Who are the 10 biggest athletes in Philadelphia? Philadelphia is thriving as a sports city, offering fans a thrilling experience across multiple leagues.
The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for another season filled with championship aspirations. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers are eager to capitalize on the talent of NHL rookie Matvei Michkov as they aim for a late playoff surge. The Philadelphia 76ers are having a challenging year, but they remain in the spotlight as they plan to revamp their roster soon.
Additionally, the Philadelphia Eagles recently celebrated a Super Bowl victory, a significant highlight for a city that has long awaited championships in its major sports leagues since their first Super Bowl win in 2017.
Philadelphia undeniably stands out as one of the premier sports markets in the United States. But who truly reigns supreme in the Philly sports arena? Here are the current picks for the 10 most prominent athletes from Philadelphia.
10 biggest Philadelphia athletes
Trea Turner faced a rocky start during his initial months with the Phillies, recording a .236 batting average and a sub-.700 OPS after signing a $300 million contract ahead of the 2023 season. However, the support from Phillies fans during an August game, where he received a standing ovation, shifted his performance. This moment ignited a 10-game hitting streak, leading him to reclaim his status as one of baseball’s elite shortstops and earning him an All-Star nod for the third time in 2024.
Paul George’s debut season with the 76ers has been challenging, as injuries have hindered his ability to meet the expectations tied to his $211 million contract. Despite these setbacks, George remains a highly regarded player, having been named an All-Star nine times and maintaining a popular signature shoe with Nike.
His recent announcement to pause his podcast drew significant attention, highlighting his influence in the sports community.
Jalen Carter has emerged as a standout interior defensive lineman for the Eagles, playing a pivotal role in their Super Bowl-winning defense. While his statistics, including 42 total tackles and 4.5 sacks, may not fully capture his impact, his 53 pressures and 22 run stops demonstrate his effectiveness on the field. Carter’s defining moment came when he sacked Matthew Stafford, helping secure a critical playoff victory.
DeVonta Smith, known as the “Slim Reaper,” has made his mark on the Eagles roster with consistent performances, achieving at least 60 receptions and 800 yards in each of his first four seasons. He played a crucial role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory, catching a 46-yard touchdown pass that not only sealed the game but also marked a historic first for a player from Alabama.
Tyrese Maxey’s rise from a late first-round pick to an NBA All-Star is a testament to his hard work and talent. Initially a bench player, he transformed into a key scorer for the 76ers, averaging 25.9 points per game in 2023-24 and improving to 26.3 points per game this year.
A.J. Brown’s arrival in Philadelphia marked a turning point for the Eagles. Since being traded from the Tennessee Titans, he has consistently posted impressive receiving stats, including over 1,400 yards in each of his first two seasons. Despite a minor setback due to injury in 2024, Brown’s performance in the NFC Championship Game and his touchdown in Super Bowl LIX solidified his status as a key player.
Joel Embiid has developed a unique bond with Philadelphia fans, who have supported him through challenging times. His outstanding performances, including winning the MVP award in 2023 and averaging nearly 35 points per game in the 2023-24 season, have solidified his place among the league’s elite. Unfortunately, injury issues have limited his playing time this season, leading to speculation about potential knee surgery.
Bryce Harper has played a pivotal role in the Phillies’ resurgence since 2022, living up to his record-breaking $330 million contract from 2019. As a consistent top hitter in the National League, he won the MVP award in 2021 and remains a postseason hero, boasting a .325 batting average with 12 home runs in 34 playoff games.
Jalen Hurts has emerged as one of the most successful quarterbacks in recent NFL history. Despite a late-season injury that prevented him from winning MVP in 2022, he led the Eagles to a close Super Bowl loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. In a remarkable turnaround, Hurts secured a Super Bowl victory two years later, showcasing his passing and rushing abilities while setting postseason records.
Saquon Barkley stands out as a dominant force in the NFL, setting a record with 2,504 rushing yards in a season while leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory. The Pennsylvania native, who previously played for the New York Giants, has solidified his legacy in Philadelphia, becoming a local sports icon.
Honorable mentions
