Remembering some of the best athletes in Chicago sports history

From the Chicago Bears to the Bulls, people from the city in Illinois have some fantastic sporting organizations to get behind. Over the years, these teams have also possessed some true superstars, with their natural abilities on the field and out on the court, providing entertainment to viewing audiences.

Representing the city in the best way possible will make the local population never forget these sporting icons. They’ve stepped up in the most significant moments, they’ve been consummate professionals throughout their sporting careers in Chicago, and they’ve been embraced by the local community thanks to their likable nature and their inspirational performances.

Given Chicago’s massive impact on the sporting environment, we could list hundreds of athletes here. Instead, we’re selecting a few professionals who deserve further recognition after consistently shining for their franchises and being primarily responsible for notable triumphs.

Frank Thomas

For pitchers in the 90s, going up against Frank Thomas was a scary scenario. Thomas was born to record home runs, with his 521 homers being one of the best the sport has ever seen. His powerful slugs were almost impossible to stop, leading him to win the AL MVP award in 1993 and 1994. For passionate baseball fans who wanted to witness the finest players in action during that period, Thomas was a joy to watch. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014, Frank Thomas is an undisputed legend.

Walter Payton

For football fans in the city, Walter Payton is NFL royalty. After joining the Bears in 1977, Payton became a true icon. He didn’t just dramatically improve the Bears’ fortunes with his world-class displays, but Payton was also an inspirational figure on and off the field. Players loved playing alongside him, and fans adored him as Payton led the Bears to some magical moments, cementing his position as an NFL Hall of Famer. For most Bears fans, Walter Payton is the best player they’ve ever seen wear their famous jersey.

Michael Jordan 

We couldn’t leave him out, could we? A true giant of the sport of basketball, Michael Jordan’s impact on the NBA will probably never be seen again. While fans are currently wearing team jerseys for the playoffs and assessing any Finals NBA odds, the sport arguably isn’t as exciting today as it used to be when Michael Jordan turned it on for the Bulls. The people of Chicago were blessed with 13 seasons of Jordan, with six rings coming home in the process and some truly iconic moments associated with a true legend of the sport. Simply put, Michael Jordan is always welcome in Chicago. The people love him.

Patrick Kane

For Chicago’s large population of Blackhawks fans, Patrick Kane is a name they’ll always remember fondly. Despite the organization being filled with top players over the years, none beat Kane for most team supporters. Despite being a diminutive figure compared to many of his fellow professionals, Patrick Kane won it all, including three Stanley Cups. Also registering 446 goals and 779 assists, Kane was a unique talent.

Candace Parker

Ending with a female athlete who has inspired many young women in the city to pursue their sporting dreams, Candace Parker is easily one of the greatest WNBA players ever. Parker didn’t just possess a natural talent for basketball; she is also a homegrown hero who led the Sky to their first world championship triumph. A basketball player Sky fans adore, Candace Parker was a game-changer.