Sports

Spencer Haywood was the ABA's Most Valuable Player at 21 and the NBA's preeminent power forward at 23. He averaged 24.9 points and 12.1 rebounds in five seasons with Seattle Supersonics and led them to the playoffs.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Michael Jordan is considered to be the greatest basketball player who ever lived. He captured 10 NBA scoring crowns and six NBA titles during his legendary career -- there's really no other player like him.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Walter Hagen was the first American professional golfer. Hagen set himself apart from other golfers not through his athletic talents but by his instinct for great showmanship. Learn more about Walter Hagen's life and successful golfing career.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Ben Hogan had to overcome many hardships to become one of golf's all-time great champions. He won the Colonial Invitational in 1959, which turned out to be his last win; he retired a year later. Find out more about Ben Hogan's golfing career.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Bronko Nagurski symbolized power running and possessed a brute force that has never been matched. He retired in 1938 to become a professional wrestler but later returned to the Bears in 1943. Find out more about powerhouse Bronko Nagurski.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Clyde Drexler soared into an NBA career in 1983 that would bring him fame, fortune and an NBA championship ring. His best season came in 1991-92 where he averaged 25.0 points and led the Blazers in assists.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Patrick Ewing, throughout his career, changed his basketball personality to an extent that few players do. He was one of the most complete pivotmen in college and professional basketball history.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Joe Fulks pioneered the use of the jump shot in professional basketball. He was on the NBA Silver Anniversary Team in 1970 and elected to the NBA Hall of Fame in 1977, one year after his death.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Wilt Chamberlain by his own reckoning was the greatest basketball player who ever lived. He retired after 14 seasons in 1973 after having recorded 31419 points and 23924 rebounds. Learn more about this Hall of Fame basketball player.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Dan Fortmann joined the Chicago Bears in 1936 and became the youngest NFL starter. He retired from football in 1943 and became a highly respected doctor on the West Coast. Find out how Dan Fortmann wen from football field to medical field.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Otto Graham was approached by Paul Brown to join the Cleveland Browns in the new AAFC league. His passing abilities and leadership skills helped keep the Cleveland Browns at the top of the standings for 10 years.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Franco Harris led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl victories. He retired in in 1984 after amassing 12,120 rushing yards, which was ranked third overall at the time. Read about Franco Harris, the NFL's intelligent and agile fullback.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Charles Barkley was the shortest NBA player ever to claim a rebounding title. When he retired, he was one of four players to record at least 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 4,000 assists. Read about this Hall of Fame basketball player.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Jerry Rice set many records in his 20 seasons of playing football and is considered the greatest receiver of all time. In his career, he amassed amazing totals of 22,895 receiving yards 207 touchdowns and 1,549 receptions.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Coach Eddie Robinson set the record for number of wins when Grambling State University won the Cotton Bowl in 1985. He retired in 1997 with an amazing career record of 408-165-15. His career lasted an amazing 56 years. Learn about Eddie Robinson.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Larry Wilson was the All-Pro Safety for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was an outstanding coverage player, led the league with 10 interceptions in 1966 and retired with a team record of 52 interceptions.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Joe Schmidt was one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL. He helped develop the middle linebacker position into the dominant pro defensive position. Schmidt entered the Hall of Fame in 1973.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Earl Campbell won the 1977 Heisman Trophy and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990. His career was cut short due to the constant pounding and abuse he took during his eight-year career. Learn about Earl Campbell's great running back career.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played center in the NBA for a record 20 years. He is famous for holding the record for the most points scored in NBA history, with 38,387. Learn more about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and his signature 'sky hook.'

Born in Baltimore in 1895 George Ruth Jr. became one of baseball's greatest players. He forever changed the way baseball was played, inventing the home run as an offensive weapon. Learn how Babe Ruth made baseball history on HowStuffWorks.

By Paul Adomites & Saul Wisnia

Surfers began skateboarding or "sidewalk surfing" to improve their surfing but it didn't take long for skateboarding to become a sport on its own. Learn all about skateboarding, from its origins to how skaters perform their amazing tricks.

By Cameron Lawrence

Soccer (or football) is the most popular sport in the world. Want to know a little more about the game? We've got you covered.

By Ed Grabianowski

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bills itself as the premier Mixed Martial Arts organization in the world. Learn what the Ultimate Fighting Championship is, how the organization began, and where it is today.

By Jonathan Strickland

To maintain a skateboard in tip-top shape the most important thing to do is keep the wheels moving smoothly by adjusting and lubricating the wheel bearings. Get the step-by-step instructions in this article.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

The difference between a skilled boxer you've never heard of and a skilled boxer named Muhammad Ali is often a really good promoter.

By Julia Layton