What is the most recognizable face in sports?

Are we talking about active athletes only? Becuase Ali and Tyson would be my picks if we were talking about those who are alive.

In an odd way I'd also say John Madden. Football is the biggest sport, in this country at least, and Madden is probably the most familiar face between his broadcasts, video games, and commercials that there is in the sport.

Michael Jordan is still the king, but if you're sticking with active athletes, probably Shaq.

If we are talking about athletes who are still playing, I would say Tiger Woods.

As far as the NFL goes, maybe Peyton Manning since he is one you see on a lot of commercials.

Jeter with Major League Baseball. Maybe Bonds as well.

Kobe Bryant and Shaq from the NBA also come to mind. I would say Shaq might be up there with Tiger as far as being recognizable.

If It's active players, I'd go with Tiger or Shaq. Football players (as stated below) are tough because they wear helmets. Actually, I'll make this a little more intersting and start a list for each sport. Remember, the goal as stated by JBIMH is people you would recognize on the street.

Football - Peyton Manning. You can't go one set of commericals without seeing his face.

Basketball - Shaq. Not only has he been around what seems like thiry years, has made rap albums and horrible movies, but he's seven foot tall and weighs around 500lbs. LeBron, Wade, & Kobe are close - but Shaq takes it.

Baseball - I'm gonna go with Bonds here. I got Randy Johnson close second (he's just that freaky looking) or A-Rod, but bonds has been in the new so much lately, he's gotta get it.

Hockey - Got me. As an avid sports fan, I wouldn't know a famous hockey player if he knocked me down in a family friendly ice skating rink, then mouth-fucked my wife while our children watched and some dude taped it on his cell phone then put the video on YouTube.

Golf - There can be only one. Tiger.

Soccer - Beckham

Tennis - Serena Williams. Famous & sort of hot (I still can't tell)

Boxing - Tyson. I think he' still trying to beat up women, so he still counts as active.

Coaches (all sports) - I'm gonna go with either Phil Jackson or Bill Parcells. I think they get the most TV time.

"Extreme" Sports - Tony Hawk

I'm sure there are more sports (I mean hell, I included extreme sports) but I'm drawting a blank.

I'm betting most guy sports fans can recognize Anna Kournikova anywhere.

Honestly, I know she's hot, but I don't think I would know her if I walking in the mall and she was sipping on an Orage Julius while I stared at her, nibbling on a cinnamon pretzel.

fixed for Wehman

Actually for extreme sports I would say Shaun White is getting to the point where he is as famous to a lot of kids as Tony Hawk.

With soccer, I would also so Ronaldino (sp?) as wella s Beckham.

But the more I think about it, Shaq and Tiger are the two most recognizable US athletes I can think of who are still playing. They would be followed by Peyton Manning and Kobe.

Wow.. that's cold. Look I know she's hot, but right now I can't think of what she looks like. She would pretty much be another hot chick who passes me by.

I think there is a rule that any female athlete who is at all attractive automatically becomes hotter because her contemporaries are all dog-faced.

Actually, as far as former athletes go, who doesn't recognize this guy:

Look what I just learned, Dallas is filled with blonde hotness. I will say this, if Anna was strolling through the streets of Cleveland, I probably would recognize her. Although after she was robbed and beaten, I might not. Silly hot blonder girl, walking the streets of Cleveland.

I'd say you should go with players who are currently playing, today. Because in the last ten years, no one is going to beat Micheal Jorden.

NASCAR: Junior. I was thinking Stewart or Gordon, but I think number 8 takes it.

Right now, Tiger barely, and I mean barely, edges out Jordan.

He fits the 10 year rule.

See I would think most people would put his name with that face now. It doesn't have much to do with his boxing but you can't go into a department store without seeing him.

Uh, yeah. #23 all the way.

Or was it #32?

Also see Gretzky, Wayne.

American athletes or world wide athletes?

If we are just talking about American athletes then I don't know who it would be. If we are talking about world wide athletes it is probably David Beckham. As an LA resident, I think I have to give Beckham $100 since he is now playing for the Galaxy....

Since the question is most recognizable face, I'd say Tyson wins hands down.

By the way, my wife pciked out George Foreman, but could pick out Tiger Woods (yes, I set up a test at home. It was that or watch Grey's Anatomy and I won't go for that. No, no. No can do.)