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Sports give us the gift of memories and moments that last forever. Those moments are created by the many athletes who occupy the variety of sports we watch. Unfortunately, we lost several key people in the sporting world this year. These 25 are just the most memorable. They’re people from sports we will never forget even though they’re gone now.
25. Jethro Pugh
Credit: Getty ImagesThe fourth-longest tenured Cowboy in franchise history lost his life on January 7 of natural causes. He recorded 95.5 sacks in his illustrious 14-year career and was part of a dominant defensive front that won two Super Bowls. It's not an exaggeration to say that he's a big reason why the Cowboys are known as "America's Team".
25. Jethro Pugh
Age: 70
The fourth-longest tenured Cowboy in franchise history lost his life on January 7 of natural causes. He recorded 95.5 sacks in his illustrious 14-year career and was part of a dominant defensive front that won two Super Bowls. It's not an exaggeration to say that he's a big reason why the Cowboys are known as "America's Team".
24. Anthony Mason
Credit: Getty ImagesMason lasted 13 years in the NBA, which is longer than most who even reach the league. He was a solid contributor for six different teams throughout his career, most notably the Knicks. Tragically, congestive heart failure brought on a massive heart attack in February, which killed him.
24. Anthony Mason
Age: 48
Mason lasted 13 years in the NBA, which is longer than most who even reach the league. He was a solid contributor for six different teams throughout his career, most notably the Knicks. Tragically, congestive heart failure brought on a massive heart attack in February, which killed him.
23. Al Rosen
Credit: Getty ImagesDuring the 1940s and 1950s, there were few players at Al Rosen's level. Known as the "Hebrew Hammer", he clubbed 192 homers while batting .285 in his lifetime and missing the 1953 Triple Crown by one hit. In the 1970s, he jumped back into the game as a front office executive and was successful in that realm as well. Living nearly a century, Rosen became one of the most iconic Jewish athletes ever and will be dearly missed.
23. Al Rosen
Age: 91
During the 1940s and 1950s, there were few players at Al Rosen's level. Known as the "Hebrew Hammer", he clubbed 192 homers while batting .285 in his lifetime and missing the 1953 Triple Crown by one hit. In the 1970s, he jumped back into the game as a front office executive and was successful in that realm as well. Living nearly a century, Rosen became one of the most iconic Jewish athletes ever and will be dearly missed.
22. Jerome Kersey
Credit: Getty ImagesKersey was a larger-than-life personality during his 17-year NBA career, which helped him stay in the league even longer than he would have otherwise. He was a great teammate and could seriously score the basketball. It was tragic, then, when we all heard of his sudden death caused by a pulmonary embolism barely past the age of 50.
22. Jerome Kersey
Age: 52
Kersey was a larger-than-life personality during his 17-year NBA career, which helped him stay in the league even longer than he would have otherwise. He was a great teammate and could seriously score the basketball. It was tragic, then, when we all heard of his sudden death caused by a pulmonary embolism barely past the age of 50.
21. Steve Montador
Credit: Getty ImagesJust years out of the NHL, Montador was found dead in his home from unknown causes. Obviously, at his young age, that leaves the entire matter mysterious. Whatever the case, his death at a young age is extremely tragic after a very good NHL career. His former teammates poured out support for him, which went to show what a great locker room presence he was.
21. Steve Montador
Age: 35
Just years out of the NHL, Montador was found dead in his home from unknown causes. Obviously, at his young age, that leaves the entire matter mysterious. Whatever the case, his death at a young age is extremely tragic after a very good NHL career. His former teammates poured out support for him, which went to show what a great locker room presence he was.
20. John "Hot Rod" Williams
Credit: Getty ImagesThough troubled during his 13-year career, John "Hot Rod" Williams was a very valuable member of some very good Cavalier teams in the 1980s and 1990s. For a long time, he was the team's all-time leader in blocked shots (he was passed in 2009 by Zydrunas Ilgauskas). In June, Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer and died from complications of the disease on December 11.
20. John "Hot Rod" Williams
Age: 53
Though troubled during his 13-year career, John "Hot Rod" Williams was a very valuable member of some very good Cavalier teams in the 1980s and 1990s. For a long time, he was the team's all-time leader in blocked shots (he was passed in 2009 by Zydrunas Ilgauskas). In June, Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer and died from complications of the disease on December 11.
19. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper
Credit: Getty ImagesOne of the most beloved figures in professional wrestling history, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper captured the imagination of the country with his antics. He was quite the entertainer and was able to survive in professional wrestling over three separate decades. He will be missed by wrestling fans everywhere. Piper died in his sleep after suffering a heart attack.
19. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper
Age: 61
One of the most beloved figures in professional wrestling history, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper captured the imagination of the country with his antics. He was quite the entertainer and was able to survive in professional wrestling over three separate decades. He will be missed by wrestling fans everywhere. Piper died in his sleep after suffering a heart attack.
18. John David Crow
Credit: Getty ImagesThere are only so many Heisman trophy winners in history and Crow is one of them. He won the award as Texas A&M's quarterback in 1957 and was a legend in the college ranks. Then, he went on to coach under Bear Bryant at Alabama and into the NFL as well. Of course, his lasting legacy is winning the Heisman, though. He died in his sleep with his family at his side.
18. John David Crow
Age: 79
There are only so many Heisman trophy winners in history and Crow is one of them. He won the award as Texas A&M's quarterback in 1957 and was a legend in the college ranks. Then, he went on to coach under Bear Bryant at Alabama and into the NFL as well. Of course, his lasting legacy is winning the Heisman, though. He died in his sleep with his family at his side.
17. Tommy Hanson
Credit: Getty ImagesNot too long ago, Hanson was one of the bright spots on baseball's young pitching scene. Unfortunately, things went downhill for him, as he died in November with a mix of drugs and alcohol in his system. Not even 30 years old, Hanson wasn't able to see if he could've resurrected an MLB career that had gone off the tracks.
17. Tommy Hanson
Age: 29
Not too long ago, Hanson was one of the bright spots on baseball's young pitching scene. Unfortunately, things went downhill for him, as he died in November with a mix of drugs and alcohol in his system. Not even 30 years old, Hanson wasn't able to see if he could've resurrected an MLB career that had gone off the tracks.
16. Altee Tenpenny
Credit: Getty ImagesTenpenny was a promising running back for Alabama, but he got into trouble there and then at UNLV afterward. He left both programs and was then kicked off the Nicholls State team when he was driving back home to Little Rock Arkansas in October. It is believed that he fell asleep at the wheel, causing him to veer off the road. The one-car accident killed the 20-year-old and unfortunately left this sad story without a chance for a new chapter.
16. Altee Tenpenny
Age: 20
Tenpenny was a promising running back for Alabama, but he got into trouble there and then at UNLV afterward. He left both programs and was then kicked off the Nicholls State team when he was driving back home to Little Rock Arkansas in October. It is believed that he fell asleep at the wheel, causing him to veer off the road. The one-car accident killed the 20-year-old and unfortunately left this sad story without a chance for a new chapter.
15. Darryl Hamilton
Credit: Getty ImagesHamilton played for five teams in his MLB career, most recently playing for the Mets in 2001. He was an above-average outfielder for a time and was killed tragically in June. His girlfriend shot him multiple times and then shot herself in a murder suicide. The news rocked the baseball world and left the sport without an integral piece of its history.
15. Darryl Hamilton
Age: 50
Hamilton played for five teams in his MLB career, most recently playing for the Mets in 2001. He was an above-average outfielder for a time and was killed tragically in June. His girlfriend shot him multiple times and then shot herself in a murder suicide. The news rocked the baseball world and left the sport without an integral piece of its history.
14. Chuck Bednarik
Credit: Getty ImagesBednarik was a first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the best linebackers to ever step foot onto a football field. He was an Eagles legend, playing from 1949 to 1962 and delivered some of the most famous tackles in the history of football. His ability to fly around the field on defense enabled him to make 10 All-Pro teams and eight Pro Bowls during his career. He passed away in March, possibly due to complications with dementia-related diseases that were brought on by the many hits to the head during his playing career.
14. Chuck Bednarik
Age: 89
Bednarik was a first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the best linebackers to ever step foot onto a football field. He was an Eagles legend, playing from 1949 to 1962 and delivered some of the most famous tackles in the history of football. His ability to fly around the field on defense enabled him to make 10 All-Pro teams and eight Pro Bowls during his career. He passed away in March, possibly due to complications with dementia-related diseases that were brought on by the many hits to the head during his playing career.
13. Minnie Minoso
Credit: Getty ImagesOne of the most beloved players in White Sox and Negro League history was lost from this world on March 1 after a pulmonary artery tore. He lived quite the life, though. He played for four MLB teams, most notably the South Siders. The Cuban slugger is also known as being the player who played in baseball across five decades. As baseball's color line was broken, Minoso was among the first wave of players allowed to play in MLB.
