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While Brady and James have ample championships on their
resume, polarizing NFL free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick
also appeared on the list that included pioneers, artists and
leaders.
Chicago Cubs general manager Theo Epstein, 2016 Olympic
gold-medal gymnast Simone Biles, UFC light heavyweight champion
Conor McGregor and Barcelona superstar forward Neymar were also
included on the list.
Brady collected his fifth Super Bowl ring in February after
helping the Patriots overcome a 25-point deficit in the third
quarter to defeat the Atlanta Falcons in overtime of Super Bowl
LI.
"The mic was dropped," talk-show host Conan O'Brien wrote of the
victory over the Falcons. "But Tom's real achievement is that he
willed himself to be (the best)."
James also was instrumental in helping his team rally from a 3-1
series deficit to upend the Golden State Warriors in the NBA
Finals.
"By making good on his pledge to bring a championship to the
Cleveland Cavaliers and by investing in the promise of future
generations through his foundation, LeBron James has not only
bolstered the self-esteem of his native Ohio but also become an
inspiration for all Americans -- proof that talent combined with
passion, tenacity and decency can reinvent the possible. Poetry
in motion, indeed," wrote Rita Dove, a Pulitzer Prize-winning
author and former U.S. poet laureate.
Kaepernick's initial refusal to stand for the national anthem as
part of his protest for racial injustice led others around the
NFL to follow suit.
"I thank Colin, for all he has contributed to the game of
football as an outstanding player and trusted teammate,"
Kaepernick's former coach Jim Harbaugh wrote. "I also applaud
Colin for the courage he has demonstrated in exercising his
guaranteed right of free speech. His willingness to take a
position at personal cost is now part of our American story."
(Editing by Steve Keating in Toronto.)
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