This is Michigan’s Most Famous Athlete
Who do you think is Michigan’s most celebrated, or at least well-known, athlete? Plenty of classic names come to mind when I think of the state’s most popular athletes. I can think of at least 10. Now, a new study has been released that names Michigan’s most famous athlete, based on search results.
BetMichigan.com took look at which athletes that were raised in the state of Michigan have been discussed the most in the past year. They concluded that meant they were the most well-known athletes. According to the study, “‘Michigan athlete’ was defined as a person who was born or resided in Michigan in their formative childhood and teenage years for over 10 years.” They looked at data over the past 12 months.
I totally would think that Magic Johnson, the basketball Hall of Famer from Lansing, would be No. 1 on this list. He’s actually No. 3. Another close one is Kirk Cousins, the NFL Vikings quarterback, from Holland, who comes in at No. 4. Basketball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter of Kalamazoo is No. 5, and NBA guard Devin Booker from Grand Rapids is No. 2.
Michigan’s Most Famous Athlete:
So, who is the No. 1 most well-known athlete from Michigan? It’s Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green, hailing from Saginaw. He’s also a Michigan State University graduate, which I love, since I went to MSU. Go green. “He rebounds, he passes, he defends, he occasionally scores, he’s All-NBA at getting under opponents’ skins and he just declined a $27.5 million player option,” BetMichigan.com states. “Green is from Saginaw and played his college ball for Tom Izzo at Michigan State, where he was Big Ten Player of the Year in 2012. His Warriors have anywhere from +1200 to +1300 odds to win the 2024 NBA championship at various Michigan sportsbook apps.” I’m actually really happy to see Green as No. 1 on this list. He works hard and deserves it. Find the full list here.
5 Reasons the Lions Will Demolish the Packers (and Every Other NFL Team)
Jared Goff is Comfortable Against Green Bay
Jared Goff is good at, well, beating the Packers. He led the Detroit Lions to not one but two wins over Green Bay last season, and that was with Aaron Rodgers as his opposition. Goff just keeps getting more and more comfortable with the team, and there’s no reason he can’t lead the Lions to more wins over these rivals.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 08: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers is Out
Yes, Aaron Rodgers is no longer with the Green Bay Packers. Even though Rodgers has been, well, a mess lately, he’s still one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Without Rodgers, it’s going to be difficult for Green Bay to get footing, at least until Jordan Love gets settled in. That said, I think Love is solid and could bring a lot to the Packers franchise in the coming years. But, yeah, no Rodgers is going to hurt the Packers this year.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 08: Aaron Rodgers #12 and Randall Cobb #18 of the Green Bay Packers walk off the field after losing to the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Top-Notch Offense
The Detroit Lions had one of the best offenses in the NFL last season. In addition, aforementioned quarterback Jared Goff had his best season as a pro player. Now, with superstar running back David Montgomery in the fold and wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr., there’s nothing stopping the Lions from improving upon their already fantastic offense this coming season.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 08: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Dan Campbell's fight and personality
Dan Campbell is simply a likeable dude. That counts for something in the NFL and with his players. Campbell led the Lions to two wins over Green Bay last season, and he’s that same guy, calling the shots and pumping them up when they need it. He’ll help them win again.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 31: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions while playing the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on October 31, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Lions Chemistry
There are some factors in football – and in life, in general – that are intangible. Not to get too philosophical, but there’s that factor that you can’t really see, touch or understand, but it’s there. When Campbell and Goff joined the Lions, the team’s chemistry changed, and something magical happened. It’s hard to put a finger on it, but it’s there. It will help them beat Green Bay and other teams, to boot.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 04: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions looks to pass the ball during the first half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field on December 04, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