13. Minnie Minoso
Age: 92
One of the most beloved players in White Sox and Negro League history was lost from this world on March 1 after a pulmonary artery tore. He lived quite the life, though. He played for four MLB teams, most notably the South Siders. The Cuban slugger is also known as being the player who played in baseball across five decades. As baseball's color line was broken, Minoso was among the first wave of players allowed to play in MLB.
12. Jerry Tarkanian
Credit: Getty ImagesMost people probably wouldn't even know about UNLV basketball if it weren't for the work of Jerry Tarkanian in the 1980s and 1990s. His career culminated in winning the 1990 national championship with the Runnin' Rebels. He was always known as a good man who got the most out of his players and that, along with his career accomplishments, helped land him in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
12. Jerry Tarkanian
Age: 84
Most people probably wouldn't even know about UNLV basketball if it weren't for the work of Jerry Tarkanian in the 1980s and 1990s. His career culminated in winning the 1990 national championship with the Runnin' Rebels. He was always known as a good man who got the most out of his players and that, along with his career accomplishments, helped land him in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
11. Ed Sabol
Credit: Getty ImagesSabol never played a down in the NFL, but he was one of the most influential people in the history of the league regardless. He founded NFL Films with his son Steve and helped build the NFL's popularity into what it is today. The insightful films as well as the music produced by NFL Films are now iconic and part of what we associate with the NFL. If it weren't for Sabol, the NFL would be very different.
11. Ed Sabol
Age: 98
Sabol never played a down in the NFL, but he was one of the most influential people in the history of the league regardless. He founded NFL Films with his son Steve and helped build the NFL's popularity into what it is today. The insightful films as well as the music produced by NFL Films are now iconic and part of what we associate with the NFL. If it weren't for Sabol, the NFL would be very different.
10. Darryl Dawkins
Credit: Getty ImagesThere wasn't anybody in the NBA who could rattle a rim quite like Darryl Dawkins. He really knew how to dunk and his high-flying antics would go viral if he were playing today. The longtime 76er was such a force in the league that his name soon became synonymous with his power. Dawkins died of a heart attack in August and will be missed by the basketball community.
10. Darryl Dawkins
Age: 58
There wasn't anybody in the NBA who could rattle a rim quite like Darryl Dawkins. He really knew how to dunk and his high-flying antics would go viral if he were playing today. The longtime 76er was such a force in the league that his name soon became synonymous with his power. Dawkins died of a heart attack in August and will be missed by the basketball community.
9. Moses Malone
Credit: Getty ImagesAnother legendary NBA player from the same era, Malone could seemingly do it all. Playing in both the ABA and NBA, he accumulated three NBA MVPs and won the NBA Finals in 1983 with the 76ers. By the time he called it a career, he ranked in the top 10 in points and rebounds in basketball history. Complications from heart disease claimed his life in September when he was supposed to be playing in a golf tournament.
9. Moses Malone
Age: 60
Another legendary NBA player from the same era, Malone could seemingly do it all. Playing in both the ABA and NBA, he accumulated three NBA MVPs and won the NBA Finals in 1983 with the 76ers. By the time he called it a career, he ranked in the top 10 in points and rebounds in basketball history. Complications from heart disease claimed his life in September when he was supposed to be playing in a golf tournament.
8. Frank Gifford
Credit: Getty ImagesGifford was an incredible running back for the New York football Giants for 12 years, but he is more well-remembered and loved for his work as a TV commentator. Most notably, he was featured on Monday Night Football, but he was also on the Wide World of Sports. He was such a colorful personality and a joy to be around that everyone was dismayed to find out about his death on August 9.
8. Frank Gifford
Age: 84
Gifford was an incredible running back for the New York football Giants for 12 years, but he is more well-remembered and loved for his work as a TV commentator. Most notably, he was featured on Monday Night Football, but he was also on the Wide World of Sports. He was such a colorful personality and a joy to be around that everyone was dismayed to find out about his death on August 9.
7. Lauren Hill
Credit: Getty ImagesLauren Hill's story is both a tragic and inspirational one. The high school basketball player was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer before going off to play basketball at Mount Saint Joseph University. While dealing with her diagnosis, she helped raise over $1 million for cancer research before playing in her only college game. She made five layups in the game and earned every single one. On April 10, she died. Her journey, though, should serve as an inspiration to us all.
7. Lauren Hill
Age: 19
Lauren Hill's story is both a tragic and inspirational one. The high school basketball player was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer before going off to play basketball at Mount Saint Joseph University. While dealing with her diagnosis, she helped raise over $1 million for cancer research before playing in her only college game. She made five layups in the game and earned every single one. On April 10, she died. Her journey, though, should serve as an inspiration to us all.
