U.S. Open by a 15-stroke margin :# 2007 New England Patriots season, 2007 New England Patriots' 18-0 record :#

winning 552 games :# Brett Favre throwing 421 touchdowns :#

breaking the 100 meter and 200 meter dash world records :# Kelly Slater winning 34 surfing events, receiving a perfect score and nine ASP championships :#

scoring 15 World Cup goals :# Ichiro Suzuki breaking the single-season hit record :# Pat Summitt becoming the most victorious basketball coach in NCAA history :# Bob Knight winning his 880th game :#

breaking the single-season passing touchdown record :# John Gagliardi breaking the record for NCAA football wins

Top 21 rivalries of the decade

Top 21 rivalries: # Yankees–Red Sox rivalry, New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox (baseball) # Federer–Nadal rivalry, Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal (tennis) # Colts–Patriots rivalry, New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts (American football) # Shaq–Kobe feud, Shaquille O'Neal vs. Kobe Bryant (basketball) # Carolina–Duke rivalry, North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Duke Blue Devils (college basketball) # Red River Rivalry, Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns (college football) #

vs.

(hockey) # Manchester United F.C., Manchester United vs. Arsenal F.C., Arsenal (football) # Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball, Tennessee Lady Volunteers vs. Connecticut Huskies women's basketball, Connecticut Huskies (women's college basketball) #

vs.

(golf) # Micky Ward vs. Arturo Gatti (boxing) # Tony Stewart vs. Kurt Busch (NASCAR) # Ravens–Steelers rivalry, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (American football) #

vs.

(college basketball) # Ken Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz (UFC) # France–Italy football rivalry, France vs. Italy (soccer) # Lakers–Spurs rivalry, Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs (basketball) # Flyers–Penguins rivalry, Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers (hockey) # Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, Moneyball vs. Tradition (baseball) # United States women's national ice hockey team, United States vs. Canada women's national ice hockey team, Canada (women's ice hockey)

Ten "overlooked" performances

Ten "overlooked" performances:

Ten memorable acts of sportsmanship

Ten memorable acts of sportsmanship:

Top 10 flops of the decade

Top 10 flops: #

— Unlike the other entries in this list, Duke was highly successful on the court throughout the decade. The Blue Devils were "honored" because of their alleged tendency to Flop (basketball), flop in order to draw offensive fouls. # 2004 United States men's Olympic basketball team, 2004 USA men's basketball team — Amid a breakdown of team chemistry, Team USA lost more games in the Basketball at the 2004 Summer Olympics, 2004 Olympics (three) than it had in all previous Olympic tournaments combined (two). # Barry Zito — After considerable success with the Oakland Athletics, the left-handed pitcher crossed San Francisco Bay after the 2006 Major League Baseball season, 2006 season to play for the San Francisco Giants, signing what was then the richest contract for a pitcher in baseball history. He proceeded to go 31–43 in the next three seasons, never posting an ERA below 4.00. # ''Monday Night Football'' announcers, mainly Dennis Miller and Tony Kornheiser # Charlie Weis at Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, Notre Dame — A successful assistant coach in the NFL, Weis was 35–27 in 5 seasons at Notre Dame, including a record of 16–21 in his last 3 seasons. # Darko Miličić — Drafted #2 overall in the 2003 NBA draft by the

, immediately before

, Chris Bosh and

, but never averaged more than 8 points in any season. # Steve Spurrier with the Washington Redskins — A successful coach in the NCAA, Spurrier was 12-20 in his 2 years with the Redskins, and did not make the playoffs in those years. # Ron Zook, first at Florida Gators football, Florida and then at Illinois Fighting Illini football, Illinois — Zook coached Florida for 3 seasons, with a record of 23–14, and did not beat a ranked opponent at home in those years. He was then hired by Illinois and compiled a record of 34–51 in his 7 seasons there. # Matt Millen — In Millen's seven-plus seasons as the general manager of the Detroit Lions, the team went 31–84. He was fired three games into the 2008 Detroit Lions season, 2008 season, which would end with the Lions becoming the first NFL team ever to go 0–16. # NFL Network — At the end of 2009, after six years of operation, the NFL's in-house TV network still had not reached carriage deals with many of the nation's biggest cable providers.

Top 10 scandals of the decade

Top 10 scandals: # Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative, BALCO Use of performance-enhancing drugs in sport, doping scandal (2003) – see also Barry Bonds perjury case and Marion Jones # ''Mitchell Report'' (2007) and leaked 2003 MLB list of Performance-enhancing drug, PED users (2009) # Michael Vick Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting investigation, dogfighting case (2007) # Duke lacrosse case (2006) # Tim Donaghy 2007 NBA betting scandal, NBA betting scandal (2007) #

Tiger Woods#Infidelity scandal and fallout, sex scandal (2009) # Danny Almonte age fraud (2001 Little League World Series) # Tour de France Doping at the Tour de France, doping scandals, Floyd Landis doping case, 2006 and Doping at the 2007 Tour de France, 2007 # Baylor University basketball scandal (2003) # 2007 National Football League videotaping controversy, Spygate (2007)

Notes

* For ESPN.com's list of the ten greatest teams of the 20th century (in the U.S.), see footnote.In an "End of the Century" article, ESPN.com listed the following teams as the ten greatest: 1. 1927 New York Yankees; 2. 1977 Montreal Canadiens; 3. 1985 Chicago Bears; 4. 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers football; 5. 1972 Los Angeles Lakers; 6. 1939 New York Yankees; 7. 1968 UCLA Bruins basketball; 8. 1956 Oklahoma Sooners football; 9. 1996 Chicago Bulls; 10. 1972 Miami Dolphins.

Footnotes

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sports Illustrated 2009 Sports Illustrated, 2009 American sports trophies and awards Top sports lists 2000s in sports 2000s in the United States Awards established in 2009 2009-related lists Sports awards honoring women

Top 20 Male Athletes of the Decade

Top 20 Female Athletes of the Decade

All-Decade Team (in eight sports)

MLB All-Decade Team

NBA All-Decade Team

NFL All-Decade Team

NHL All-Decade Team

College basketball All-Decade Team

College football All-Decade Team

Soccer All-Decade Team

Golf All-Decade Team

Top 10 Coaches/Managers of the Decade

Top 10 GMs/Executives of the Decade

Top Team of the Decade (in six sports)

MLB

NBA

NFL

NHL

College basketball

College football

Top 25 Franchises of the Decade

Major League Baseball

National Basketball Association

National Football League

National Hockey League

Soccer

Golf

College basketball honors

College football honors

Top 24 one-hit wonders of the decade

Top 24 blockbuster trades of the decade

Top 10 new stadiums of the decade

Top 21 milestones of the decade

Top 21 rivalries of the decade

Ten "overlooked" performances

Ten memorable acts of sportsmanship

Top 10 stories of the decade

Top 10 flops of the decade

Top 10 scandals of the decade

See also

Notes

Footnotes