Most Influential Athletes of 2008

Source: AskMen.com
Used by Permission

After a voting period that drew more than 200,000 votes, AskMen.com’s Top 49 Most Influential Men of 2008 have been chosen, and the list is now revealed.

This year, we presented our readers with a unique voting process: In addition to picking those candidates who had most influenced them, readers were given the tools to comment on how each candidate had influenced them. The final result is a list of men whose breadth of influence spans multiple industries and countries, and who have inspired everyday guys in a variety of ways.

So, which athletes had the biggest impact on the way men behave, buy and think?

We highlight the heroes of the course, hardwood, diamond and gridiron.

No. 46 - Alex Rodriguez

Everyone knows Alex Rodriquez can hit the stuffing out of a baseball, but in 2008 he also proved he could maintain his groove despite the distractions of a burgeoning relationship with Madonna and a very public divorce with his wife, Cynthia. His steely focus and ability to tune out his detractors led to another stellar season at the plate, as A-Rod led the Yankees in nearly every key offensive category while also finishing in the top 10 in the league in home runs, runs and runs batted in (his 537th home run moved him past Mickey Mantle on the all-time list).

No. 45 - Sidney Crosby

At the end of the 2007-08 season, Sidney Crosby led the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Stanley Cup Finals, a place they hadn’t been since 1992. They would eventually lose in six games to the Detroit Red Wings. He finished the 2008 playoffs with the Eastern Conference championship and a tie for the lead in points. Surrounded by a similarly young and talented group of players, Sidney Crosby is a favorite to lead his team on another deep playoff run during the 2008-09 season.

No. 41 - Lewis Hamilton

Through his meteoric rise to the top of the racing circuit, Lewis Hamilton has managed to retain his humble, effortlessly down-to-earth personality. His refusal to allow racist comments to ruffle his feathers during a pre-season event in Spain certainly served as a key example of this. Lewis Hamilton has managed to become an inspiration to other athletes of color, as he managed to break through the industry’s racial barriers to become the first black driver within the Formula One scene. And, on a slightly more superficial note, we can’t help but admire Lewis Hamilton for his reputation with the ladies; he’s been seen out-and-about with such natural beauties as Miss World contestant Vivian Burkhardt and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

No. 40 - Brett Favre

Brett Favre showed men around the globe that it’s possible to return from retirement with dignity when he signed with the New York Jets on August 7, 2008. Since joining Gang Green, this savvy signal-caller has helped make the Jets relevant again in America’s toughest market while also showing flashes of brilliance as he spearheads the team’s reinvigorated offensive attack. Only time will tell if Brett Favre’s steady hand and veteran leadership will provide enough of a boost to lead New York back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1969.

No. 30 - Rafael Nadal

All sports need subplots, and Rafael Nadal supplied men around the globe with a scintillating story this year when he faced off against No. 1 seed Roger Federer in the Wimbledon finals for the third consecutive time. The pair proceeded to play the longest final in the tournament’s history, with Rafael Nadal coming out on top 4 hours and 48 minutes later with a hard-fought victory. Sports scribes and fans alike were left breathless by the phenomenal spectacle and three-time champ John McEnroe even went so far as to label it “the greatest match I have ever seen.”

No. 25 - David Beckham

David Beckham gets people interested in soccer. Over 250,000 David Beckham jerseys were sold even before his introduction with the L.A. Galaxy team. In 2008, David Beckham enjoyed his first goal for L.A. in league play, netted a 70-yard goal from his own side of the field and helped the team finish above .500 for the first time in two years. Internationally, David Beckham celebrated his 100th appearance with England and got to captain his first English game in more than two years when he was briefly reinstated. He also made his mark off the field with a small film appearance in Goal! 3.

No. 21 - Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt reminded men around the globe that it’s OK to let your true personality shine through. This free-spirited sprinter frequently stood out in contrast to his high-strung competitors at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing as he mugged for the camera, danced on the sidelines and engaged in a series of lighthearted practical jokes. His unbridled enthusiasm was especially on display in the 100-meter final, as Usain Bolt slowed down well before the finish line to celebrate his victory. His expressiveness and sheer joy are two qualities that all athletes should learn to adopt.

No. 20 - LeBron James

LeBron James reminded men of the value of perseverance this summer as he helped Team USA capture the gold medal in Beijing, following a disastrous third-place finish in 2004. His leadership and all-around play were particularly evident in the Redeem Team’s final game as he tallied 14 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in a convincing 118-107 win over a spirited Spanish squad led by fellow NBA All-Star Pau Gasol. Although King James may not have been his team’s leading scorer, his focus and selfless attitude were key ingredients in helping the U.S. capture their first Olympic Gold in men’s basketball since 2000. 

No. 18 - Kobe Bryant

There’s little doubt that Kobe Bryant’s strength in the face of adversity has made him a role model for adolescents and grown men alike, as he’s managed to bounce back from a potentially crippling controversy to become a sports idol to millions. Kobe Bryant’s on-the-court prowess continues to improve as he ages, and it’s consequently not surprising to note that he was recently awarded the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player Award (which places him alongside such legends as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal). Though his presence on this list may have been unimaginable a few years ago, Kobe Bryant has tenaciously climbed his way back to the top.

No. 14 - Dana White

Dana White can take credit for UFC’s incredible upswing. After a record $220 million in 2006 television orders, UFC is more popular than wrestling and boxing pay-per-view events. This popularity will increase with 2008 sponsorship deals with guy-friendly advertisers Harley Davidson and Bud Light. The upcoming UFC 2009 Undisputed is the first videogame to be developed as part of the UFC enterprise. Also in the mix are a series of collectible action figures of the most popular UFC fighters. As guys continue to watch fights, Dana White will give them what they want all across UFC’s entertainment spectrum.

No. 9 - Cristiano Ronaldo

The influence of Cristiano Ronaldo starts with his fans, who aspire to follow his every move and one day play soccer themselves. This comes from his seasonal play with Manchester United and his international play with Portugal. The 2007-2008 season with Manchester United included his first hat trick and his first captaincy on the way to Premier League, as well as UEFA Champions League victories for Cristiano Ronaldo and the team. Internationally, Cristiano Ronaldo participated in Portugal’s bid to qualify for UEFA Euro 2008. In qualifying, he netted a total of eight goals, but could only provide one during Portugal’s quarterfinals run.

No. 3 - Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps changed North American TV habits when it came to swimming. Thirty million people watched the 2008 Summer Olympics swimming event in 2008, and there will be increased coverage of the sport until the 2012 Olympics. Watching is one thing, but playing is another. Michael Phelps hopes that his fans will try the pool out for themselves. For guys, it’s a chance to get in shape and work toward a sporty physique—as long as they stay clean. Through Project Believe, Michael Phelps was voluntarily tested beyond the Olympic requirements to show his commitment to keeping swimming free of performance-enhancing drugs.

(To view the entire list, click here.)