6. Flip Saunders
Credit: Brad Rempel-USA Today SportsAfter a battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma, Saunders died in October. He was the most legendary coach in the history of the Timberwolves organization and was a true legend in the game he loved so much. Kevin Garnett, who played for him at the beginning and end of his career, spoke to how much his players loved and respected him. In the end, he will always be remembered for turning a team that had never really been competitive into a team that contended for conference championships.
6. Flip Saunders
Age: 60
After a battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma, Saunders died in October. He was the most legendary coach in the history of the Timberwolves organization and was a true legend in the game he loved so much. Kevin Garnett, who played for him at the beginning and end of his career, spoke to how much his players loved and respected him. In the end, he will always be remembered for turning a team that had never really been competitive into a team that contended for conference championships.
5. Ken Stabler
Credit: TwitterOne of the best quarterbacks of his time, Stabler led a very competitive Raiders team throughout the 1970s. He won them a Super Bowl and developed a heck of a career along the way. As a broadcaster, "The Snake" announced Alabama football games and became well known for those broadcasts as well. Stabler died from complications of colon cancer in July.
5. Ken Stabler
Age: 69
One of the best quarterbacks of his time, Stabler led a very competitive Raiders team throughout the 1970s. He won them a Super Bowl and developed a heck of a career along the way. As a broadcaster, "The Snake" announced Alabama football games and became well known for those broadcasts as well. Stabler died from complications of colon cancer in July.
4. Stuart Scott
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA Today SportsStuart Scott is a true inspiration. Throughout his long, public battle with cancer, he always kept his head up and kept fighting. He even kept working at ESPN when he could. Everyone who watched him just wishes they could've watched him a little bit longer. Even as it seemed everything in the world was stacked against him, Scott remained calm and faced adversity head on. That truly makes him cooler than the other side of the pillow.
4. Stuart Scott
Age: 49
Stuart Scott is a true inspiration. Throughout his long, public battle with cancer, he always kept his head up and kept fighting. He even kept working at ESPN when he could. Everyone who watched him just wishes they could've watched him a little bit longer. Even as it seemed everything in the world was stacked against him, Scott remained calm and faced adversity head on. That truly makes him cooler than the other side of the pillow.
3. Ernie Banks
Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA Today SportsErnie Banks is the biggest legend in the history of the Chicago Cubs, one that spans 139 years. He has played the most games in MLB history without playing in a playoff game, which is truly a shame. What's a bigger shame is that Ernie will never get to see the Cubs win the World Series. Based on their flurry of moves this offseason, he might have just missed it by a couple years.
3. Ernie Banks
Age: 83
Ernie Banks is the biggest legend in the history of the Chicago Cubs, one that spans 139 years. He has played the most games in MLB history without playing in a playoff game, which is truly a shame. What's a bigger shame is that Ernie will never get to see the Cubs win the World Series. Based on their flurry of moves this offseason, he might have just missed it by a couple years.
2. Dean Smith
Credit: Getty ImagesOne of the most legendary coaches in college basketball history, Dean Smith left behind a legacy at North Carolina. He coached some of the greatest players to ever play the game including Michael Jordan, the most dominant player in NBA history. He established excellence for the Tar Heels and that excellence is still there to this day.
2. Dean Smith
Age: 83
One of the most legendary coaches in college basketball history, Dean Smith left behind a legacy at North Carolina. He coached some of the greatest players to ever play the game including Michael Jordan, the most dominant player in NBA history. He established excellence for the Tar Heels and that excellence is still there to this day.
1. Yogi Berra
Credit: Getty ImagesThere are very few athletes who left the same fond legacy that Yogi Berra left on the world. He was one of the greatest catchers in major league history, played in 13 World Series, winning 10, and left behind a great legacy on the field. That's only half the equation, though. His "Yogi-isms" were legendary and helped build the image of who this kind man was over the years. Berra lived a long and fruitful life, and that's all anyone can ever hope for.
1. Yogi Berra
Age: 90
There are very few athletes who left the same fond legacy that Yogi Berra left on the world. He was one of the greatest catchers in major league history, played in 13 World Series, winning 10, and left behind a great legacy on the field. That's only half the equation, though. His "Yogi-isms" were legendary and helped build the image of who this kind man was over the years. Berra lived a long and fruitful life, and that's all anyone can ever hope for.
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