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Who is the most intimidating athlete in American sports history?

By YPB Team

Reputations that did some of the work before the whistle. Fear is not a stat, which is why this one is worth arguing about.

  1. Mike Tyson — ranked #11
    Mike Tyson
    Won his first nineteen professional fights by knockout, twelve in round one.
    1000pts
  2. Lawrence Taylor — ranked #22
    Lawrence Taylor
    Changed how NFL offenses were built because of one linebacker.
    782pts
  3. Dale Earnhardt — ranked #33
    Dale Earnhardt
    Nicknamed The Intimidator for what the black No. 3 did to a mirror.
    635pts
  4. Michael Jordan — ranked #44
    Michael Jordan
    Talked, stared and won six titles doing it.
    587pts
  5. Bob Gibson — ranked #55
    Bob Gibson
    Refused to speak to opposing hitters and threw inside on purpose.
    524pts
  6. Ray Lewis — ranked #66
    Ray Lewis
    Led the 2000 Ravens defense and the pre-game dance that came with it.
    469pts
  7. Nolan Ryan — ranked #77
    Nolan Ryan
    Threw seven no-hitters and never apologised for pitching inside.
    407pts
  8. Randy Johnson — ranked #88
    Randy Johnson
    Six foot ten, a 100 mph fastball and no interest in where it went.
    407pts
  9. Bill Laimbeer — ranked #99
    Bill Laimbeer
    The Bad Boys Piston opponents disliked most, by design.
    335pts
  10. Dennis Rodman — ranked #1010
    Dennis Rodman
    Rebounded and needled his way to five championships.
    335pts
  11. Ronnie Lott — ranked #1111
    Ronnie Lott
    Had part of a finger amputated rather than miss games.
    335pts
  12. Dick Butkus — ranked #1212
    Dick Butkus
    The Bears linebacker whose reputation preceded every snap.
    253pts
  13. Serena Williams — ranked #1313
    Serena Williams
    Served 128 mph and stared down opponents before the toss.
    253pts
  14. Shaquille O'Neal — ranked #1414
    Shaquille O'Neal
    Broke two backboards and forced a rule change on foul strategy.
    156pts
  15. Gordie Howe — ranked #1515
    Gordie Howe
    Mr. Hockey, whose name became shorthand for a goal, an assist and a fight.
    156pts
  16. Deion Sanders — ranked #1616
    Deion Sanders
    Told receivers what was coming and was still right.
    43pts

#usa305#sports636#nba98#nfl51#athletes40

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