July 10, 2020 9:10 am ET
The best pro athletes not named Cam Newton to wear jersey No. 1
(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
With the news that former NFL MVP Cam Newton will continue to wear No. 1 with the New England Patriots, let’s take at the other great players to select to don that number.
Oscar Robertson
(Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network)
NBA legend and Hall of Famer who played with the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks (1960-1974).
Ozzie Smith
(AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Nicknamed “The Wizard,” the Hall of Famer Smith was an amazing fielding shortstop and known for performing backflips while taking the field.
Warren Moon
(USA TODAY Sports)
A prolific quarterback, who started out in the CFL, Moon became a nine-time Pro Bowler in the NFL (with four teams) and the Hall of Famer is ranked 11th on the all-time passing list.
Terry Sawchuk
(AP Photo)
The hockey Hall of Famer was one of the sport’s greatest goalies, winning the Vezina Trophy in four different seasons, and he was a four-time Stanley Cup champion.
Jacques Plante
(AP Photo)
Another oldie-but-really-good goalie. The Hall of Famer, who won six titles with the Montreal Canadiens,was the first NHL goaltender to wear agoaltender maskin regulation play on a regularbasis.
Pee Wee Reese
(AP Photo)
Reese, a Hall of Famer, was a 10-time All Star shortstop and was a two-time World Series champion with the Dodgers.
Derrick Rose
(Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports)
Many people forget that Rose became the youngest NBA MVP in history following his fantastic 2011 season when he was just 22.
Tracy McGrady
(AP Photo/Peter Cosgrove)
He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and the league’s scoring champ in back-to-back seasons (2003, 2004) during his heyday with the Orlando Magic.
Penny Hardaway
(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Another magical Magic man who came along before McGrady and had a similar game. Hardaway was a four-time All-Star but will likely be remembered for the Lil’ Penny ads created by Nike and featuring the voice of Chris Rock.
Kyler Murray
(Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)
Murray was a star on both the Oklahoma Sooners’ football and baseball teams, so he had his choice of which sport to play professionally. He’s off to an outstanding career with the Arizona Cardinals.
Chris Bosh
(Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports)
He has two NBA championship rings thanks to teaming up with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami and he was an 11-time All-Star.
Chauncey Billups
USA TODAY Sports
He was the NBA Finals MVP after leading the Pistons to their surprising 2004 title over the Los Angeles Lakers. He was also a five-time All-Star.
As an avid sports enthusiast and expert with a deep understanding of various athletic disciplines, I can attest to the rich history and significance associated with jersey numbers in professional sports. Drawing on my extensive knowledge, I'll delve into the details of the players mentioned in the article dated July 10, 2020, which highlights athletes who, like Cam Newton, have donned the iconic jersey No. 1.
The article features a diverse array of sports legends who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields. Let's explore the mentioned athletes and their contributions:
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Cam Newton:
- The former NFL MVP continues to wear No. 1 with the New England Patriots, showcasing his prowess as a quarterback.
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Oscar Robertson:
- An NBA legend and Hall of Famer, Robertson played for the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks from 1960 to 1974, leaving an enduring legacy in basketball history.
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Ozzie Smith:
- Nicknamed "The Wizard," Smith was a Hall of Famer known for his incredible fielding skills as a shortstop, along with his trademark backflips when taking the field.
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Warren Moon:
- Starting his career in the CFL, Moon became a prolific NFL quarterback, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and securing a spot in the Hall of Fame.
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Terry Sawchuk:
- A hockey Hall of Famer and one of the greatest goalies in the sport's history, Sawchuk won the Vezina Trophy four times and clinched four Stanley Cup championships.
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Jacques Plante:
- Another legendary goalie, Plante, a Hall of Famer, won six NHL titles with the Montreal Canadiens and was the first goaltender to wear a mask in regulation play regularly.
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Pee Wee Reese:
- Inducted into the Hall of Fame, Reese was a 10-time All-Star shortstop and a two-time World Series champion with the Dodgers.
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Derrick Rose:
- Rose, the youngest NBA MVP in history, achieved this milestone at the age of 22 after a standout 2011 season.
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Tracy McGrady:
- A seven-time NBA All-Star and back-to-back league scoring champion (2003, 2004), McGrady showcased his skills with the Orlando Magic.
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Penny Hardaway:
- A four-time NBA All-Star, Hardaway made his mark with the Orlando Magic and is remembered for the iconic Lil' Penny ads created by Nike, featuring the voice of Chris Rock.
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Kyler Murray:
- Excelling in both football and baseball at the University of Oklahoma, Murray opted for a professional football career and has become a standout player with the Arizona Cardinals.
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Chris Bosh:
- With two NBA championship rings and 11 All-Star selections, Bosh played a pivotal role in the Miami Heat alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
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Chauncey Billups:
- Billups, an NBA Finals MVP, led the Pistons to a surprising 2004 title victory over the Los Angeles Lakers and earned five All-Star selections.
This comprehensive overview showcases the diverse talents and achievements of athletes who have worn jersey No. 1, contributing significantly to the rich tapestry of sports history.
