| Let the Debate Begin |
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| Written by Jawa | ||||||||
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Every once in a while magazines, tv shows, and websites will come out with various top lists. For me it was time to rank the greatest 5 athletes to have played for a Minnesota Professional sports team. With that I had to eliminate several great athletes right off the bat. Among them are Dave Winfield, Mike Modano, and Paul Molitor. Yes, all three played for a Minnesota. But they have or had played for another team for the bulk of their careers. My list will include only players that played more than half their career in Minnesota. Here is my top five in no partiuclar order.
1.Randy Moss-I hate to say it but yes he is one of our greatest athletes. Played seven seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Was the 21st pick of the first round in 1998. Set the rookie record with 17 touchdown catches in helping the Vkings set the record for most points scored by a team in NFL history. Made the pro bowl 5 times in his 7 seasons with the Vikings. Later traded to the Raiders for Napoloeon Harris, a first round pick and a seventh round pick. Now plays for the New England Patriots.
2.George Mikan-Considered one of the pioneers of the NBA. Led the Minneapolis Lakers to 5 NBA titles. Won three scoring titles. Named one of the 50 greatest players of all time. It is said the shot clock was introduced because of Mikan's dominance. Became the first commissioner of the rival ABA league in the late 1960's. Member of the NBA Hall of Fame. Elexted in 1959.
3.Fran Tarkenton-Drafted by the Vikings in the third round in 1961. Started their first game and beat the bears 36-13. Played for the Vikings from 1961-1966 then was traded to the Giants. Traded back to the Vikings in 1972. Led them to three Super Bowls but they lost all three. At the time of his retirement held the record for most touchdown passes and yards. Voted all Pro 6 times and to the Pro Bowl 9 time. Was the 1975 NFL MVP. Member of the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.
4.Neal Broten-Played 17 seasons in the NHL including 13 seasons with the Minnesota North Stars.Became the first American born player to score 100 points in a season in 1985-1986. Tallied nearly 800 points in his career with the North Stars. Won the trifecta-a national collegiate championship in 1979 with the Minnesota Gophers, a gold medal in the 1980 Miracle on Ice, and a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 1995. Two time all-star selection. Member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.
5.Kevin Garnett-Easily the best player in the Timberwolves' history. Drafted with the 5th pick in the 1995 draft out of Farragut Academy in Chicago. First high school player to go straight to the pros for over 20 years. Selected to the All Star Team 11 times. Voted NBA MVP in 2004 while leading the Wolves to the Western Coference Finals where they lost to the Lakers. Holds franchise records for points, rebounds, blocked shots, as well as many others. Was traded to the Boston Celtics for 5 players and draft picks. At one time had the largest contract in professional sports history. Future Hall of Fame inductee.
Honorable Mentions: Rod Carew, Harmon Kilibrew, Carl Eller, Tony Oliva, Marian Gaborik, Kirby Puckett
Now certainly there will be disagreement. I chose what I think. It's not necessarily right. That is what we are here for. Debate.
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