Sports

Reggie White was a defensive end with one of the best sack records of all time. He was named the Defensive Player of the Year five times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

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.

Sonny Jurgensen was a classic drop-back passer known for his pinpoint passing abilities. Unfortunately, his playing time decreased in his later years due to a defensive-minded coach.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Rod Woodson was a three-time NFL MVP during his career as a defensive back. He set a record for the most Pro Bowl appearances by a defensive back with 11 and made the NFL 75th Anniversary Team in 1994. Get stats and bio information on Rod Woodson.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Gale Sayers, at 34, was the youngest player ever to be named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, nagging injuries began to take their toll, and Sayers decided to retire in 1972. Learn about Gale Sayers, the 1977 inductee.

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.

Don Shula had an amazing 347 career victories with much of his career spent coaching the Miami Dolphins. He spent 26 years with the Dolphins, and in that time they only posted one losing season. Learn more about legendary coach Don Shula.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Amos Alonzo Stagg was a key figure in the development of football. His career spanned 57 years, he compiled a record of 314-199-35, and his innovations aided in the training of players. Learn more about his distinguished football career.

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.

Paul Arizin, known as 'Pitchin' Paul,' was one of the first NBA players to master the jump shot. He retired from professional play in 1962 with 16,266 career points. Arzin was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1977.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Defensive back Jack Christiansen might have been the greatest punt returner ever. He averaged 21.47 yards per return in 1952, which stands as the second highest ever. Learn more about Hall of Fame inductee Jack Christiansen.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Willie Davis was fortunate enough to be traded to the Green Bay Packers at just the right time. His speed agility and size allowed him to become one of the best defensive ends in professional football. Read about defensive end Willie Davis.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Mike Ditka is a Chicago football legend as both a player and a coach. He is famous for coaching the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl win against New England in 1986. Learn about Mike Ditka, the first tight end inducted into the Football Hall of Fame.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Willie Anderson was the first dominant golfer in American golf. He is the only person to have won the U.S. Open three consecutive times from 1903-1905. Find out how Willie Anderson's calm demeanor helped him dominate in pro golf.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Paul Warfield, a premier wide receiver, played as a rookie for the Browns. In his first six years with the Browns, the team played in five conference championships and posted a record of 59-23-2.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Football legend Lance Alworth was the first AFL player to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a prized catch when he signed with the Chargers in the AFL instead of the 49ers in the NFL. Read about his amazing 11-season career.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Doug Atkins was a great defensive football player whose size and speed got him named an All-NFL three times. He was named to eight Pro-Bowls and played a part on the legendary Chicago Bears defensive team in 1963 when they won the championship.

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.'

Slingin' Sammy Baugh was so accurate in his passing that he led the NFL record in passing six times. He also led the league in passing, punting and interceptions in 1943. He was one of the sport's most complete players.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Chuck Bednarik was a great football player who effortlessly switched between offensive center and linebacker. He was known as a tough hitter. Read about how a tough hit from Bednarik left Frank Gifford lying unconscious on the ground.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Mel Blount played in five Pro Bowls and holds the Steelers' record for most interceptions. He was one of the best cornerbacks of his era and part of the reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers were the most dominant team in the '70s.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Terry Bradshaw started slow with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but was setting records by the end of his career. Bradshaw played for 14 seasons, throwing 27,989 yards and making 212 touchdowns.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Buck Buchanan was the big player with the big personality that the Kansas City Chiefs needed in the late 1960s. Buchanan was a constant threat who gained notoriety for making things happen when it counted.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

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