# Who is the most intimidating athlete in American sports history?

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

*By YPB Team · Published September 11, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-most-intimidating-athlete-in-american-sports-history*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

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

Tags: usa, sports, nba, nfl, athletes