had eight PGA Tour victories in 1999, and 11 victories worldwide while winning $7,681,625.”
Michael Jordan, NBA, Legend, 41: “Still one of the most famous athletes in the world, Jordan is arguably the best basketball player to step on the court. The holder of virtually every major record not only breathed new life into the sport but also set the standard for superstar athlete endorsement deals. Contracts from Nike (where his line continues to be a hot seller) to underwear to hot dogs contributed to Jordan’s $40-million-a-year income, which he pulled in even two years after retirement. Highlight Reel: There’s too many to list, but as a further testament to Jordan’s influence, Space Jam, the 1996 animated film in which he starred, grossed more than $100 million at the box office despite lackluster reviews.”
Serena Williams, Tennis, Player Extraordinaire, 23: “With 23 singles titles and 11 doubles titles, Williams’ accomplishments inspire envy among competitors 10 years her senior. She is one of the most watched athletes in sports. Ranked No.1 in the world in 2002, Williams was ranked seventh as of December 2004, slightly surpassing sister Venus’ ninth-place ranking. The tennis superstar has landed some hefty endorsement deals with McDonald’s, Nike, and Wilson Racquet Sports. Highlight Reel: Williams stepped up to superstardom in 1999 when she won five titles-including the U.S. Open and a doubles title at the French Open-and earned more than $2 million in prize money.”
Collegiate
Mike Garrett, Director of Athletics, USC, 60: “This Heisman Trophy-winning tailback has a career that includes standout success not only in the world of sports but also business, law, government, athletics, and community affairs. He joined the athletics staff at his alma mater in 1990 and assumed the top post in 1993. He controls a $40 million budget and oversees 19 men and women’s sports teams, including USC’s 2004 National Championship football team. During his tenure, fundraising reached a record $25 million. Licensing, merchandising, and sponsorships have also skyrocketed, and the school has begun its most ambitious building program to date, including construction of a $3 million dining/activity center. Garrett also holds a J.D. from Western State University College of Law. Highlight Reel: Garrett was inducted into the East-West Shrine Game Hall of Fame in 2004.”
Craig Littlepage, Director of Athletics, University of Virginia, 53: “This Pennsylvania native inked a spot in sports history in 2001 when he became the first African American athletics director in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He now presides over a 25-sport athletic program, a $26.8 million budget, and construction of a new $129.8 million athletic arena. Littlepage is also the author of an ambitious 10-year plan to graduate 100% of student athletes, win 12 national championships, grab 70 conference titles, and recruit the best young athletes in the country. This dynamic visionary holds a degree in economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Highlight Reel: Littlepage was appointed to a four-year term on the NCAA’s Men’s Division I Basketball Committee in 2002 and will serve as chair