Everyone and their brother are watching The Avengers. And who can blame them? A team of superheroes working together sounds awesome. The Avengers are so popular because each hero can reach a different group of people and connect them to the team. The sports world is similar in that respect with each player having that same sort of impact. They are their own Avengers. But what player could represent each superhero? I decided to tackle this dilemma and open to any athlete in the sports world. So without further ado, I present you my picks for the Avengers of the Sports World.
Iron Man- Ronde Barber, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ronde Barber leads all active players in the NFL with 199 consecutive starts, which is quite impressive for a defensive back. He has performed at an elite level for the 15 years he has played with the Bucs. Underappreciated as a player- and even today less well-known than his twin brother Tiki who played running back for the Giants- he is the only cornerback who is a member of the 20 sacks, 20 interceptions club and has been a 5-time Pro Bowler.
Captain America- Ryan Miller, G, Buffalo Sabres
Ryan Miller was a big reason for the USA national hockey team’s silver medal run in the 2010 Olympics. Throughout the Olympics he was their leader and rock, posting a 1.35 GAA and 94.6% save percentage while earning tournament MVP. If the USA is going to take over the international hockey scene, the young American goaltenders like him and Jonathan Quick are going to have to step up and become leaders.
The Hulk- Ndamukong Suh, DT, Detroit Lions
One of the hulkiest figures in sport, Ndamukong Suh has that Bruce Banner/Hulk switch that can be seen by some of his after-the-play antics and QB hits. His 14.0 sacks and 102 tackles in his first two seasons show the impact he can have on the field. Unfortunately Suh has struggled to focus that emotion more on his play down-to-down. Instead his “unleashing the Hulk” has led to him missing playing time from suspensions.
Thor- Steven Stamkos, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning
Thor has the ability to use lightning to his advantage, and if he had this guy at his disposal he would be one lucky super hero. At the age of 22, Steven Stamkos put up 60 goals this season, a rare feat in the NHL. Adding in his 37 assists, his 97 points warranted his selection as a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy, given to the most valuable player in the NHL. In his young career, he has averaged better than a point per a game, a standard achieved by only the best NHL players.
Black Widow- Jeanette Lee, pool player
My favorite billiard player, and one of the most well-known pool players, Jeanette Lee was dominant. Lee was ranked #1 by Billiards Digest for much of the 1990’s. Her dominance culminated in the 2001 World Games which she earned a gold medal for the United States. Being known to “eat people alive” at the pool table, her sense of style and dress during play led to her more well-known nickname which just happens to be “The Black Widow”.
Hawkeye- Kyle Korver, SG/SF, Chicago Bulls
How could I not choose the sharp shooter who comes from the “Hawkeye State”? Mr. Korver is known for his shooting prowess, proven by the fact that he owns the NBA record for 3-point field goal percentage for a season with 53.6% which he accomplished with the Utah Jazz back in 2009. Much like Hawkeye, he may not have super athleticism or physical stature, but if you leave him open, he will hit his target dead on.
No comments:
Post a Comment